born 0441; 1224, Joinville, Champagne
died Dec. 24, 1317, Joinville
French chronicler.
A member of the lesser nobility of Champagne, Joinville became friends with Louis IX while taking part in the Seventh Crusade (124854). His famous Histoire de Saint Louis , completed 0441; 1309, is a prose chronicle that provides a supreme account of that Crusade, including vivid descriptions of the financial hardships, the dangers of sea voyages, the ravages of disease, the confusion and lack of discipline in the Crusading army, and Muslim customs. On his return he was made seneschal of Champagne and divided his time between the royal court and his fief of Joinville.