Born circa 1224 in his fief of Joinville, Champagne; died there Dec. 24, 1317. French chronicler. Seneschal of the countship of Champagne.
Joinville, a trusted adviser of King Louis IX, participated in the seventh crusade (1248–54). His memoirs are devoted to the events of this crusade and also draw a vivid portrait of Louis IX. They are not only a valuable historical document, providing a colorful description of chivalric society of the 13th century, but also a literary masterpiece and an important source on the history of the French language.