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Making of England #3
Anarchy
Anarchy is the knuckle-whitening third novel in Stewart Binns' The Making of England series.
Ruthless brutality, greed and ambition: the Anarchy
The year is 1186, the thirty-second year of the reign of Henry II.
Gilbert Foliot, Bishop of London, has lived through long Henry's reign and that of his grandfather, Henry I. He has witnessed the terrifying civil war between Henry II's mother, the Empress Matilda, and her cousin, Stephen; a time so traumatic it becomes known as the Anarchy.
The greatest letter writer of the 12th Century, Folio gives an intimate account of one of England's most troubled eras. Central to his account is the life of a knight he first met over fifty years earlier, Harold of Hereford.
Harold's life is an intriguing microcosm of the times. Born of noble blood and legendary lineage, he is one of the nine founders of the Knights Templar and a survivor of the fearsome battles of the Crusader States in the Holy Land.
Harold is loyal warrior in the cause of the Empress Matilda. On his broad shoulders, Harold carries the legacy of England's past and its dormant hopes for the future.
Ruthless brutality, greed and ambition: the Anarchy
The year is 1186, the thirty-second year of the reign of Henry II.
Gilbert Foliot, Bishop of London, has lived through long Henry's reign and that of his grandfather, Henry I. He has witnessed the terrifying civil war between Henry II's mother, the Empress Matilda, and her cousin, Stephen; a time so traumatic it becomes known as the Anarchy.
The greatest letter writer of the 12th Century, Folio gives an intimate account of one of England's most troubled eras. Central to his account is the life of a knight he first met over fifty years earlier, Harold of Hereford.
Harold's life is an intriguing microcosm of the times. Born of noble blood and legendary lineage, he is one of the nine founders of the Knights Templar and a survivor of the fearsome battles of the Crusader States in the Holy Land.
Harold is loyal warrior in the cause of the Empress Matilda. On his broad shoulders, Harold carries the legacy of England's past and its dormant hopes for the future.
544 pages, Paperback
First published June 20, 2013
16 people are currently reading
190 people want to read
About the author
Stewart Binns
18 books35 followersStewart Binns began his professional life as an academic. He then pursued several adventures, including a stint at the BBC, before settling into a career as a schoolteacher, specializing in history. Later in life, a lucky break took him back to the BBC, which was the beginning of a successful career in television. He has won a BAFTA, a Grierson, an RTS and a Peabody for his documentaries. Stewart's passion is English history, especially its origins and folklore. Conquest is his first novel.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
February 1, 2014
One of the thing's that is beginning to increasingly annoy me about fiction, historical fiction is particular, is it seems to be getting harder to find authors whose books start well and actually get better as you progress through a series.
Binns' first novel, Conquest, was in no short terms a fantastic, immersive, realistic and addictive read where the hero was fallible yet honourable. That book was arguably one of the finest historical fiction books I've read in terms of having a long term memorable effect and resonance.
Therefore, when you read his subsequent books, you can't help but be disappointed.
For some unknown and hard to fathom reason, Binns has decided to take the approach to never write two books with the same narrative style.
Conquest was written from a traditional point-of-view where Hereward was the lead and you the reader was the devil on his shoulder. Crusade, the follow-up, decided to jump to a present tense narrative style - one of the things I personally find most abhorrent about fiction and guaranteed to put me off. This book, the third in the series, sees the third different narrative style employed again and it is this particular narrative style which sells this book short.
The approach he adopts for this book is a slightly farcical idea of an aging warrior having come to a monastry to tell his life story to a monk he trusted; an idea that seems far more of a gimmick than an interesting development, as the monk comes across as entirely superfluous and redundant to the plot.
The most annoying thing is that there are still glimmers of Binns' undeniable talent for immersive battle scenes and believable characters, but they are buried beneath such casual tepid narrative that you find yourself more bored than enlivened.
Rather than feeling like an intriguing, captivating chronicle of a man's life story, this book reads like far more of a generic and distinctly tepid, lukewarm travelogue than a story you want to follow or characters you want to care about.
If Binns had adopted the approach of following this story through in a narrative style more akin to say Conn Iggulden or in the same manner as his first book, this would have been a much more enjoyable read, though probably exposing the relatively bland subject matter and affair.
Frankly, if you're new to the author, you'd be much much better advised to read Conquest then go find another author writing about the 12th century - it's not like there's a shortage.
