Publisher's Synopsis
This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can usually download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1893 edition. Excerpt: ... 1 QUEEN JOANNA AND OTHO OF BRUNSWICK. (1370-1382.) ITHEHTO the Queen has been constantly fortunate in her relations with the reigning Pontiff, which fact has helped her through almost overwhelming difficulties; but we now come to a period when several elements conspire together, not at first to destroy the good feeling between the Papacy and herself, but to minimise the effects of its existence. Chief among these we must count the desperate state of affairs in Northern and Central Italy, where the rapacious Visconti, still increasing in power, were keeping a greedy eye on Florence; where the cities of the Papal patrimony, oppressed by the exactions of the Cardinal-Legates, were continually revolting; and where the Florentine Republic itself had grown anxious as to the designs of Visconti, and rightly suspicious of those of its old ally, the Church. Gregory XL, who in his fortieth year had succeeded Urban, truly may be said to have embarked upon a sea of troubles. If judged alone from his management of Papal affairs in Italy during his brief but troubled pontificate, he might be stigmatised as nothing short of a monster, treacherous, ruthless, even devilish. But we have ample evidence that Gregory was no such being. In fact, he succeeded to all the good ideas of his predecessor. His ruling idea was to bring about peace for every country, save Turkey. He desired to end the wars 'twixt France and England. He proclaimed the long-delayed peace between Louis Duke of Anjou and Queen Joanna, in which it was stipulated that if Charles of Durazzo should leave no son, Louis should be considered heir to her throne. He wished to preserve the understanding made by Urban with the Visconti. He relied upon Perugia and Viterbo with certain cities in...
