Edward IV's Brief Treatise and the treaty of Picquigny of 1475

This article discusses Edward IV's Brief Treatise, a propaganda tract that sets out the Yorkist title to the three crowns of England, France and Castile. It discusses the five surviving manuscripts and recent editions, and establishes that there are two versions of c.1462 and after 1468. The contents are summarized and what is distinctive is identified. The propagandist nature of the tract, its relationship with other Yorkist texts, its message and dissemination are examined. The Brief Treatise is important primarily as a short and handy statement capable of wide transmission. The final section examines evidence of its continued utility: a case is made that a copy of the Brief Treatise was taken on campaign in 1475 by a member of King Edward's council of war, who noted the outlines of the eventual settlement at the end. These notes suggest an informed contemporary reaction to the treaty of Picquigny that differs somewhat from modern scholarly assessments.