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The Gothic King: A Biography of Henry III
Henry III was the son and successor of Bad King John, reigning for 56 years from 1216 - the first child king in England for 200 years. England went on to prosper during his reign and his greatest monument is Westminster Abbey, which he made the seat of his government - indeed, Henry III was the first English King to call a parliament. Though often overlooked by historians, Henry III was a unique figure coming out of a chivalric yet Gothic a compulsive builder of daunting castles and epic sepulchres; a powerful, unyielding monarch who faced down the De Montfort rebellion and waged war with Wales and France - and, much more than his father, Henry was the king who really hammered out the terms of the Magna Carta with the barons. John Paul Davis, biographer of Robin Hood and Guy Fawkes for Peter Owen, brings all his forensic skills and insights to the grand story of the Gothic King in this, the only biography in print of one of our most remarkable monarchs.
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 8, 2013
6 people are currently reading
129 people want to read
About the author
John Paul Davis
31 books69 followers📚 John Paul Davis is the international bestselling author of fourteen thriller novels. His debut, The Templar Agenda, cracked the UK Top 20 and claimed the #1 spot in Historical Thrillers. Since then, he has continued to keep readers on the edge of their seats, with hits like The Cortés Trilogy, which reached the UK Top 40 and US Top 20, and the White Hart series, starring a secret black ops group with origins dating back to the Middle Ages.
🖊 In addition to thrillers, JPD has authored seven works of nonfiction. His debut work, Robin Hood: The Unknown Templar, sparked international press interest, while Pity For The Guy, the first full-length biography of Guy Fawkes, was featured on ITV’s The Alan Titchmarsh Show.
🏠 JPD is an active member of International Thriller Writers (ITW) and an Associate Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. He holds a BSc from Loughborough University and resides in Warwickshire, where he enjoys sports, history, reading, contemplating the meaning of life, planning book-related travels and pondering plot twists.
Checkout his official Website: www.johnpauldavis.com
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
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August 12, 2021I’m a medievalist, and was excited to see a biography of an often neglected monarch. After finding the acknowledgements and bibliography odd, I read others’ reviews and started with the last chapter, then went back to the preface – and decided not to finish the book. This is a popular history rather than an academic one, but it’s still concerning that almost every source in the bibliography is a secondary source, and even more concerning that most of them are radically out of date. Henry III isn’t a popular subject for biographies, but that’s all the more reason to rely on primary sources, and get creative with more recent secondary sources, rather than leaning on Victorian writers who weren’t necessarily citing or checking their sources.
The last chapter had some errors in it, as well as misrepresentations of facts, and what appeared to be an error in the end notes. There were also times when things could have been phrased more clearly, to avoid possible misinterpretations by readers less familiar with Henry III. Unfortunately, the questionable professionalism inspired doubts about the accuracy of the information in the rest of the book, so I’ll be finding a different historical biography to read.
The last chapter had some errors in it, as well as misrepresentations of facts, and what appeared to be an error in the end notes. There were also times when things could have been phrased more clearly, to avoid possible misinterpretations by readers less familiar with Henry III. Unfortunately, the questionable professionalism inspired doubts about the accuracy of the information in the rest of the book, so I’ll be finding a different historical biography to read.
February 4, 2016
Over the past few years, I have read plenty of books and articles about King Henry III of England, the people around him and the time he lived in, especially those that discuss the period of the Second Barons’ Wars. The time is fascinating to me, and I cannot get enough of it. I often thought to myself what a shame it is- was- that no chronological narrative of Henry’s reign had been written by a modern author. For all the masses of analysis and contextualisation there is, there was nothing that just told us what happened in the right order.
Well, no more, readers! Last August a book titled The Gothic King suddenly appeared in my amazon recommendations, penned by historical biographer John Paul Davis. Here it was, at last, the book the life and study of Henry III needed. I immediately pre-ordered, then waited extremely patiently for a little over nine months for it to arrive.
