and tragedy throughout over two centuries. The opening of the text introduces readers to the origins of the House of Condé, beginning with Louis de Bourbon, the first prince of the name. It outlines his early life, marriage to Éléonore de Roye, and the socio-political context of France during his time, particularly regarding the enmity between the Bourbons and the Guises. As Louis emerges on the royal scene with modest beginnings, the narrative foreshadows the turbulence to come, occupying a crucial place in the broader narrative of Protestant Reformation and civil war that would govern the lives of the Condé family. The groundwork is set for a detailed exploration of Louis’s character, his ambitions, and the challenges he faces amidst the shifting loyalties and intrigues of the French court. (This is an automatically generated summary.)