New-York daily tribune. [volume] (New-York [N.Y.]) 1842-1866, 1864-01-30
NEW PUBLICATIONS.
xrRK's HISTORY OF CHARLES THE
ROID.


49,, ~ this elaborate monograph has hitherto
,,eeiyed but comparatively little attention TON
~,ters in the English language. The memoirs OF
vsoissart, Confines, and other ancient chromcleis
AVE been wrought up into popular, and some
snos fascinating narrative in the wel-known work
= M. de Barante on the Dukes of Burgundy; while
as neriod has been amply illustrated by the labors
.the eminent French historians, Sismondi, Niche
M and Henri Martin; but the merit must be &C.
corded to Mr.. Kirk of having beon the trst to en-
seh English literature with complete history OF
,he subject, founded on original research, and en-
sodying the fruits of sound scholarship and rare
Earning in o mastery composition.
The portraiture of Charles the Bold as depicted
NJ Sir Walter Scott in "Quentin Durward, Is
hniliar to the readers of modern literature; put,
scording to Mr.. Kirk, none Of the cresuons Va
Ast great master exhibit 80 little discrimination OF
,icety Of execution The historical features OF the
.ee in general are distorted and discoored, Whiie
charles bimsefis represented in light that gives
totally erroneous impression OF tho uuh'
More recent Investigations Of European SCHOLARS
AVE orestly contributed to the calculation of the
nhiect: explorations in Belgium, in Switzerland,
Austria, and other German states, have disclosed
,rrest amount Of new and valuable materials and
,tAout, Of course, neglecting the chronicles OF
vu.smporary writers, Mr.. Kirk has addressed
HIMSELF to the task of Analysing the evidence thus
usented, and combining in harmonious narrative
wry thing essential to just and intelligent eSti
| pste Of the period in question.
The political relations of the Dukes Of Burgundy
tn the Kingdom Of France form the keystone OF
| Dc present history. They were branch OF the
l house Of Valois. AS princes Of the blood they
4 srned share in the management Of the kingdom
fAsir own domniops comprised some OF the falrest
nhions of the monarchy; and over these they exer-
| sssd what was in fact an independent sway. They
squirrel territory beyond the limits of France, and
l bSsme sovereigns Of foreign states. Using their
| Ever TO weaken the authority of the crown, they
snented the civil discussions of the times, and
wryulsed the realm by their sudacious enterprises
| I'd intrgues.
| The rivalry Of Charles the Bold with Louis tho
Eeventh is the central point in his career In the
Sorts of the monarch TO give new power and lnnu-
nee TO the throne he was constantly confronted
b his naughty vasSal. Charles, in like manner,
~ cfSig oicP VI lib
Ne cunning and treacherous rival.
The birth Of Charles the Bold occurred on the
NTH of November, 1888. He was the last child OF
IN mother the Duchess Isabella, whose earlier off,
Rng had died in infancy-and he was therefore the
sbect of peculiar tenderness and care. Contrary
the usage of women Of high rank, she nourished
I'm from her own breast There was no reason,
hveyer, for any excess of maternal solicitude.
yu from being weaking the boy exhibited un-
,snmon yigor Of constitution. Before he was two
usrs old his mother removed with him to the
Netherlands, several provinces Of which at that
ens were under the dominion Of the House OF
hrgundy, where he WAS placed in charge OF
bSleman distinguished for integrity Of character
nd decorum Of life. 1t proved to be no light or
| nav trust The future warrior gave early signs
ast the impetuous blood Of his ancestors flowed in
| Ia veins. He displayed not only q natural yehe-
/ nance of temper, but Q singular persistency of
L MI which seemed 10 mark him out for laborious
gsrprises. His power Of application was uncom'
non He acquired much larger share OF lhe
suning Of the age than was usual with persons OF
sble birth. He read the Latin classics with little
"A ftom commentaries, but they failed to interest
Ia mind in the same degree as the romanees Of
ksvalry.
When he was eighteen years Of age, he had be-
xne master of knightly accomplishments, ana
sak his degree in that important branch OF educa-
Su by e public joust. The skill and courage which
kdsplayed were singulsrly gratifying to hisfathcr
1t the duchess, who was present OF the encounter,
ssld not behold the shock without trembling.
~
The mother" says chronicler, Thought only
lsnfety, the father only Of honor" To Charles
Ersef the tilting-deld was not place for idle
kglsy, but school Of arms
! The rebellion Of Client which broke out In l452
ms him the first opportunity Of exhibiting his
pvess in more perilous service. His father,
hip the Good, was unwilling that be should form
yearly an acquaintance win the hazards Of war;
VI the daring youth swoIe by Saint George-his
Immon and only oath--that he would go in his
fablet rather than not take part in tho chastiSe-
/ INT OF tho rebels. In tho engagements which
aA place, he showed the reckless courage Of O
i,uug soldier mingled with the Characteristic OBJ
lsaacy of his race. At the battle Of Gsvre he cut
hway through body of Flemings, relieving his
IhAer. who had been surrounded, from imminent
Ikl He was sent with party Of troops to sur
lfse the town Of Moerbehe, but found the place
lhngly defended and prepared for the attack. His
ssran captains were unable to persuade him to
Iszdon the project. "At least" said he, "let Us
lkretreat; let US lie here tonight in the face Of
enemy and wait for artillery and reinforce
sta" Upon being overruled Ia this, he gave
VI 70 his disappointment by angry tears.
hls54, Charles was married to Isabella, daugh.
Ik4he Dpke of Bourbon who had been selected