The fourteenth century is usually portrayed as a period of retrogression and disaster in European history, but for the transalpine state of Savoy it was a period of glory. During this time almost the entire region between Lombardy and Burgundy was brought under the control of Savoyard rulers. The "buffer state" created between France and Italy hindered French expansion for many centuries and helped preserve the independence of Italy. Drawing upon much unpublished material, Professor Cox traces the social and political evolution of the principality. He discusses how the Savoyard state was governed, financed, and defended. He also provides a fascinating biography of the Green Count. Originally published in 1967. The Princeton Legacy Library uses the latest print-on-demand technology to again make available previously out-of-print books from the distinguished backlist of Princeton University Press. These editions preserve the original texts of these important books while presenting them in durable paperback and hardcover editions. The goal of the Princeton Legacy Library is to vastly increase access to the rich scholarly heritage found in the thousands of books published by Princeton University Press since its founding in 1905.

One of the finest historical fiction writers in the world - Ben Kane After the bloody trials of Alexandria, Sir William Gold is readying for a pilgrimage to Jerusalem to ease the burden on his soul. He hopes, too, that the Holy City might allow his relationship with Emile, cousin of the Green Count of Savoy, to develop. But the Roman Emperor of Constantinople has been taken hostage by an unknown enemy, and the Green Count is vital to the rescue effort. It is up to Sir William to secure his support, but he soon finds that his past, and his relationship with Emile, might have repercussions he had not foreseen... Suddenly thrust onto the stage of international politics, Sir William finds himself tangled in a web of plots, intrigue and murder. He must hold true to his chivalric principles, and to his knights, if he is to save the Emperor and survive to tell the tale.