resurgence of the French nation. At the start of this volume, Michelet introduces the reader to the backdrop of Charles V's reign, depicting the young king as physically weak but intellectually astute, labeling him "the wise" for his strategic thinking. The opening emphasizes the significant challenges faced by France, including the threat from English forces and the impact of the disgraced noble factions like the Compagnies. It sets the stage for a detailed examination of military strategies, the social dynamics of the time, and contrasts the aspirations of the French populace with the harsh realities of warfare and governance during this crisis, making it clear that the narrative will intertwine personal and national struggles in this pivotal historical moment. (This is an automatically generated summary.)