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Hammer For Princes
England in the twelfth century: torn by a long and bloody civil war between King Stephen and Henry Plantagenet.
The wise and principled Fulk, Earl of Stafford, along with his son Rannulf and their allies bravely fight with their knights for honor and peace as Thierry, Fulk’s uncle, grows increasingly obsessed by his own dark desire for success.
New battles are fought throughout the kingdom and sieges grip the nation as war and fever threaten to take Fulk’s loved ones from him.
Filled with regret and uneasy about the naïve and stubborn Rannulf’s welfare, the Earl of Stafford fiercely defends himself and all he holds dear.
Yet all is not well as grief and weariness threaten to overtake him, but as he prays for guidance he relentlessly seeks victory and peace amongst the volatile treachery that surrounds him.
A loyal fighter, father and friend, Fulk contends with dangerous heraldic politics and powerful but potentially deadly noble women, to fight for what he knows is rightfully his…
‘Hammer for Princes’ is a drama of jealousy and ambition, betrayal and murder, played out in a bitter medieval family feud.
The wise and principled Fulk, Earl of Stafford, along with his son Rannulf and their allies bravely fight with their knights for honor and peace as Thierry, Fulk’s uncle, grows increasingly obsessed by his own dark desire for success.
New battles are fought throughout the kingdom and sieges grip the nation as war and fever threaten to take Fulk’s loved ones from him.
Filled with regret and uneasy about the naïve and stubborn Rannulf’s welfare, the Earl of Stafford fiercely defends himself and all he holds dear.
Yet all is not well as grief and weariness threaten to overtake him, but as he prays for guidance he relentlessly seeks victory and peace amongst the volatile treachery that surrounds him.
A loyal fighter, father and friend, Fulk contends with dangerous heraldic politics and powerful but potentially deadly noble women, to fight for what he knows is rightfully his…
‘Hammer for Princes’ is a drama of jealousy and ambition, betrayal and murder, played out in a bitter medieval family feud.
296 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1971
69 people are currently reading
222 people want to read
About the author
Cecelia Holland
77 books210 followersPen name used by Elizabeth Eliot Carter.
Cecelia Holland is one of the world's most highly acclaimed and respected historical novelists, ranked by many alongside other giants in that field such as Mary Renault and Larry McMurtry. Over the span of her thirty year career, she's written almost thirty historical novels, including The Firedrake, Rakessy, Two Ravens, Ghost on the Steppe, Death of Attila, Hammer For Princes, The King's Road, Pillar of the Sky, The Lords of Vaumartin, Pacific Street, Sea Beggars, The Earl, The King in Winter, The Belt of Gold, The Serpent Dreamer, The High City, Kings of the North, and a series of fantasy novels, including The Soul Thief, The Witches Kitchen, The Serpent Dreamer, and Varanger. She also wrote the well-known science fiction novel Floating Worlds, which was nominated for a Locus Award in 1975. Her most recent book is a new fantasy novel, Dragon Heart.
Cecelia Holland is one of the world's most highly acclaimed and respected historical novelists, ranked by many alongside other giants in that field such as Mary Renault and Larry McMurtry. Over the span of her thirty year career, she's written almost thirty historical novels, including The Firedrake, Rakessy, Two Ravens, Ghost on the Steppe, Death of Attila, Hammer For Princes, The King's Road, Pillar of the Sky, The Lords of Vaumartin, Pacific Street, Sea Beggars, The Earl, The King in Winter, The Belt of Gold, The Serpent Dreamer, The High City, Kings of the North, and a series of fantasy novels, including The Soul Thief, The Witches Kitchen, The Serpent Dreamer, and Varanger. She also wrote the well-known science fiction novel Floating Worlds, which was nominated for a Locus Award in 1975. Her most recent book is a new fantasy novel, Dragon Heart.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
November 5, 2010
Sometimes I wonder why I haven't read more Cecelia Holland lately. For me, she is the literary equivalent of a scrumptious box of chocolate truffles -- without yielding her well-deserved position as one of the world's great historical novelists. Perhaps I am trying to ration her works out so I don't finish them too quickly, as Ms. Holland isn't getting any younger either. No matter, I roared through The Earl in two sittings and resolved to read another of her gemlike novels as soon as possible.
There are few episodes in the history of Western Civilization that haven't been graced by Holland's practiced eye, from Byzantine Constantinople to Viking Iceland to the Middle Ages in England, Ireland, and France, to the Norman invasion of Italy to the Turkish invasion of Hungary to 19th century California.
In The Earl, we look at the conflict between Prince Henry of Anjou (later Henry II) and Stephen for the crown of Norman England. The point of view is the fascinating character of Fulk Bruyère, Earl of Stafford, who has pledged his loyalty to Henry. Holland shrewdly presents all the cross-currents affecting the nobility and their various treacheries; at the same time, she introduces some great female characters, most particularly Fulk's wife Margaret, the Lady Rohese, and her relative the fiery Alys.
