A Great and Terrible King – Edward I and the Forging of Britain - Hardcover

Morris, Marc

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1605986844 ISBN 13: 9781605986845

Publisher: Pegasus, 2017

Synopsis

Edward I is familiar to millions as "Longshanks," conqueror of Scotland and nemesis of Sir William Wallace (in "Braveheart"). Yet this story forms only the final chapter of the king's action-packed life. Earlier, Edward had defeated and killed the famous Simon de Montfort in battle; travelled to the Holy Land; conquered Wales, extinguishing forever its native rulers and constructing a magnificent chain of castles. He raised the greatest armies of the Middle Ages and summoned the largest parliaments; notoriously, he expelled all the Jews from his kingdom.The longest-lived of England's medieval kings, he fathered fifteen children with his first wife, Eleanor of Castile, and, after her death, he erected the Eleanor Crosses-the grandest funeral monuments ever fashioned for an English monarch. In this book, Marc Morris examines afresh the forces that drove Edward throughout his relentless career: his character, his Christian faith, and his sense of England's destiny-a sense shaped in particular by the tales of the legendary King Arthur. He also explores the competing reasons that led Edward's opponents (including Robert Bruce) to resist him. The result is a sweeping story, immaculately researched yet compellingly told, and a vivid picture of medieval Britain at the moment when its future was decided.

About this title

Product Description:

In this book, Marc Morris examines afresh the forces that drove Edward throughout his relentless career: his character, his Christian faith, and his sense of England's destiny--a sense shaped in particular by the tales of the legendary King Arthur. He also explores the competing reasons that led Edward's opponents (including Robert Bruce) to resist him.

The result is a sweeping story, immaculately researched yet compellingly told, and a vivid picture of medieval Britain at the moment when its future was decided.

Review:

Morris does a splendid job of distinguishing England, Scotland and Wales in geographic, topographic, political and cultural terms. His descriptions of battles, political shenanigans and betrayals are as clear as a bell and his enthusiasm for his subject helps to make this biography something of a page turner.

A splendid example of the genre. An excellent, readable account of his reign.

An informative and easily digestible account of the life of an important if often unattractive medieval monarch.

A painstakingly researched and highly readable account. Vivid details and an engaging narrative style bring the man and his period to life. Highly recommended for scholars and generalists alike interested in the Middle Ages.

Richly contextual treatment of a pivotal Medieval English monarch. An elucidating biography.

Marc Morris is historical biography's newest star.

Uncommonly good. Edward was a remarkable man, and a great king. Marc Morris does him justice. It's compelling stuff.--Allan Massie, bestselling author of 'The Royal Stuarts'

The title of Marc Morris' book is apt. No king of England had a greater impact on the peoples of Britain than Edward I. Morris has succeeded in writing a book for today.

A modern classic. This is a thoroughly readable study, written in a lively and accessible manner and full of fresh insights into a crucial period of British history.

About this edition

• Publisher: Pegasus
• Publication date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 1605986844
• ISBN 13: 9781605986845
• Binding: Hardcover
• Number of pages: 480