Philippe de Commynes was a French diplomat and historian born around 1445. He served under several rulers, including Louis XI of France and Charles the Bold of Burgundy. His experiences in the courts of Europe provided him with a unique perspective on the political dynamics of the time. Commynes is best known for his writings, particularly "Memoirs," which offer detailed accounts of the political events and figures of the late 15th century. His work is considered one of the earliest examples of modern historical writing, blending personal observation with historical narrative.