the evolution of France from chaos to stability. The opening of this volume introduces the concept of France's "healing" during the latter years of Charles VII's reign (1439-1448). It sets the stage for the significant social and military reforms the king initiated to re-establish authority and reclaim territory occupied by the English. Key characters mentioned include the king himself and his influential counselors, such as Jacques Coeur and Jean Bureau, who played pivotal roles in military and financial matters. The narrative emphasizes how Charles leaned on common folk and minor nobles to strengthen his power, outlining the gradual shift from noble-led chaos to a more centralized and just monarchy. The groundwork for the significant changes in military organization and governance is expertly laid out, showcasing a critical transition in French history. (This is an automatically generated summary.)