Was it worth the wait? Absolutely. At just over 260 pages long, this is the life of Henry, in order, in a nutshell. Davis has engaged with his subject well, researching thoroughly using both primary source material and the work of recent scholars. In the introduction to the book it is made clear that the book is intended to put things in order rather than analyse in depth, which makes the book clear, concise and very easy to read. Many of the author’s points are referenced, and the end notes and bibliography are well presented.
HenryIIIjpdGiven the fifty six years Henry was king and the intention of the book to remain readable, many of the events are recounted with the finer points missing. Though this on a few occasions made me look twice, I can understand the need to omit some detail on account of the length of the text and the fact that someone new to Henry’s reign is likely to pick this book up (I hope they do!). Davis himself states in the prelude that his book “could have been at least ten times longer than it is“- how daunting that would be for a newcomer to the period! The main objective of the book, to present the reign of Henry III in the most straightforward way possible, was achieved excellently. The critical analysis in the final chapter works really well, and I have to say that chapter 11- ‘Henry the Builder’- was a personal highlight of the book.
Overall thoughts? Excellent writing, a clear concise account of what happened and when, some lovely plates of photography in the centre, short, easy to digest, fun and not overwhelming. An excellent addition to any medieval bookshelf.
Well, no more, readers! Last August a book titled The Gothic King suddenly appeared in my amazon recommendations, penned by historical biographer John Paul Davis. Here it was, at last, the book the life and study of Henry III needed. I immediately pre-ordered, then waited extremely patiently for a little over nine months for it to arrive.
Was it worth the wait? Absolutely. At just over 260 pages long, this is the life of Henry, in order, in a nutshell. Davis has engaged with his subject well, researching thoroughly using both primary source material and the work of recent scholars. In the introduction to the book it is made clear that the book is intended to put things in order rather than analyse in depth, which makes the book clear, concise and very easy to read. Many of the author’s points are referenced, and the end notes and bibliography are well presented.
HenryIIIjpdGiven the fifty six years Henry was king and the intention of the book to remain readable, many of the events are recounted with the finer points missing. Though this on a few occasions made me look twice, I can understand the need to omit some detail on account of the length of the text and the fact that someone new to Henry’s reign is likely to pick this book up (I hope they do!). Davis himself states in the prelude that his book “could have been at least ten times longer than it is“- how daunting that would be for a newcomer to the period! The main objective of the book, to present the reign of Henry III in the most straightforward way possible, was achieved excellently. The critical analysis in the final chapter works really well, and I have to say that chapter 11- ‘Henry the Builder’- was a personal highlight of the book.
Overall thoughts? Excellent writing, a clear concise account of what happened and when, some lovely plates of photography in the centre, short, easy to digest, fun and not overwhelming. An excellent addition to any medieval bookshelf.
October 1, 2019
Whilst I think that Darren Baker's 'Henry III the Great King England Never Knew It Had' from 2017 is probably the best choice if someone wants a more in depth heavier read ' , felt this book gave a reasonable outline of all the key events of the reign of Henry III 1216-1271.
Henry ascended the throne at the age nine. Huge swathes of the realm were in the hands of rebel barons and their French allies. Henry faced several rebellions, culminating in being held captive by his brother in law Simon de Montfort from May 1264 after being defeated at the Battle of Lewes -until 4th August 1265 when the de Monfort was defeated at Evesham. Yet somehow his reign lasted,and Henry died peacefully in bed. The writer is sympathetic , admiring Henry III for his piety, his generosity his charity towards the Poor, , loyalty to his wife, his building of cathedrals, his reinforcing of castles, and his ability to make peace when needed. Felt that some of Henry's more vicious attitudes , especially towards captured rebels from the 1264 campaign were played down, though being fair, the writer does not gloss over some of Henry's disastrous military campaigns such as the Poitou campaign of 1242. Occasionally couldn't quite follow the writer's thread . The 1258 famine was covered yet later in the book the same year is cited as being a time when the population were content. Was never sure how the author considered Henry III's real attitude towards Magna Carta being re-issued, and the 1258 Oxford provisions, in which the interests of the barons were, and even the burghers, could be represented
But overall a worthwhile introduction to a fascinating reign that is often overlooked.
