The following sections of this BookRags Literature Study Guide is offprint from Gale's For Students Series: Presenting Analysis, Context, and Criticism on Commonly Studied Works: Introduction, Author Biography, Plot Summary, Characters, Themes, Style, Historical Context, Critical Overview, Criticism and Critical Essays, Media Adaptations, Topics for Further Study, Compare & Contrast, What Do I Read Next?, For Further Study, and Sources.
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The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Encyclopedia of Popular Fiction: "Social Concerns", "Thematic Overview", "Techniques", "Literary Precedents", "Key Questions", "Related Titles", "Adaptations", "Related Web Sites". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
The following sections, if they exist, are offprint from Beacham's Guide to Literature for Young Adults: "About the Author", "Overview", "Setting", "Literary Qualities", "Social Sensitivity", "Topics for Discussion", "Ideas for Reports and Papers". (c)1994-2005, by Walton Beacham.
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1338-1380
French king noted for his support of scholarship. Known as Charles le Sage (the Wise), he became regent in 1356 after the capture of his father, John II, by the English at Poitiers during the Hundred Years' War (1337-1453). In bailing out his father he ceded territory to the English, but later won it back. Charles reigned from 1364-80 and, though he raised taxes on his people, was credited as a wise and fair ruler. He opened one of the first important libraries in Europe, the National Library in Paris, in 1373, and was also a patron of art and literature. In 1380, however, he banned the study of alchemy in France, and made it a crime to possess alchemical instruments.