Disappointing, dull and doing the author a disservice. He should go back to the narrative style that suits him so well, namely that in his first book and stop pissing about with experiments in gimmicks.
Binns' first novel, Conquest, was in no short terms a fantastic, immersive, realistic and addictive read where the hero was fallible yet honourable. That book was arguably one of the finest historical fiction books I've read in terms of having a long term memorable effect and resonance.
Therefore, when you read his subsequent books, you can't help but be disappointed.
For some unknown and hard to fathom reason, Binns has decided to take the approach to never write two books with the same narrative style.
Conquest was written from a traditional point-of-view where Hereward was the lead and you the reader was the devil on his shoulder. Crusade, the follow-up, decided to jump to a present tense narrative style - one of the things I personally find most abhorrent about fiction and guaranteed to put me off. This book, the third in the series, sees the third different narrative style employed again and it is this particular narrative style which sells this book short.
The approach he adopts for this book is a slightly farcical idea of an aging warrior having come to a monastry to tell his life story to a monk he trusted; an idea that seems far more of a gimmick than an interesting development, as the monk comes across as entirely superfluous and redundant to the plot.
The most annoying thing is that there are still glimmers of Binns' undeniable talent for immersive battle scenes and believable characters, but they are buried beneath such casual tepid narrative that you find yourself more bored than enlivened.
Rather than feeling like an intriguing, captivating chronicle of a man's life story, this book reads like far more of a generic and distinctly tepid, lukewarm travelogue than a story you want to follow or characters you want to care about.
If Binns had adopted the approach of following this story through in a narrative style more akin to say Conn Iggulden or in the same manner as his first book, this would have been a much more enjoyable read, though probably exposing the relatively bland subject matter and affair.
Frankly, if you're new to the author, you'd be much much better advised to read Conquest then go find another author writing about the 12th century - it's not like there's a shortage.
Disappointing, dull and doing the author a disservice. He should go back to the narrative style that suits him so well, namely that in his first book and stop pissing about with experiments in gimmicks.
June 19, 2016
Set out as quite a few books set in this period are, by someone telling the story of someone else, or someone telling their story to someone else…get over the initial groans, and you’ve got a really good, involving, interesting and evocative story. Here, it’s even a bit more convoluted, as the story teller is telling a story, as it was told to him by Harold of Hereward, in letters to his church friend high up in the Vatican. However, It continues and fits seamlessly after the previous book, Crusade and, I think, may well turn out to be the best of the series (though there’s only one more to go). Hereward’s descendants are still involved, but, of course, as the story moves on, there are fewer who actually knew him and his legend grows. Though, for all his multifarious exploits in foreign climes, as told in these books and James Wilde’s books, if you think about it, his exploits never seem to have reached back to England. There, there is still mystery and intrigue surrounding him - explained here and by James Wilde as the result of a pact made with King William, to cease the resistance, leave England and never come back.
I found no real fault in the quality of the writing, but I can imagine quite a few aficionados will. There’s a real fluid flow to the story, a sense of purpose and no one can argue he doesn’t know his way around a story, or how to tell it. If you take the time to think about the story, the people, the times, you could end up, as me, feeling quite affected by the concepts of loyalty to people and ideals, that are expressed here. I was very sad to finish the book. As in, there being a slight watering of the eyes, that people gave their own futures, for the futures of others (and theres no surprise he is a former soldier and teacher has also written books on WWI and WWII). People who put their own hopes and dreams to the side, for the sake of other people. Most poignant of all, the link to Harold, Hereward and what might have been on Senlac Hill if just five minutes had gone differently in 1066.
Say what you like about the writing, the books, they do inspire to maybe go find out more about the periods. If only to see if the people did really do all the things he has them doing. Anyway, quite apart from feeling proud that there were such men who called themselves Englishmen and were willing to lay down their lives, or change their lives, for the ideal of an England their children could be proud of.
All my reviews in one place?! Why, yes! Speesh Reads
I found no real fault in the quality of the writing, but I can imagine quite a few aficionados will. There’s a real fluid flow to the story, a sense of purpose and no one can argue he doesn’t know his way around a story, or how to tell it. If you take the time to think about the story, the people, the times, you could end up, as me, feeling quite affected by the concepts of loyalty to people and ideals, that are expressed here. I was very sad to finish the book. As in, there being a slight watering of the eyes, that people gave their own futures, for the futures of others (and theres no surprise he is a former soldier and teacher has also written books on WWI and WWII). People who put their own hopes and dreams to the side, for the sake of other people. Most poignant of all, the link to Harold, Hereward and what might have been on Senlac Hill if just five minutes had gone differently in 1066.
Say what you like about the writing, the books, they do inspire to maybe go find out more about the periods. If only to see if the people did really do all the things he has them doing. Anyway, quite apart from feeling proud that there were such men who called themselves Englishmen and were willing to lay down their lives, or change their lives, for the ideal of an England their children could be proud of.
All my reviews in one place?! Why, yes! Speesh Reads
June 14, 2013
Anarchy by Stewart Binns is a powerfully told story through the eyes of a 12th century letter named Folio. The tale he tells is about a remarkable man named Harold of Hereford. Of noble blood, Harold is one of nine knights who founded the Knights Templar. Harold is a savvy, cunning, and talented knight who throws his full support and loyalty behind Empress Matilda.
The plot moves at a fast pace, with plenty of intrigue, conflict, and well-drawn out scenes that kept me flipping pages to learn what happens next. The novel’s characters are portrayed humanly, with all their faults and virtues, making them very real in the reader’s eyes. The author is exceptional at storytelling. It is gripping and authentic while he expertly weaves in historical details pertaining to this period in England’s rich history. Even Robert of Hode (aka Robin Hood) makes an appearance with great believability.
Although this is the third book in the Making of England series, this book easily stands alone and it is not necessary to read the previous two novels. But rest assured, this book was so delicious of a read, stunning, a blockbuster of an adventure, that I am eager to read the other two. Stewart Binns is a talented author whose books read like a movie, allowing the reader to deeply immerse themselves in the tale he tells. Gripping, real, poignant, this is a book not to miss. One I highly recommend.
The plot moves at a fast pace, with plenty of intrigue, conflict, and well-drawn out scenes that kept me flipping pages to learn what happens next. The novel’s characters are portrayed humanly, with all their faults and virtues, making them very real in the reader’s eyes. The author is exceptional at storytelling. It is gripping and authentic while he expertly weaves in historical details pertaining to this period in England’s rich history. Even Robert of Hode (aka Robin Hood) makes an appearance with great believability.
Although this is the third book in the Making of England series, this book easily stands alone and it is not necessary to read the previous two novels. But rest assured, this book was so delicious of a read, stunning, a blockbuster of an adventure, that I am eager to read the other two. Stewart Binns is a talented author whose books read like a movie, allowing the reader to deeply immerse themselves in the tale he tells. Gripping, real, poignant, this is a book not to miss. One I highly recommend.
October 10, 2014
My least favourite of the Making of England series... Lionheart was much better!
April 16, 2025
More fiction than history, this historical novel is set during the time of great Civil War in England, when Stephen of Blois usurped the rightful heir to England's crown from Henry I's daughter, Matilda in the 12th century. This period was known as the Anarchy, and while Stewart Binns clearly researched and understands the history of that time, he takes much poetic license in his telling of the events. If one can read this book more as pure fiction, than it is quite an exciting read much as Ken Follet's Pillars of the Earth about the same period is.
June 28, 2013
Harold of Hereford is a man born of history and will grow up with the destiny of England in his grasp.
Descended from a line of English heroes who have all fought for English liberty from Norman rule he must learn the ways of a warrior if he is to continue the fight.
Sent from England to hone his skills in the war-torn Christian states of the Middle East, Harold and his loyal retainer Eadmer first travel to Venice to enlist in the Doges Navy.
Tasked with helping defend Venice’s vast merchant fleet, Harold must learn fast as pirates and the elements give him an education and experience he will never forget.
Harold is then chosen top help escort the Doges sister Lady Livia to her husband-to-be Roger, Regent of Antioch.
Disaster and misfortune dog the mission and Harold must use all of his new found experience to safely deliver Livia to her husband but a betrayal will leave him bitter and discharged from the Doges service.
Knighted by the Doge and with a reputation as a fighter, Harold soon comes to the attention of a new fighting force in the Crusader states.
As a founder member of the Templers he is sent to England to raise money and recruit for them but he finds England in turmoil.
King Henry is dead and the land is locked in a civil war between his chosen heir Empress Matilda and her cousin Stephen who has usurped the throne.
Harold is drawn to Matilda’s cause. She may be the daughter of the Norman King Henry but in her runs, the blood of English Saxon kings and she is the only hope for a fairer England.
With Harold as her Military adviser she sets of to win back her rightful throne but on the way her and Harold become lovers and Harold will influence the English monarchy in ways he could never of imagined.
This is the third book from Stewart Binns and one of the strengths of the previous books has been the character development and this continues with Harold of Hereford. From a young man struggling to live up to his families past and successes, he uses the almost constant state of warfare to learn his skills and grow as a person and goes from a inexperienced young solider to a battle hardened and tough captain of men.
A relatively unusual aspect of the book is the strong women characters. From Harold’s Mother via the Venetian Princess Livia to the Empress Matilda they are strong, dominant and they have a profound influence on Harold. While he maybe inspired by the tales of this male relatives exploits its the women in his life who mold and make the man.
This gives the book a much softer side to an often brutal and bloody period of history and really adds another dimension to the story. We still get plenty of fighting and hacking scenes and the naval scenes in particular are very good so there is something for everyone.
This book is set in one of the most traumatic periods in European history, with a state of constant small scale warfare between England and France, Mediterranean city states vying for trade and a battle of survival in the Christian states in the Middle East, Anarchy is an apt name for this book.
This book brings to life those turbulent times and populates it with a great cast of characters, I can highly recommend this book!
Descended from a line of English heroes who have all fought for English liberty from Norman rule he must learn the ways of a warrior if he is to continue the fight.
Sent from England to hone his skills in the war-torn Christian states of the Middle East, Harold and his loyal retainer Eadmer first travel to Venice to enlist in the Doges Navy.
Tasked with helping defend Venice’s vast merchant fleet, Harold must learn fast as pirates and the elements give him an education and experience he will never forget.
Harold is then chosen top help escort the Doges sister Lady Livia to her husband-to-be Roger, Regent of Antioch.
Disaster and misfortune dog the mission and Harold must use all of his new found experience to safely deliver Livia to her husband but a betrayal will leave him bitter and discharged from the Doges service.
Knighted by the Doge and with a reputation as a fighter, Harold soon comes to the attention of a new fighting force in the Crusader states.
As a founder member of the Templers he is sent to England to raise money and recruit for them but he finds England in turmoil.
King Henry is dead and the land is locked in a civil war between his chosen heir Empress Matilda and her cousin Stephen who has usurped the throne.
Harold is drawn to Matilda’s cause. She may be the daughter of the Norman King Henry but in her runs, the blood of English Saxon kings and she is the only hope for a fairer England.
With Harold as her Military adviser she sets of to win back her rightful throne but on the way her and Harold become lovers and Harold will influence the English monarchy in ways he could never of imagined.
This is the third book from Stewart Binns and one of the strengths of the previous books has been the character development and this continues with Harold of Hereford. From a young man struggling to live up to his families past and successes, he uses the almost constant state of warfare to learn his skills and grow as a person and goes from a inexperienced young solider to a battle hardened and tough captain of men.
A relatively unusual aspect of the book is the strong women characters. From Harold’s Mother via the Venetian Princess Livia to the Empress Matilda they are strong, dominant and they have a profound influence on Harold. While he maybe inspired by the tales of this male relatives exploits its the women in his life who mold and make the man.
This gives the book a much softer side to an often brutal and bloody period of history and really adds another dimension to the story. We still get plenty of fighting and hacking scenes and the naval scenes in particular are very good so there is something for everyone.
This book is set in one of the most traumatic periods in European history, with a state of constant small scale warfare between England and France, Mediterranean city states vying for trade and a battle of survival in the Christian states in the Middle East, Anarchy is an apt name for this book.
This book brings to life those turbulent times and populates it with a great cast of characters, I can highly recommend this book!
October 20, 2013
Review
Anarchy:
It’s such an apt name for the time period of this book, and one I’m ashamed to know little about.
This title by Stewart Binns is something on the surface I should have found fault with, should have picked holes in. There is a certain amount of generality to the people, the nations, the time period. The plot misses so much rich depth that could have been added to the time period.
And yet none of this matters, because the plot powers along at a wonderful pace, the characters are real, humble, flawed and at the same time stylised in such a fashion that it appeals at a different level, (for me). This series has for me been about a journey to find and explore the innate elements that make the British, British. What are the character building blocks that created the stiff upper lip, the boys own childish delight in tinkering, the genius for innovation, the intrepid explorers, and the do or die trying spirit. When you break it down to Celts, Saxons, Danes, Normans etc. Mix all of this into a pot that is the unique landscape and history of the country you get the British.
Harold of Herford is the latest incarnation, the latest ingredient in the mix, and all of it is done with power pace, style and a little I believe humour.
The Historical content, to be honest I didn’t even give it a thought. I’m sure there are many fictional elements in here driving the story against a flat background of real history. But the power and charm of this book is the telling not the facts. I will go an learn more about this period and I expect there to be many differences. At the same time this is more about the mix, the moral and the tale telling. EG: the introduction of Robert of Hode and William of Scarlette. It Should have added an element of farce, but instead added a great little side legend and the development of the Robin Hood legend and its possible tie to the Hereward legend. The whole book was a pleasure to read and I think shows the authors talent in television, how to engage with the audience and carry them on a journey with his cast of characters. This book was devoured in a single sitting and went past so fast it left me missing the people involved and wondering what comes next and how long do I need to wait. (for me a sure sign of a really good read)…and a book can be a damn fine read whilst not being the best book ever.
I have no issue recommending this very Highly as a splendid way to spend the day.
(Parm)
Anarchy:
It’s such an apt name for the time period of this book, and one I’m ashamed to know little about.
This title by Stewart Binns is something on the surface I should have found fault with, should have picked holes in. There is a certain amount of generality to the people, the nations, the time period. The plot misses so much rich depth that could have been added to the time period.
And yet none of this matters, because the plot powers along at a wonderful pace, the characters are real, humble, flawed and at the same time stylised in such a fashion that it appeals at a different level, (for me). This series has for me been about a journey to find and explore the innate elements that make the British, British. What are the character building blocks that created the stiff upper lip, the boys own childish delight in tinkering, the genius for innovation, the intrepid explorers, and the do or die trying spirit. When you break it down to Celts, Saxons, Danes, Normans etc. Mix all of this into a pot that is the unique landscape and history of the country you get the British.
Harold of Herford is the latest incarnation, the latest ingredient in the mix, and all of it is done with power pace, style and a little I believe humour.
The Historical content, to be honest I didn’t even give it a thought. I’m sure there are many fictional elements in here driving the story against a flat background of real history. But the power and charm of this book is the telling not the facts. I will go an learn more about this period and I expect there to be many differences. At the same time this is more about the mix, the moral and the tale telling. EG: the introduction of Robert of Hode and William of Scarlette. It Should have added an element of farce, but instead added a great little side legend and the development of the Robin Hood legend and its possible tie to the Hereward legend. The whole book was a pleasure to read and I think shows the authors talent in television, how to engage with the audience and carry them on a journey with his cast of characters. This book was devoured in a single sitting and went past so fast it left me missing the people involved and wondering what comes next and how long do I need to wait. (for me a sure sign of a really good read)…and a book can be a damn fine read whilst not being the best book ever.
I have no issue recommending this very Highly as a splendid way to spend the day.
(Parm)
October 22, 2013
Great historical novel which gives a vivid account of 50 years in the life of knight and adventurer Harold of Hereford. A definite page-turner: I felt drawn right into that world. I already knew a bit about the crusades, the Knights Templar and some of the key events mentioned but I had no idea just how brutal and chaotic the civil war between Matilda and Stephen was – for everyone, peasant or knight. The book is told in a traditional, literary way through letters and there’s clearly a huge amount of research gone in to it. There are maps, genealogies and a glossary for those who want more on the actual history of the period (12th century).
June 24, 2015
Darn good yarn from Stewart Binns.
He's managed to cram just about every English hero from the middle ages into one story from Hereward the Wake to Robin Hood.
Damn good stuff. Recommended if you like Saxon/Norman/Crusades/Knights in yer book.
He's managed to cram just about every English hero from the middle ages into one story from Hereward the Wake to Robin Hood.
Damn good stuff. Recommended if you like Saxon/Norman/Crusades/Knights in yer book.
June 29, 2013
A must-read for all fans of historic novels!
February 28, 2016
don't get fooled by the title or the book cover, it lacks the action it promised and felt more inclined to discuss the romantic escapades of harold
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews