Francesc Eiximenis's dissension with the Royal House of Aragon

Abstract

In his major work, ti, Francesc Eiximenis expressed beliefs about kings, government, and the common good. At times these opinions contradicted the policies and actions of the kings whom he served. Favouritism in the court was evident after Peter III married Sibil.lia de Fortià and continued on a larger scale when his son John I took power. John created an oligarchy that stifled Peter's political reforms, especially in municipal governments. Not until Maria de Luna's regency and Martin I's reign did Eiximenis begin to feel confidence in the royal family. The shift of power from the Catalan-Aragonese monarchy to the Corts and Consell de Cent of Barcelona brought about a change of interest in government. Peter and his sons turned their attention to the arts, humanities, and sciences, and saw themselves as educated rulers who collected and read legal, historical, and literary works and wrote poetry. However, Eiximenis preferred the military kings of the past who respected the medieval way of life, the parliamentary form of government, and municipal governments.