Small touches, such as a troop of knights riding hell bent to escape an angry hive of bees and the delicate relationship between Fulk and his eldest son Rannulf.
I have never seen a bad historical novel by Cecelia Holland, and I hope to live long enough to read them all.
There are few episodes in the history of Western Civilization that haven't been graced by Holland's practiced eye, from Byzantine Constantinople to Viking Iceland to the Middle Ages in England, Ireland, and France, to the Norman invasion of Italy to the Turkish invasion of Hungary to 19th century California.
In The Earl, we look at the conflict between Prince Henry of Anjou (later Henry II) and Stephen for the crown of Norman England. The point of view is the fascinating character of Fulk Bruyère, Earl of Stafford, who has pledged his loyalty to Henry. Holland shrewdly presents all the cross-currents affecting the nobility and their various treacheries; at the same time, she introduces some great female characters, most particularly Fulk's wife Margaret, the Lady Rohese, and her relative the fiery Alys.
Small touches, such as a troop of knights riding hell bent to escape an angry hive of bees and the delicate relationship between Fulk and his eldest son Rannulf.
I have never seen a bad historical novel by Cecelia Holland, and I hope to live long enough to read them all.
October 30, 2012
I read this many years ago in a blackout during a heat wave in New York's Greenwich Village. By candlelight. In an uncomfortably hot room, even a candle can be felt on your face as an extra source of heat, and while it sounds romantic, it's hard to read by low light.
Despite all this, I didn't--couldn't--stop reading. Holland uses a lean prose style to build up a portrait of a complex and intelligent man negotiating treacherous political and military circumstances in the twelfth century.
Holland, of course, is a novelist with her own time machine; she is comfortable among the Normans, the Vikings, the Mongols, sixteenth-century Hungarians and Turks. Her time machine even has a forward lever—she’s written Floating Worlds, an SF novel, peopled with remarkable beings, set far in the future.
Everyone should read at least one, if not all, of Cecelia Holland's books; start with this one.
Despite all this, I didn't--couldn't--stop reading. Holland uses a lean prose style to build up a portrait of a complex and intelligent man negotiating treacherous political and military circumstances in the twelfth century.
Holland, of course, is a novelist with her own time machine; she is comfortable among the Normans, the Vikings, the Mongols, sixteenth-century Hungarians and Turks. Her time machine even has a forward lever—she’s written Floating Worlds, an SF novel, peopled with remarkable beings, set far in the future.
Everyone should read at least one, if not all, of Cecelia Holland's books; start with this one.
October 29, 2015
Cecelia Holland is an American author of historical fiction; her novels cover a wide range of time periods and settings as diverse as 12th century Iceland, the Mongol invasion of Eastern Europe, medieval France, and the search for Tutankhamun’s tomb. Earlier this year I read City of God, a story of Borgia-ruled Rome, and enjoyed it enough to want to try more of her work.
Hammer for Princes (which I have discovered was originally published in 1971 as The Earl) is set in England during the period known as The Anarchy. Since the death of King Henry I in 1135, the country has been divided between supporters of his nephew, King Stephen, and his daughter, the Empress Matilda. At the point when Hammer for Princes begins, Matilda’s son, Prince Henry, has taken up the battle for the throne and the country is still in a state of civil war. Fulk, Earl of Stafford, has pledged his loyalty to Henry and it is through Fulk’s eyes that the events of the novel unfold.
Fulk is an intelligent, shrewd man with a lot of experience when it comes to warfare and politics. But even as he leads his men in battle, storms castles and fights in tournaments, Fulk’s biggest problems come in the form of his own family. His scheming uncle Thierry has his eye on some of Fulk’s lands, which he believes are rightfully his, and to Fulk’s disappointment it seems that his own son, Rannulf, is ready to take Thierry’s side in the family feud.
This novel is written in the same detached, unadorned style I remember from City of God, which gives Cecelia Holland’s books a distinctive style all of their own. The characters are difficult to like and difficult to understand or connect with on an emotional level, but this just makes them all the more fascinating and complex. I’m not sure that I fully understood the purpose of everything Fulk said and did (I felt very much the same about the actions of Nicholas in City of God) but I do like books in which not everything is clearly explained for the reader and I don’t mind sometimes being left to interpret things for myself.
Hammer for Princes doesn’t have a lot of plot, being more of a series of episodes in Fulk’s life which, when added together, build up a vivid picture of the world of a medieval nobleman. The setting is a little unusual because Fulk is on the move all the time: on horseback, in camp, getting ready to ride into battle or journeying between castles. Holland does not write long, flowery descriptions but she does choose just the right words to set the scene and create atmosphere.
As I read Hammer for Princes I kept thinking of Wolf Hall; they are very different stories, of course, but the portrayal of Fulk reminded me very much of Hilary Mantel’s portrayal of Thomas Cromwell. Both novels are written in the third person, but delve deeply into the minds of their protagonists, both of whom are clever, subtle men with the sort of personal qualities that enable them to find their way through the shifting loyalties and political intrigues of their time.
