[MR] Wikipedia: Louis XI, The Universal Spider

[Garth Groff via Atlantia]

Noble Friends,

On this day in 1483, the French King Louis XI (aka "The Universal 
Spider") died: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Louis_XI_of_France . Love 
him, or hate him, Louis was able to repair much of the damage to France 
from the Hundred Year's War, eliminate the threat from the Dukes of 
Burgundy, curb the power of French nobles, and set his country on the 
path of a modern nation state. Being a fan of the Dukes of Burgundy 
(despite their obvious flaws), I find myself among Louis' detractors. He 
is still a fascinating figure though.

Louis XI is a major character in Sir Walter Scott's 1823 novel QUENTIN 
DURWARD, where he is portrayed as a ruthless villain (he apparently 
was). In the 1955 film adaptation THE ADVENTURES OF QUENTIN DURWARD 
starring Robert Taylor, Louis XI is played by Robert Morley. To say 
Morley stole the show would be an understatement. His delightful 
over-the-top performance is the only redeeming feature of this otherwise 
tedious costume drama. Morley is great fun and has all the best lines. 
See the film if you can find it on DVD, or when it rolls around again on 
TCM.

Yours Aye,


Mungo Napier, Laird of Mallard Lodge