René the Good (1409–1480)

French noble, second son of Louis II, King of Sicily and Naples. He succeeded to the dukedom of Anjou on the death of his brother Louis III in 1417, and to the kingdom of Naples through the death of his brother and of Joanna, Queen of Naples, the last heir of the earlier dynasty. Although he retained the title, he failed to establish an effective claim.

René was born in Angers, capital of Anjou. In 1444 he negotiated with the English at Tours, and his daughter Margaret married Henry VI of England the following year. René encouraged art and literature, and founded numerous charities. He also wrote some poems.