Arman, Joanna Henry V's Brother. John of Lancaster, Regent of France

Named after his famous grandfather John of Gaunt, John of Lancaster, Duke of Bedford, has been largely forgotten and eclipsed in history. The third of four sons, he was not his father's heir, but he distinguished himself in his youth through his service on the Scottish borders. As an adult, he was overshadowed by his charismatic elder brother, the warlike king and victor of Agincourt, Henry V. But Henry trusted John the most of all his brothers, twice allowing him to rule England during his campaigns in France. John Duke of Bedford was the man who ruled England for almost half of his brother's nine-year reign. John reached the pinnacle of his career when he was appointed Regent of France. As regent, he ruled a commonwealth that had not existed for three centuries: a true Anglo-Norman realm. Not only was it ruled from England, but it was also populated by English settlers who lived and fought alongside the French. For thirteen years, John held the English kingdom of France together at the negotiating table and often on the battlefield. He fought against renegade soldiers and his adversary, Charles VII of France, but also against the political machinations of his relatives to keep his late brother's dream alive. John became a man known for his righteous rule and unwavering commitment to justice. In England, he was expected to heal the divisions caused by Henry VI's reign, and in France he was seen as the only statesman fully committed to the good governance of Normandy and Paris. Today, John is only remembered as the man who condemned Joan of Arc, even though he had no part in it. This biography offers a much-needed reassessment of John's life and political career.