List Based On Books The Perfect King: The Life of Edward III, Father of the English Nation
Title | : | The Perfect King: The Life of Edward III, Father of the English Nation |
Author | : | Ian Mortimer |
Book Format | : | Paperback |
Book Edition | : | First Edition |
Pages | : | Pages: 560 pages |
Published | : | April 5th 2007 by Pimlico (first published March 28th 2006) |
Categories | : | History. Biography. Nonfiction. Historical. Medieval. European Literature. British Literature. Medieval History |
Ian Mortimer
Paperback | Pages: 560 pages Rating: 4.17 | 1682 Users | 143 Reviews
Commentary In Pursuance Of Books The Perfect King: The Life of Edward III, Father of the English Nation
He ordered his uncle to be beheaded; he usurped his father's throne; he taxed his people more than any other previous king, and he started a war which lasted for more than a hundred years. Yet for centuries Edward III (1327-77) was celebrated as the most brilliant of all English monarchs. In this first full study of his character and life, Ian Mortimer shows how under Edward the feudal kingdom of England became a highly organised nation, capable of raising large revenues and deploying a new type of projectile-based warfare, culminating in the crushing victory over the French at Crecy. Yet under his rule England also experienced its longest period of domestic peace in the middle ages, giving rise to a massive increase of the nation's wealth through the wool trade, with huge consequences for society, art and architecture. It is to Edward that England owes its system of parliamentary representation, its local justice system, its national flag and the recognition of English as the language of the nation. Nineteenth century historians saw in Edward the opportunity to decry a warmonger, and painted him as a self-seeking, rapacious, tax-gathering conqueror. Yet as this book shows, beneath the strong warrior king was a compassionate, conscientious and often merciful man - resolute yet devoted to his wife, friends and family. He emerges as a strikingly modern figure, to whom many will be able to relate - the father of both the English people and the English nation.Point Books To The Perfect King: The Life of Edward III, Father of the English Nation
Original Title: | The Perfect King: The Life of Edward III, Father of the English Nation |
ISBN: | 1844135306 (ISBN13: 9781844135301) |
Edition Language: | English |
Characters: | Isabella of France, Edward III of England, John of Gaunt, 1st Duke of Lancaster, Roger Mortimer, 1st Earl of March |
Rating Based On Books The Perfect King: The Life of Edward III, Father of the English Nation
Ratings: 4.17 From 1682 Users | 143 ReviewsAssess Based On Books The Perfect King: The Life of Edward III, Father of the English Nation
Very informative, easy to follow and well narrated (Audible edition). A great read for any interested in Edward III and/or the period in general.Often with historical biographies, it is very much the character that drives the quality of the story. This is very much the case here, a fantastic story of a young prince who throws off the shackles of his fathers authority, to become himself a great king. That said, it is all to easy for an author to dull the limelight on even the greatest of stories. Here Mortimer applies a careful touch, never allowing the story to grow stale. One thing of note, perhaps, is that Mortimer's views of Edward II
What can I say? This is a must-read for any serious historian interested in the life of King Edward III and the course of medieval european history.
"the king-becoming graces,As justice, verity, temperance, stableness,Bounty, perseverance, mercy, lowliness,Devotion, patience, courage, fortitude"Malcolm, Prince of CumberlandMacbeth (Act 4, Scene 3)."I grant him bloody,Luxurious, avaricious, false, deceitful,Sudden, malicious, smacking of every sinThat has a name"Malcolm, Prince of CumberlandMacbeth (Act 4, Scene 3). In Shakespeare's justly famous play Macbeth we are presented with two opposing views on medieval kingship and how a king should
Edward III's life reads like a fairy tale. His father the king is deposed and presumably murdered by his mother's lover who now rules the kingdom. The successful night attack with a loyal band of comrades that removes the usurper and puts him back on his throne. The battles he wins culminating in the astounding victory of Crecy. The creation of an Arthurian like band of knights in the Order of the Garter. The even more incredible victory of his heir, the Black Prince at Poitiers.All this would
This is my first time having the pleasure of enjoying Mr. Mortimer.I was immediately enthralled by his story of the illustrious Edward III. I've always liked Edward III and had a soft spot for him due to the wrongs dealt to him by Roger and Isabella. However, his stock went up in my book after listening to this book. He was everything a medieval king should be; clever, charismatic, ruthless and a strong leader on and off the field. Mr. Mortimer also made me think about Edward II and if he truly
Whenever you pick up one of Ian Mortimers non-fiction books, you know youre guaranteed to be taken a meaningful and relevant journey through a period of British history, all while being engaged, educated and thoroughly entertained. The Perfect King, which tells the story of Edward III from boyhood to death, is no exception. I confess to not knowing much about Edward before reading this book, my knowledge extending mainly to his famous son, John of Gaunt, grandchildren, the future kings, Richard
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