I enjoyed following Fulk’s story and am looking forward to my next Cecelia Holland novel, whichever that may be.
Hammer for Princes (which I have discovered was originally published in 1971 as The Earl) is set in England during the period known as The Anarchy. Since the death of King Henry I in 1135, the country has been divided between supporters of his nephew, King Stephen, and his daughter, the Empress Matilda. At the point when Hammer for Princes begins, Matilda’s son, Prince Henry, has taken up the battle for the throne and the country is still in a state of civil war. Fulk, Earl of Stafford, has pledged his loyalty to Henry and it is through Fulk’s eyes that the events of the novel unfold.
Fulk is an intelligent, shrewd man with a lot of experience when it comes to warfare and politics. But even as he leads his men in battle, storms castles and fights in tournaments, Fulk’s biggest problems come in the form of his own family. His scheming uncle Thierry has his eye on some of Fulk’s lands, which he believes are rightfully his, and to Fulk’s disappointment it seems that his own son, Rannulf, is ready to take Thierry’s side in the family feud.
This novel is written in the same detached, unadorned style I remember from City of God, which gives Cecelia Holland’s books a distinctive style all of their own. The characters are difficult to like and difficult to understand or connect with on an emotional level, but this just makes them all the more fascinating and complex. I’m not sure that I fully understood the purpose of everything Fulk said and did (I felt very much the same about the actions of Nicholas in City of God) but I do like books in which not everything is clearly explained for the reader and I don’t mind sometimes being left to interpret things for myself.
Hammer for Princes doesn’t have a lot of plot, being more of a series of episodes in Fulk’s life which, when added together, build up a vivid picture of the world of a medieval nobleman. The setting is a little unusual because Fulk is on the move all the time: on horseback, in camp, getting ready to ride into battle or journeying between castles. Holland does not write long, flowery descriptions but she does choose just the right words to set the scene and create atmosphere.
As I read Hammer for Princes I kept thinking of Wolf Hall; they are very different stories, of course, but the portrayal of Fulk reminded me very much of Hilary Mantel’s portrayal of Thomas Cromwell. Both novels are written in the third person, but delve deeply into the minds of their protagonists, both of whom are clever, subtle men with the sort of personal qualities that enable them to find their way through the shifting loyalties and political intrigues of their time.
I enjoyed following Fulk’s story and am looking forward to my next Cecelia Holland novel, whichever that may be.
May 26, 2012
Cecelia Holland was one of the authors who shaped my tastes in historical fiction. I discovered her long ago, back in high school, when I found a copy of "The Firedrake", her first novel--- published when she was twenty or twenty-one. I devoured it and then scoured my local library for anything else by her. Alas, now...she did burn out while still young, and I haven't been impressed with any of her novels since "Two Ravens" and "City of God". But her first few novels were brilliant--- austere, tightly-plotted, with marvelous characters. Her early novels ranged from the Norman Conquest to sixteenth-century Hungary to fifth-century Pannonia, and she managed to bring readers into those worlds as backgrounds that weren't just an excuse for costumes and exotic names.
"The Earl" is one her early novels--- set in the civil wars of mid-12th-century England, the wars that would bring the young Henry Plantagenet to the throne as Henry II. It's about politics and warfare, though there's almost no fighting in the book. It's about loyalty and ambition, and you watch the Anglo-Norman lords maneuvering for land and influence and honours and trying to decide just what to make of young Henry. It's a finely-wrought piece, and her hero, the earl of the title, is a figure worth remembering. Read this, and read Holland's other early novels from the first ten or twelve years of her career. They're worth your time.
"The Earl" is one her early novels--- set in the civil wars of mid-12th-century England, the wars that would bring the young Henry Plantagenet to the throne as Henry II. It's about politics and warfare, though there's almost no fighting in the book. It's about loyalty and ambition, and you watch the Anglo-Norman lords maneuvering for land and influence and honours and trying to decide just what to make of young Henry. It's a finely-wrought piece, and her hero, the earl of the title, is a figure worth remembering. Read this, and read Holland's other early novels from the first ten or twelve years of her career. They're worth your time.
September 14, 2015
I really expected to like this, because I generally do like historical novels and this is a lesser-covered period, but I eventually put it down 80% of the way through and couldn't make myself pick it back up. I was having trouble following the characters and events, and as I'm already slightly familiar with this period I'd hate for this to be someone's first introduction to what was effectively the first English civil war.
It sometimes feels unfair to compare other writers to Sharon Penman but when I consider Elizabeth Chadwick too, I can see what this is missing, and I'm amazed I managed to force myself this far. There was plenty of historical detail, and the writing was decent, but the characters were flat and it just felt like a sequence of events being strung together by dialogue. There was no real insight into any of the characters, no motivation or interpretation. Even Fulk, the main character, remained a nameless mystery to me.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
It sometimes feels unfair to compare other writers to Sharon Penman but when I consider Elizabeth Chadwick too, I can see what this is missing, and I'm amazed I managed to force myself this far. There was plenty of historical detail, and the writing was decent, but the characters were flat and it just felt like a sequence of events being strung together by dialogue. There was no real insight into any of the characters, no motivation or interpretation. Even Fulk, the main character, remained a nameless mystery to me.
