Declare Books In Favor Of 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 |
Ian Mortimer
Paperback | Pages: 560 pages Rating: 4.17 | 1682 Users | 143 Reviews
Be Specific About Out Of 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 | : | Anniversary 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 |
Explanation Conducive To 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.Rating Out Of Books The Perfect King: The Life of Edward III, Father of the English Nation
Ratings: 4.17 From 1682 Users | 143 ReviewsAppraise Out Of Books The Perfect King: The Life of Edward III, Father of the English Nation
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 trulyVery informative, easy to follow and well narrated (Audible edition). A great read for any interested in Edward III and/or the period in general.
The Perfect King is an enjoyable and well written biography of Edward III. Mortimer thoroughly covers both Edward's reign and personal life. The author also offers quite a bit of analysis. This interpretative material is a bit of a double edged sword--some of it is truly fascinating, whereas other portions appear to be little more than educated guesses.
The perfect king is not what Edward III was: it is what he tried to be. He was a prince who knew his job and did it.Better-than-average history. Mortimer goes behind battles and treaties to explore the personal, cultural and religious background of the high tide of the middle ages. Edwards life is examined, warts and all, a feat in itself as reliable records are spotty.Edward IIIs experiences are so extraordinary that the period 1326-50 reads at times like a fairy tale with footnotes.Beginning
This is the best non-fiction book I have read. Knowing nothing about Edward III when I picked it up, Mortimer does a remarkable job capturing the achievements, challenges, and essence of this most remarkable king. I was left literally in awe of Edward's battle strategies, his inclusion of commoners within parliament, how he elevated England on the international stage, his building projects, methods of warfare, and his loyalty and fidelity to those closest to him throughout his reign. Highly
This is an extensive biography of Edward III of England. Although parts were very interesting and moved quickly the pace slowed to a crawl in places. The author's thesis was that Edward III had been treated badly by biographers of the last two centuries and deserved rehabilitation. To this end Mortimer sometimes bludgeoned the reader with long lists of his purchases, conquests, renovations etc. He was convincing in his argument that Edward should be viewed in light of standards of his times
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
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