Henry ascended the throne at the age nine. Huge swathes of the realm were in the hands of rebel barons and their French allies. Henry faced several rebellions, culminating in being held captive by his brother in law Simon de Montfort from May 1264 after being defeated at the Battle of Lewes -until 4th August 1265 when the de Monfort was defeated at Evesham. Yet somehow his reign lasted,and Henry died peacefully in bed. The writer is sympathetic , admiring Henry III for his piety, his generosity his charity towards the Poor, , loyalty to his wife, his building of cathedrals, his reinforcing of castles, and his ability to make peace when needed. Felt that some of Henry's more vicious attitudes , especially towards captured rebels from the 1264 campaign were played down, though being fair, the writer does not gloss over some of Henry's disastrous military campaigns such as the Poitou campaign of 1242. Occasionally couldn't quite follow the writer's thread . The 1258 famine was covered yet later in the book the same year is cited as being a time when the population were content. Was never sure how the author considered Henry III's real attitude towards Magna Carta being re-issued, and the 1258 Oxford provisions, in which the interests of the barons were, and even the burghers, could be represented
But overall a worthwhile introduction to a fascinating reign that is often overlooked.
October 17, 2016
I decided to read this book purely via an interest in Edward I, to get more of an impression of what his younger days might have been like. However, I came to be very interested in Henry III in the process and actually find him to be one of the few Plantagenet kings that I think I might actually like as a person.
He was compassionate towards the suffering of the poor and eager to enrich England's landscape with cathedrals and churches, from which many towns still benefit today. Henry is a king I had genuine empathy for, when hearing about how he came into his role at only nine years of age, at a time when the country looked set for takeover or civil conflict. The fact that he had such a long reign that left England in a stronger place, Davis argues, should counter many of the criticisms that he was a weak king because Simon De Montfort was able to usurp the throne.
Henry's reign is perhaps sandwiched between more interesting periods of history, however, it is not dull. If, like me, you enjoy learning about English kings that are the least trendiest among scholars, then you will find this book very enriching. Davis has an engaging hand and does not shy away from exploring the more strange and peculiar events of the time.
He was compassionate towards the suffering of the poor and eager to enrich England's landscape with cathedrals and churches, from which many towns still benefit today. Henry is a king I had genuine empathy for, when hearing about how he came into his role at only nine years of age, at a time when the country looked set for takeover or civil conflict. The fact that he had such a long reign that left England in a stronger place, Davis argues, should counter many of the criticisms that he was a weak king because Simon De Montfort was able to usurp the throne.
Henry's reign is perhaps sandwiched between more interesting periods of history, however, it is not dull. If, like me, you enjoy learning about English kings that are the least trendiest among scholars, then you will find this book very enriching. Davis has an engaging hand and does not shy away from exploring the more strange and peculiar events of the time.
January 18, 2020
accurate, but confusing, lacks cohesion
One gathers Henry III’s kingship was found lacking in historical traditions. This book seeks to correct skew by using a neutral fact based rundown of politics and power interests which Henry III inherited .
The author uses simple terms to describe events and conflicts but withholds analysis. This leaves nonspecialist readers a bit at sea.
Reluctance to impose bias has displaced context, meaning and proportion.
For general readers unfamiliar with 13th century world views and values, the motives , dynastic aspirations and perceived duties of various royal, noble and papal players remains opaque.
The massive displacement from Mongal invasions and Khanate emerges briefly only to disappear. One is left wondering what exactly motivates the relentless monetary demands of the papacy. Germany, eastern, southern Europe and the Levant are blanks although Henry’s daughter and brother are crowned in these realms.
Also, familial names and origins, Savoyard, Poitier or English are missing, obscuring the dynamics and motives of disgruntled Barons, particularly the northern, midlands and Welsh marcher lords and bishops.
I did not find this particularly helpful, and do not recommend this biography for introductory level students.
readers aware of historiographical bias may appreciate this as a nostrum, a fresh objective reassessment.
Not that the author’s goal is not praiseworthy; most history is permeated with a weird chauvinistic preconception of human history & culture. Our early modern to modern era canon is saturated with progressivist ideological constructs.
Popular culture and politics has a dangerous messianic streak., that has not yet questioned the innate ideological hubris of imposing a collective obligation onto us to March Forward Together in Progressivist Harmony, .
But this book needs to address such assumptions more directly: we and our era are not superior. To retell history free of the teleological lens that permeates our understanding of society.
A formidable task indeed. .
One gathers Henry III’s kingship was found lacking in historical traditions. This book seeks to correct skew by using a neutral fact based rundown of politics and power interests which Henry III inherited .
The author uses simple terms to describe events and conflicts but withholds analysis. This leaves nonspecialist readers a bit at sea.
Reluctance to impose bias has displaced context, meaning and proportion.
For general readers unfamiliar with 13th century world views and values, the motives , dynastic aspirations and perceived duties of various royal, noble and papal players remains opaque.
The massive displacement from Mongal invasions and Khanate emerges briefly only to disappear. One is left wondering what exactly motivates the relentless monetary demands of the papacy. Germany, eastern, southern Europe and the Levant are blanks although Henry’s daughter and brother are crowned in these realms.
Also, familial names and origins, Savoyard, Poitier or English are missing, obscuring the dynamics and motives of disgruntled Barons, particularly the northern, midlands and Welsh marcher lords and bishops.
I did not find this particularly helpful, and do not recommend this biography for introductory level students.
readers aware of historiographical bias may appreciate this as a nostrum, a fresh objective reassessment.
Not that the author’s goal is not praiseworthy; most history is permeated with a weird chauvinistic preconception of human history & culture. Our early modern to modern era canon is saturated with progressivist ideological constructs.
Popular culture and politics has a dangerous messianic streak., that has not yet questioned the innate ideological hubris of imposing a collective obligation onto us to March Forward Together in Progressivist Harmony, .
But this book needs to address such assumptions more directly: we and our era are not superior. To retell history free of the teleological lens that permeates our understanding of society.
A formidable task indeed. .
November 18, 2023
This the first biography of a medieval King I've struggled to finish. It is badly written and essentially a list of events, with very little, if any, analysis or discussion. The endless noting that the Pope wrote a letter becomes mildly comic, since there is seldom any discussion of the effect or relevance or response to the Pope's correspondence.
Henry is mostly absent.
One of those rare books where I wish it were possible to return it and ask for my money back.
Henry is mostly absent.
One of those rare books where I wish it were possible to return it and ask for my money back.
February 19, 2021
A good financial history of England in the mid-1200s, but lacking in all other areas. Desperately needs some maps or further description of places, especially in the few paragraphs dedicated to military campaigns.
May 12, 2019
Excellent summary with insightful conclusions.
March 6, 2024
A very concise and interesting look at a little known king who came to the throne early on in life and in the middle of a war his dad had started!! In a word fascinating 😁
November 21, 2014
This was not awesome. The life of Henry III is presented firmly chronologically, and I find that this sort of life benefits from being presented, if not thematically instead of chronologically, then at least using a combination of the two. (There is one chapter covering "The Builder King" which is thematic rather than chronological.)
There was also a lot of referring to people by their first names (Edward, Richard, Edmund) instead of title - in periods like this, where every second person was a William, every third was a Richard, and every fourth an Edward, and especially when father and son have the same name (see William Marshal and William Marshal the younger), this type of reference gets very confusing.
I didn't feel like I learned much from this. It wasn't bad, exactly, just not great.
There was also a lot of referring to people by their first names (Edward, Richard, Edmund) instead of title - in periods like this, where every second person was a William, every third was a Richard, and every fourth an Edward, and especially when father and son have the same name (see William Marshal and William Marshal the younger), this type of reference gets very confusing.
I didn't feel like I learned much from this. It wasn't bad, exactly, just not great.
December 15, 2015
I liked this book, but I didn't love it. I felt that Davis spent too much time talking about battles and not enough time talking about Henry III's personality. I loved the last chapter where, in wrapping everything up, Davis mentioned that Henry III ordered a pet for his ill child and very much loved his wife. That seems to be a very rare occurrence for a king.
August 31, 2013
Very neat introduction to the reign of Henry III, covering the personality and the reign. Overall, well-written, informative, and enjoyable.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews