Dive into the fascinating life of Philip Augustus, also known as Philip II of France (1165-1223), the grandfather of Saint Louis and one of Frances most formidable kings. As Englands Henry II grappled with his rebellious sons, Philip and his devoted son, Louis, skillfully unified their small yet powerful kingdom. In this engaging and concise history, we encounter King Philip as he rides alongside his estranged wife, Ingeborgis, at the behest of the commanding Pope Innocent III, charging boldly into the fray at the Battle of Bouvines. In his later years, he adeptly navigated conflicts and crusades, tirelessly traveling from district to district to address grievances and rectify wrongs. As the author vividly illustrates, he was a great king ceaselessly active, of unwearied vigilance and ever-changing schemes... stern, secret, subtle, obstinate, and invincibly patient in the pursuit of what his eye desired and his hand found to do. - Summary by Pamela Nagami