Coeur De Lion: The Journals of Richard the Lionheart

by Isla Tate

Richard the Lionheart has long been considered the greatest heroic figure in the history of the Christian world. Born as the third son of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, he became King of England and ruler of the Angevin Empire at the age of thirty-two, following the deaths of his two elder brothers. Already established as Europe’s finest soldier, he undertook the Third Crusade to come to the aid of Jerusalem, which had recently fallen to Saladin. Richard’s epic military and strategic achievements in confronting Saladin’s vast armies on his home soil were repeatedly punctuated by the acts of extraordinary personal courage, which made him a legend. From the age of fifteen, at his father’s instruction, Richard had kept a series of journals recording all of the personal aspects of his daily life. On his death, according to his instructions, the journals passed to his wife Berengaria. She was buried clasping the journals to her chest. For over seven hundred years the journals lay entombed with her in a crypt in a French abbey. Then, following the Nazi invasion of France in 1940, Berengaria’s grave was opened and the journals were removed and secretly taken to Germany to a private collection. Historians and academics have wondered for centuries why Richard did certain things, but only now can we gain a genuine understanding of the events that drove him to act in the way that he did. Now published for the first time, these journals provide a unique, personal insight into the legend of the man universally known in his own time as the ‘greatest king who ever lived'. Kirkus "In this historical novel, Tate envisions the many triumphs and passions of Richard the Lionheart. The author frames her story as six volumes of the polarizing king’s journal, concluding with his last letter to his queen, Berengaria. Richard narrates throughout, beginning with his early status as Duke of Aquitaine, the tensions between his father, Henry II, and Thomas Becket, the adviser whom Henry would infamously murder, and his own lengthy rebellion against his father. In early adulthood, Richard asserts his authority by engaging in jousting tournaments, exacting vengeance on rapists and mercenaries, and mounting his first military campaign against Henry in Paris, with King Louis VII of France. Although Richard eventually acknowledges the supremacy of his father’s rule, he also does what Henry could not, capturing the “unassailable” fortress at Taillebourg in France. Tate’s book is as much a romance as a thriller, particularly when Richard speaks of Berengaria; when they first meet, he reflects, “I am not sure how long we stood there, staring at each other.” His dedication to her is constant, and when she becomes pregnant with their child, the knowledge buoys Richard through later military campaigns. Over the course of the novel, Richard captures the French commune of Gorre, defeats Isaac Comnenus of Cyprus, and forges a memorable truce with the sultan Saladin, ultimately emerging victorious in the Third Crusade. In the gritty conclusion, Richard meets his prolonged death at the hands of a mocking archer when gangrene from a crossbow-bolt wound spreads; he recounts in the final entry that he knows his death approaches and that “we cannot amputate my back.” A postscript describes the later lives of several main characters, adding depth to an already rich narrative. In thoroughly detailed prose, Tate pays careful attention to Richard’s personality and perspective, dwelling on both his thunderous moods and softer emotional connections.

Genres: History, Autobiography, Nonfiction

419 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 12, 2020

Reviews

[Margaret Crosby · Rating 1 out of 5]

Fiction not factual, therefore not for me.

[MARGARET LAURA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tate’s Richard the Lionheart offers a stunning, deeply immersive glimpse into the life of one of history's most iconic figures. Through the lens of Richard’s journals, we are granted an intimate and nuanced view of the king—his passions, his strategic genius, and his moments of vulnerability. The novel brilliantly blends historical detail with emotional depth, from Richard’s early years as a rebellious son to his legendary military campaigns, culminating in the heart-wrenching final moments of his life.

What I loved most about this book is how it humanizes Richard, not just as a king but as a man—fierce in battle, tender in love, and filled with both flaws and greatness. The romance with Berengaria adds a rich emotional layer, and the portrayal of his relationship with his father, Henry II, and the complex politics of the time gives the story depth beyond the battlefield. The narrative’s pacing is perfect, with thrilling moments of battle and strategy balanced by quieter, more introspective passages.

A gripping historical fiction that feels both grand and personal, Tate’s novel is a must-read for anyone fascinated by the legends of medieval kings and the real men behind them. The journals of Richard the Lionheart are finally here—and they’re every bit as extraordinary as the man himself.

[Dawn Hester · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another battle for the throne

King Richard's journals were hard to read in places. I've read so many books on the fight over the English throne that I had to stop for awhile. It's a shame King Richard was unable to fully complete his crusade. Even more shocking is the way he died- an unknown man was able to bring down the Lionheart of England.

[Andrew Wilson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting read

I enjoyed this book immensely. Well written and researched. Richard comes across as a human ruler. Shame so much of the journals was lost to the radishes of time. Highly recommended.

[Shawn William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reads like a fictional adventure novel

Coeur De Lion is thoroughly entertaining and resembles an action packed adventure novel that was written to entertain. The journals reveal several unknown and intriguing events that are not found in a scholarly historical book.

[Chase Newland · Rating 4 out of 5]

I took a chance on this from AmazonUK, not sure what I was in for. It starts slowly but quickly reminds you it isn't for children... Overall I enjoyed reading it.