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Search - William Marshal: Knighthood, War and Chivalry 1147-1219, Second Edition

William Marshal: Knighthood, War and Chivalry 1147-1219, Second Edition
William Marshal Knighthood War and Chivalry 11471219 Second Edition
Author: David Crouch
  • William Marshal is a figure of prime importance in medieval history
  • Colourful evocation of a real and well-documented medieval life
  • Full of all the medieval obsessions: the tournament, warfare, greed, love and lordship
  • Remarkable insight into the political minefields of the courts of Henry II, Richard ...  more »
  • Authoritative reconstruction of medieval tournament and military life
  • 'a tour de force'; 'a refreshingly readable book'; 'Written in a racy, accessible, idiosyncratic style' - quotes from some of the glowing reviews of the first edition. 
  • Written very much as a trade book - accessible and pacy in it's style
  • The translation of the original French biography into English and other new discoveries mean that the time is ripe for a new look at the Marshal's life
Ruthless opportunist, astute courtier, manipulative politician, and brutally efficient soldier; this is William Marshal as portrayed by David Crouch in his widely acclaimed biography William Marshal .William Marshal was born around 1147 and died in May 1219. Born the fourth son of a minor baron, he ended his days as Earl of Pembroke and regent of England. He had been a pillar of the tournament circuit as a young knight, the boon companion of the playboy prince, Henry, son of Henry II of England, a pilgrim to Jerusalem in its last days under Crusader rule, and the captain & commander of the armies of Richard the Lionheart in France. He had at first been a supporter of King John but then fell out with him. But, never one to be petty, he returned from internal exile to fight for John, and saved England from a French invasion in 1217.The Marshal lived a life of an epic scale and David Crouch's treatment of his life provides a fascinating insight into all kinds of medieval obsessions - the tournament, warfare, greed for land and power, love and lordship. Written in an engaging and refreshing style, the book shows that William Marshal was not the bone-headed and unfeeling warrior that many imagine knights to have been. He lived in a sophisticated political world, and he threaded his way through the minefield of the royal courts the day with courage and panache. Now fully illustrated, this second edition represents a complete reappraisal of the career and character of this remarkable man, and provides a riveting account of the realities of aristocratic life in the age of chivalry. With the new translation of the contemporary epic poem, Histoire de Giuillaume de Mareschal and newly discovered documents, David Crouch has substantially re-worked and expanded his original volume. Previously announced in the January 2003 catalog as an academic title. David Crouch is Professor Medieval History at the University of Hull and author of several books including The Reign of King Stephen 1135-54 (2000) and The Normans: The Story of a Dynasty (2002).
ISBN-13: 9780582772229
ISBN-10: 0582772222
Publication Date: 1/16/2003
Pages: 264
Rating:
  • Currently 3.5/5 Stars.
 2

3.5 stars, based on 2 ratings
Publisher: Longman
Book Type: Hardcover
Members Wishing: 1
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