The Glass King | 1. Fracture

The Glass King | 1. Fracture

This is History: A Dynasty to Die For · 2025-07-29

Charles VI has done everything right. His new queen charms the court. He’s taken power away from his regents. France is stable, for now. But one encounter in a forest — brief, almost incidental — changes everything.

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Written and presented by Danièle Cybulskie

Producer - Alan Weedon Senior Producer - Dominic Tyerman

Executive Producer - Simon Poole

Production Manager - Jen Mistri

Production coordinator: Eric Ryan

Mixing - Amber Devereux

Head of content – Chris Skinner


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This is History: A Dynasty to Die For

In this gripping new special series from This Is History Presents, acclaimed historian Danièle Cybulskie unravels a tale of dazzling triumph and devastating collapse — the rise and fall of Charles VI of France, better known as Charles the Mad.

It’s 1389. France is finally breathing after decades of war. A young king ascends the throne — charming, beloved, and burning with promise. He’s married for love. The people adore him. The future is his.

But then… he breaks.

Charles becomes convinced his body is made of glass. He refuses to be touched. He hides from the world. And as his mind fractures, so does his kingdom — spiraling into chaos, betrayal, and a ruthless power struggle that will decide the fate of France.

Who will seize control? Who will fall? And who will blink first?

This Is History Presents: The Glass King is a story of ambition, delusion, and the terrifying fragility of power.

Want to go deeper? Join our Patreon court as a This Is History Royal Favourite — where you’ll get behind-the-scenes insights, medieval travel tips, and the chance to shape future episodes. We’d love to have you: patreon.com/thisishistory

A Sony Music Entertainment production.

To bring your brand to life in this podcast, email [email protected]

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