Disclaimer: I received a free copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
February 12, 2020
Decent historical novel about Norman knights and nobles during the Anarchy, a twenty-year period when the English crown was contested between two of the Conqueror's grandchildren, Empress Matilda (she had briefly been married to the Holy Roman Emperor) and Stephen of Blois, when, as the Gesta Stephani says, "they were all accursed, and forsworn, and reprobate; the earth bare no corn; you might as well have tilled the sea, for the land was all ruined; and it was said openly that Christ and his saints slept." This novel details how a horrific civil war ended with the foundation of the Plantagenet dynasty by Matilda's son, who became Henry II. The Earl is the third Holland novel that I have read - as it happens, with twenty-year intervals - and I've had a similar good-but-ever-so-slightly-unsatisfying experience every time.
Holland is a deft, tasteful stylist and she is very good with the texture of convincingly lived life. She has written novels set in many times and places, from the California Gold Rush to Borgia Rome, and her research, at least with respect to the three titles that I have read (the other two were about Brian Boru versus the Vikings and Huns and Goths in the late Western Empire) is impeccable. Holland's weak point, as a novelist, is a paucity of dynamic story arcs. The setting is exciting enough, but I find I don't care about the mirco-story like I should and my insufficient investment sometimes leads to confusion. I forget why this character has a beef or alliance with that character and, consequently, why everyone is suddenly reaching for their daggers.
Holland's plots just feel like McGuffins for her world-building, which, if I'm honest, is fine with me. I read historical fiction in order to hang out for a little while in a period and with people that interest me. Every now and then, I read an All Souls Rising or a Cloudsplitter, books that I would recommend to a general reader without my constellation of obsessions, but, by and large, my historical fiction jones is my own dirty little secret.
Unexpected bonus: this political potboiler about feuding, feudal families and their "bannermen" concludes with the sentence, "Winter was coming."
Holland is a deft, tasteful stylist and she is very good with the texture of convincingly lived life. She has written novels set in many times and places, from the California Gold Rush to Borgia Rome, and her research, at least with respect to the three titles that I have read (the other two were about Brian Boru versus the Vikings and Huns and Goths in the late Western Empire) is impeccable. Holland's weak point, as a novelist, is a paucity of dynamic story arcs. The setting is exciting enough, but I find I don't care about the mirco-story like I should and my insufficient investment sometimes leads to confusion. I forget why this character has a beef or alliance with that character and, consequently, why everyone is suddenly reaching for their daggers.
Holland's plots just feel like McGuffins for her world-building, which, if I'm honest, is fine with me. I read historical fiction in order to hang out for a little while in a period and with people that interest me. Every now and then, I read an All Souls Rising or a Cloudsplitter, books that I would recommend to a general reader without my constellation of obsessions, but, by and large, my historical fiction jones is my own dirty little secret.
Unexpected bonus: this political potboiler about feuding, feudal families and their "bannermen" concludes with the sentence, "Winter was coming."
Read
September 23, 2020I give this a 4+ rating, and would shelve it with Nicola Griffith's Hild and books by Hilary Mantel--because these authors share a sophisticated historical approach, including (but not limited to) a literary authorial voice; main characters involved in political maneuvering on a grand scale; and a sense of total immersion in the daily life of the time.
One unique and appealing element: I'd guess that almost half of this book is spent with the main character on horseback, traveling or hunting or fighting.
That main character is Fulk, one of the nobles who supported Prince Henry (better known as Henry II, husband of Eleanor and father of Richard the Lionhearted and King John) in his long battle campaign for England's crown.
Hailing from all over Normandy and England, these nobles fought as fiercely among themselves as they did for Henry, knowing that after the victory there would be earldoms and dukedoms awarded to the most prominent war heroes. Their suspicions and resentments, their dead-serious jostling, and their shifting alliances, all form the framework of novel.
The general timeline and many of the characters are documented in history. But little seems to be known for certain about the real Fulk. This gives Holland free rein to imagine his part in this fascinating power struggle. She can put him in all the crucial battles and in the thick of the political maneuvering.
She also imagines him a wife and two sons--and this personal side of the story forms a strong subplot, since even among Fulk's immediate family, loyalties are constantly strained (for reasons that are better told by Holland than me).
Holland is one of my favorite novelists for stories set in the middle ages.
(A substantially identical review has been posted to Amazon dot com)
One unique and appealing element: I'd guess that almost half of this book is spent with the main character on horseback, traveling or hunting or fighting.
That main character is Fulk, one of the nobles who supported Prince Henry (better known as Henry II, husband of Eleanor and father of Richard the Lionhearted and King John) in his long battle campaign for England's crown.
Hailing from all over Normandy and England, these nobles fought as fiercely among themselves as they did for Henry, knowing that after the victory there would be earldoms and dukedoms awarded to the most prominent war heroes. Their suspicions and resentments, their dead-serious jostling, and their shifting alliances, all form the framework of novel.
The general timeline and many of the characters are documented in history. But little seems to be known for certain about the real Fulk. This gives Holland free rein to imagine his part in this fascinating power struggle. She can put him in all the crucial battles and in the thick of the political maneuvering.
She also imagines him a wife and two sons--and this personal side of the story forms a strong subplot, since even among Fulk's immediate family, loyalties are constantly strained (for reasons that are better told by Holland than me).
Holland is one of my favorite novelists for stories set in the middle ages.
(A substantially identical review has been posted to Amazon dot com)
February 8, 2024
Set during the final year of the English Anarchy (1153-1154), deftly captures the weariness and lawlessness after 15 years of civil war. Very much a human interest novel, this focuses on (fictional) Fulk, Earl of Stafford as he fights (and nearly dies) to keep his land from rival barons, tries to understand the working of his eldest son's mind, and schemes with other barons to end the war (and outwit each other before the eyes of Henry Fiz Empress to gain each other's land.) Some of the sparse prose reminded me of Killer Angels (written 15 years later.) Captures - sometimes in a single line- the shifting loyalties and inner-baron fighting as a result of the breakdown in authority during the civil war.
Earl Stafford (Fulk) has been loyal to Empress Matilda and now follows her Son Henry. Many of those around him (especially the Earl of Chester) have repeatedly switched sides in order to gain land and power; factions within the court exist, with barons always eager to gain power. His wife wants to follow King Stephen, and it's not clear exactly what his son and heir, Rannulf, thinks - at the urging of his mother, Rannulf seems to follow his great-uncle Theirry into trouble and discount the wisdom of his father. In the days leading to the end of the Anarchy, Fulk tries to shore up his position within Henry's inner circle and fight off the attempts of his uncle Theirry to take his land.
There would be arguments and insults and threats. Henry's temper was quick enough under the calmest circumstance. Fulk imagined a summer storm - the thunder, the lightening, the violent wind that blew down trees and carried off houses. In all that turmoil he would have plenty of chances to do some overturning of his own. He settled down to think over his interests.
While some of the historical facts are wrong, this is still a very strong novel. I thought she deftly weaved in real people and captured their personalities so well. Ends with the greatest line: The keen wind stung his face. Winter was coming.
I would kill for a peak 10 years later! Is he still alive? Did he remarry?
Earl Stafford (Fulk) has been loyal to Empress Matilda and now follows her Son Henry. Many of those around him (especially the Earl of Chester) have repeatedly switched sides in order to gain land and power; factions within the court exist, with barons always eager to gain power. His wife wants to follow King Stephen, and it's not clear exactly what his son and heir, Rannulf, thinks - at the urging of his mother, Rannulf seems to follow his great-uncle Theirry into trouble and discount the wisdom of his father. In the days leading to the end of the Anarchy, Fulk tries to shore up his position within Henry's inner circle and fight off the attempts of his uncle Theirry to take his land.
There would be arguments and insults and threats. Henry's temper was quick enough under the calmest circumstance. Fulk imagined a summer storm - the thunder, the lightening, the violent wind that blew down trees and carried off houses. In all that turmoil he would have plenty of chances to do some overturning of his own. He settled down to think over his interests.
While some of the historical facts are wrong, this is still a very strong novel. I thought she deftly weaved in real people and captured their personalities so well. Ends with the greatest line: The keen wind stung his face. Winter was coming.
I would kill for a peak 10 years later! Is he still alive? Did he remarry?
December 5, 2017
Plot: 8 (little focus on overarching narrative but effective on daily life)
Characters: 8 (distinct and vivid if sometimes shallow)
Accuracy: 9 (accurate mental viewpoint with some simplification of events)
The essence of the novel is the day-to-day life, full of petty battles and high intrigues, of Fulk, Earl of Stafford. Being a lord in 12th century England is full of hard choices and constant warfare, with relaxation a rare commodity. Fulk's the best thing about this novel, his pragmatic heart coexisting alongside real piety and affection. He is always carefully considering his options and laying his plans to secure his lands and property. This is the core of the book, and while it doesn't sound that exciting, Holland is able to give each choice such a significance that the journey feels important. We're given a good insight into the Anarchy and the attitudes of the time. The book is basically a chance to experience what life was like for a lord in the age of the Plantagenets.
The problem, like a lot of Holland's novels, is that there is no real resolution to this tangled web of plotlines. As is common, she only starts tying things up in the final 2-3 pages, and once she's hastily resolved the main plotline there's no looking back or considering what will follow. It just ends. It's especially problematic here because there's a sudden twist in the second to last chapter that urgently needs resolution, but in fact remains mostly loose. I have no idea what's going on in the last two chapters, and then suddenly the book ends and I was left puzzling over it. When you've done so good a job at drawing readers in it's a real pain to leave them like this.
Characters: 8 (distinct and vivid if sometimes shallow)
Accuracy: 9 (accurate mental viewpoint with some simplification of events)
The essence of the novel is the day-to-day life, full of petty battles and high intrigues, of Fulk, Earl of Stafford. Being a lord in 12th century England is full of hard choices and constant warfare, with relaxation a rare commodity. Fulk's the best thing about this novel, his pragmatic heart coexisting alongside real piety and affection. He is always carefully considering his options and laying his plans to secure his lands and property. This is the core of the book, and while it doesn't sound that exciting, Holland is able to give each choice such a significance that the journey feels important. We're given a good insight into the Anarchy and the attitudes of the time. The book is basically a chance to experience what life was like for a lord in the age of the Plantagenets.
The problem, like a lot of Holland's novels, is that there is no real resolution to this tangled web of plotlines. As is common, she only starts tying things up in the final 2-3 pages, and once she's hastily resolved the main plotline there's no looking back or considering what will follow. It just ends. It's especially problematic here because there's a sudden twist in the second to last chapter that urgently needs resolution, but in fact remains mostly loose. I have no idea what's going on in the last two chapters, and then suddenly the book ends and I was left puzzling over it. When you've done so good a job at drawing readers in it's a real pain to leave them like this.
November 2, 2012
Readers who like their historical fiction to be more fiction than history may like this book, but I prefer historical fiction to be accurate, and this book contained many inaccuracies. The main character, who was fictional, was okay, but not particularly interesting. Many of the historical characters were not accurately portrayed, and the author played a fast and loose in her telling of events.
April 27, 2022
I read this ages ago and I have been thinking about this book lately as I flip through hordes of crappy books in my hopeless search for a gripping historical novel. I remembered liking the main character. He stood out to me because he was quite ordinary and very much tired of life, fighting, his marriage... I was sorry that I couldn't remember the writer or the title of the book until today :)
July 16, 2021
Being an Earl in the the 12th century was difficult. Men kept their property and titles through battle and their wits.
This is probably more true to life than the historical romances we frequently read. I had read this book several years ago while living in Europe for 16 years. Life was hard and frequently cruel for people during the middle ages. Castles often had dirt floors and hide covered windows. Most castles had a central well and all.water had t be carried in hide skin buckets. The peasants were at the mercy of armies and fighting men. Men and women had to use any advantage they had to exist.
This is probably more true to life than the historical romances we frequently read. I had read this book several years ago while living in Europe for 16 years. Life was hard and frequently cruel for people during the middle ages. Castles often had dirt floors and hide covered windows. Most castles had a central well and all.water had t be carried in hide skin buckets. The peasants were at the mercy of armies and fighting men. Men and women had to use any advantage they had to exist.
March 9, 2025
Drank her to the lees
I have never met a book by Cecelia that I didn't like. Hammer For Princes wash another that I couldn't put down until it was finished.
This era of English history has to be extremely challenging for any writer, with its intricate network of locations, vast choice of characters, and scheming intrigue. Cecelia, as always, makes it seem easy. I always learn so much I didn't know I didn't know.
History is made enjoyable and entertaining by a great novelist and historian. I am grateful for Cecelia Holland.
I have never met a book by Cecelia that I didn't like. Hammer For Princes wash another that I couldn't put down until it was finished.
This era of English history has to be extremely challenging for any writer, with its intricate network of locations, vast choice of characters, and scheming intrigue. Cecelia, as always, makes it seem easy. I always learn so much I didn't know I didn't know.
History is made enjoyable and entertaining by a great novelist and historian. I am grateful for Cecelia Holland.
September 16, 2020
During the 12th century civil war between Stephen of Blois and the Empress Matilda Plantagenet, Fulk, Earl of Stafford, whose feud with his outlawed uncle Thierry mirrors England's unrest, must decide between honor and duty to his liege-lord.
September 17, 2020
During the 12th century civil war between Stephen of Blois and the Empress Matilda Plantagenet, Fulk, Earl of Stafford, whose feud with his outlawed uncle Thierry mirrors England's unrest, must decide between honor and duty to his liege-lord.
May 16, 2024
Good read
Hated the yellow highlighting as to what the highlighter thought was wrong. Ignorant I thought, served no purpose. First time I have seen this on a Kindle book. I hope I see no more.
However, I thought this an excellent read and loved it.
Hated the yellow highlighting as to what the highlighter thought was wrong. Ignorant I thought, served no purpose. First time I have seen this on a Kindle book. I hope I see no more.
However, I thought this an excellent read and loved it.
June 17, 2025
Solid historical novel involving a bitter family feud carried out amidst banket halls and battlefields during the civil war between King Steven and the future Henry II. Well written and engaging enough to keep me reading, but unlikely to leave a lasting impression.
May 14, 2019
Love this author. Love the characters and their development. Short read. Finished in a day. Was hoping that Alys and Fulk would end up together 😌
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 8, 2024
I took very long to read this book in the end I just went to the end of the story
June 11, 2024
Medieval England sucked.
October 31, 2014
Bit complicated this. I was reading that Eleanor of Aquitaine book, and a friend of mine suggested I read When Christ And His Saints Slept by Sharon Penman, because it's set during the Anarchy. I checked the library, and alas they had no copy. Then I read an interview with Anthony Price, and in it he recommended a book by Cecilia Holland and said it was the best historical novel he'd ever read. Off I went looking for that. Alas, the library had no copy, but it had lots of other Cecelia Holland books, including this one, set... during the Anarchy. I'll have that says I.
To be specific, it's set during the tail end of the Anarchy. The future Henry II is in working his way around the south of England subduing castles and drawing barons to his side. One of them is Fulk, Earl of Stafford, an old supporter of Henry's mother the unpopular Empress Matilda, and now he's busy working for Henry and safeguarding his own interests. Fulk is a highly competent man, with experience and skills in leadership, warfare, organisation and basic political intrigue. As he engages in a forced march, storms a castle, joins a siege, fights in a tourney, subdues unrest in a town he displays again and again his abilities and his shrewdness, though Prince Henry and some of his fellow barons have plans and ideas of their own. What he cannot control, however is his own family. At the heart of everything he does is the hatred between him and his uncle, an outlaw now inveigling himself into Henry's good graces and held in affection by Fulk's son, Rannulf.
Similar to Wolf Hall, in that it's a portrait of a man of his time in his time, and that man is a prosaic, practical exemplar of his type, Hammer Of Princes is written with wonderfully crafted prose, as deceptively plain as its protagonist, strong and unromantic but with unfussy hints of emotion and an occasional appreciation for beauty when affairs allow. A terrific novel.
To be specific, it's set during the tail end of the Anarchy. The future Henry II is in working his way around the south of England subduing castles and drawing barons to his side. One of them is Fulk, Earl of Stafford, an old supporter of Henry's mother the unpopular Empress Matilda, and now he's busy working for Henry and safeguarding his own interests. Fulk is a highly competent man, with experience and skills in leadership, warfare, organisation and basic political intrigue. As he engages in a forced march, storms a castle, joins a siege, fights in a tourney, subdues unrest in a town he displays again and again his abilities and his shrewdness, though Prince Henry and some of his fellow barons have plans and ideas of their own. What he cannot control, however is his own family. At the heart of everything he does is the hatred between him and his uncle, an outlaw now inveigling himself into Henry's good graces and held in affection by Fulk's son, Rannulf.
Similar to Wolf Hall, in that it's a portrait of a man of his time in his time, and that man is a prosaic, practical exemplar of his type, Hammer Of Princes is written with wonderfully crafted prose, as deceptively plain as its protagonist, strong and unromantic but with unfussy hints of emotion and an occasional appreciation for beauty when affairs allow. A terrific novel.
December 5, 2017
Plot: 8 (little focus on overarching narrative but effective on daily life)
Characters: 8 (distinct and vivid if sometimes shallow)
Accuracy: 9 (accurate mental viewpoint with some simplification of events)
The essence of the novel is the day-to-day life, full of petty battles and high intrigues, of Fulk, Earl of Stafford. Being a lord in 12th century England is full of hard choices and constant warfare, with relaxation a rare commodity. Fulk's the best thing about this novel, his pragmatic heart coexisting alongside real piety and affection. He is always carefully considering his options and laying his plans to secure his lands and property. This is the core of the book, and while it doesn't sound that exciting, Holland is able to give each choice such a significance that the journey feels important. We're given a good insight into the Anarchy and the attitudes of the time. The book is basically a chance to experience what life was like for a lord in the age of the Plantagenets.
The problem, like a lot of Holland's novels, is that there is no real resolution to this tangled web of plotlines. As is common, she only starts tying things up in the final 2-3 pages, and once she's hastily resolved the main plotline there's no looking back or considering what will follow. It just ends. It's especially problematic here because there's a sudden twist in the second to last chapter that urgently needs resolution, but in fact remains mostly loose. I have no idea what's going on in the last two chapters, and then suddenly the book ends and I was left puzzling over it. When you've done so good a job at drawing readers in it's a real pain to leave them like this.
Characters: 8 (distinct and vivid if sometimes shallow)
Accuracy: 9 (accurate mental viewpoint with some simplification of events)
The essence of the novel is the day-to-day life, full of petty battles and high intrigues, of Fulk, Earl of Stafford. Being a lord in 12th century England is full of hard choices and constant warfare, with relaxation a rare commodity. Fulk's the best thing about this novel, his pragmatic heart coexisting alongside real piety and affection. He is always carefully considering his options and laying his plans to secure his lands and property. This is the core of the book, and while it doesn't sound that exciting, Holland is able to give each choice such a significance that the journey feels important. We're given a good insight into the Anarchy and the attitudes of the time. The book is basically a chance to experience what life was like for a lord in the age of the Plantagenets.
The problem, like a lot of Holland's novels, is that there is no real resolution to this tangled web of plotlines. As is common, she only starts tying things up in the final 2-3 pages, and once she's hastily resolved the main plotline there's no looking back or considering what will follow. It just ends. It's especially problematic here because there's a sudden twist in the second to last chapter that urgently needs resolution, but in fact remains mostly loose. I have no idea what's going on in the last two chapters, and then suddenly the book ends and I was left puzzling over it. When you've done so good a job at drawing readers in it's a real pain to leave them like this.
September 14, 2013
I have long been waiting to add this to my collection and then have a nice quiet day to read it. Well, it did not live up to all my expectations, but it hit the mark in several places.
I have read and enjoyed Holland before, but this is her early work and it seems that an editor could have helped with a little development. One is that time and distance are fast and loose, when looking at the map of the places our hero must travel too.
Further is that some of the medieval flavor is developed and then some seems to be forgotten. The Earl leaves his room and finds many asleep in the next, or he shares a bed with his squire and main lieutenant. A bed made of what? And in the keep main hall, isn't that where we will find most of the men bedded down.
Issues of Henry's army and gathering in food for them are part of the Earl's mission, and so we have a glimpse of what it takes to feed an army, but there are other problems, and then when the Jewry is atacked, one gets the sense that there are many streets there but how many would there be? Two? In a walled town in the 1100s in England.
Some of what feels wrong is needed for the plot, but perhaps more research would have led to other devices that would have fit the era.
I liked it, and think those who like Norman Knights will like it as well. I am bothered a little by what I feel are inaccuracies, and I may be wrong. But I would recommend this to others.
I have read and enjoyed Holland before, but this is her early work and it seems that an editor could have helped with a little development. One is that time and distance are fast and loose, when looking at the map of the places our hero must travel too.
Further is that some of the medieval flavor is developed and then some seems to be forgotten. The Earl leaves his room and finds many asleep in the next, or he shares a bed with his squire and main lieutenant. A bed made of what? And in the keep main hall, isn't that where we will find most of the men bedded down.
Issues of Henry's army and gathering in food for them are part of the Earl's mission, and so we have a glimpse of what it takes to feed an army, but there are other problems, and then when the Jewry is atacked, one gets the sense that there are many streets there but how many would there be? Two? In a walled town in the 1100s in England.
Some of what feels wrong is needed for the plot, but perhaps more research would have led to other devices that would have fit the era.
I liked it, and think those who like Norman Knights will like it as well. I am bothered a little by what I feel are inaccuracies, and I may be wrong. But I would recommend this to others.
September 6, 2015
A unique English Medieval Historical set during the twelve century. A tale of mystery, family feuds, betrayal, angst, an outlawed Knight, an errant Knight, Kings, civil war and much tragedy.
A bit confusing at times. It was definitely a time of betrayal and much angst. This is NOT a romance, but a Historical Fiction. With that said, if you are looking for a complex, but interesting tale with much drama, than look no further. I had a hard time connecting with the characters, not sure really why. The writing was was well done, vivid and written in a matter that was understandable and interesting. A unique tale with much family drama, and fighting, a murder, and so much more. An enjoyable read.
*Received for an honest review from the publisher via Net Galley *
Rating: 3
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
A bit confusing at times. It was definitely a time of betrayal and much angst. This is NOT a romance, but a Historical Fiction. With that said, if you are looking for a complex, but interesting tale with much drama, than look no further. I had a hard time connecting with the characters, not sure really why. The writing was was well done, vivid and written in a matter that was understandable and interesting. A unique tale with much family drama, and fighting, a murder, and so much more. An enjoyable read.
*Received for an honest review from the publisher via Net Galley *
Rating: 3
Heat rating: Mild
Reviewed by: AprilR, courtesy of My Book Addiction and More
October 3, 2014
Holland describes the end of the first English Civil War (Stephen vs. Matilda, then Stephen vs. Henry) through the eyes of a thoughtful, surprisingly complex English/Norman lord living in a chancy world. "The Earl" is the best of her many good novels, written when she was 28, but already her sixth book. She is very good, and is still writing.
April 10, 2013
This is a book that my father and brother really enjoyed- in the 1970s. I liked the writing very much, but now and then was lost in the 12th century - apparently I didn't pay close enough attention in high school English history (or any other class, for that matter....). But I will read more by Holland.
November 14, 2008
I read this nearly 30 years ago. It pulled me into historical novels as a genre, and made me a firm fan. What struck me was her unvarnished look at medieval life, the dirt and violence. It's a good yarn.
December 14, 2016
Wonderful, could not put it down.
Great historical novel. If you enjoy adventure and well written prose. This book carries you at a break neck pace as you ride along with the Knights and hero s and villains, great fun.
Great historical novel. If you enjoy adventure and well written prose. This book carries you at a break neck pace as you ride along with the Knights and hero s and villains, great fun.
May 20, 2011
This book was not as good as the first book I read by Cecelia Holland. I did enjoy the book, however, and will read another one of her books.
November 9, 2011
This book reads as though it was written for ten-year olds. In fact, I think many of the novels I read when I was ten were much better written.
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