Mad Dogs and Englishmen

by Ranulph Fiennes

Discover Sir Ranulph Twistelton-Wykham-Fiennes's personal expedition to trace his extraordinary family through the twists and turns of history. From Charlemagne - himself a direct ancestor of the author - to the count who very nearly persuaded William the Conqueror to retreat at Hastings, many members of this unique clan have lived close to the nerve centre of the ruler of their day. They number in their ranks a murderer, a wife poisoner, a poacher, England's greatest female traveller of the 17th century, and an extortionist Lord High Treasurer, teen cousins who eloped, a noble lord hanged for manslaughter, another hanged for adultery with the King's wife, and many who, as admirals or major-generals, won famous battles. The Fiennes' behind Cromwell provided the castle in which the Parliamentarians made their first secret moves, the same building in which twenty-one successive generations of the family have lived for 600 unbroken years. One Fiennes had his head cut off by the London mob and stuck on Tower Bridge, another led the First Crusade that captured Jerusalem . . . And that is just a taster. Ranulph Fiennes tells the story of his unconventional, exceptional family, and reveals the ingredients for the man described by the Guinness Book of Records as 'the world's greatest living explorer'.

Genres: Biography, History, Nonfiction, Travel, Autobiography

Audio CD

First published September 1, 2009

About the author

Sir Ranulph Twisleton-Wykeham-Fiennes, 3rd Baronet, OBE, better known as Ranulph (Ran) Fiennes, is a British adventurer and holder of several endurance records.

Fiennes has written books about his army service and his expeditions as well as a book defending Robert Falcon Scott from modern revisionists. In May 2009, aged 65, he climbed to the summit of Mount Everest. According to the Guinness Book of World Records he is the world's greatest living adventurer.

Reviews

[Angela Moore Garden Tea Cakes and Me · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book had been recommended to me from someone who knows I love English history, and what a read it was.

Following the history of England from the norman invasion to present day through just one family was truly fascinating. This is not a brief look at Rauulph Fiennes family tree. But an interesting and detailed exploration of the Fiennes family and how they were influential during many of the key dates in England history. Involved in both the making of royal dynasties and the downfall of royalty.

You need to be a lover of history to really appreciate this book, the level of detailed research and the records kept by the Fiennes family is phenomenal. The book includes many photos and historical illustrations and of course a number of family trees, to help with the understanding.

An excellent read and one I have put back on my bookshelf as I am sure I will want to revisit it again some day.

[Robin Carter · Rating 3 out of 5]

To be honest i had no idea what to expect when i downloaded this title, I really don't normally touch this sort of book, But i Like Fiennes, i have read his fiction novels so i know he can write, and the man himself is an enigma.

So why read this? Well a book that shows a view of a single family history going back to the Norman invasion, and how that family intertwines with the history of this great nation and played at times a pivotal role in its evolution, it was too much to pass up. I'm sure there is an element of 6 degree of separation going on at times given the incestuous nature of the aristo's in times of yore, but even that does not account for just how many great people or important events were touched by this family, or how interesting it all is seeing it tied together.

It could put you off doing your own family history, or it could kindle a need to know who you are where you came from, what role did your family have? I very much doubt many will have this outcome, but even the odd shining star is fun and even without, its amazing finding out.

I recommend this to any reader, Ranulph has a very humorous wit that pervades the book and is not averse to poking fun at himself or his family or the royalty of Great Britain, i really enjoyed this read, something very different from what i normally read.

[Jaffareadstoo · Rating 5 out of 5]

A fabulous look at English history through the eyes of one family.It's an amazing piece of research ,and with lots of interesting anecdotal snippets throughout. I found myself reading it long into the night and beyond ..

[Fiona · Rating 3 out of 5]

I got as far as the thirteenth century history with RTWF's family. I then skipped forwards to take in the twentieth century. It's not badly written but the history is dense and since I am broadly familiar with English history there wasn't much new for me. It was a bit like being shown pictures of places you've been by a friend who is telling you they've been there too.

Writing of a massacre following a siege in France RTWF states that he hopes that his ancestor did not take part. I'm sure he realises, as does any reader, that the chances of his ancestor having behaved any differently to everybody else's ancestor present, is slim.

I am a complete fan of this author and his exploits and I think anyone wanting to learn more about English history as well as about his family will enjoy this book.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ticked all the boxes for me....Ranulph Fiennes - Modern Day hero for me. History - Can't get enough. Well written - without a doubt.
This book traces the Fiennes family right back to the time of William the Conquer, when the family came over from France and some, settled in England.
How marvelous that you can trace your ancestry back that far?
Written in a way that I got drawn into the "story" and found myself routing for family members through their trails and tribulations.
I was entertained and educated at the same time. Great read

[Rachel]

Very detailed account of the Fiennes family history within the history of England.
I got bogged down in detail and names and the size of print of the family tree does not make it easy to follow for bedtime reading. A great volume for an in depth view of intertwining of one family throughhistory.

[Shaun Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good Fiennes read

Friends digs into his family history and
produces an enjoyable read.
The earlier parts of the book are a bit like the Old Testament with a cast of characters begatting offspring of the same name.
The book gets better from the Civil War onwards worth a read

[Coffee & books · Rating 5 out of 5]

It was a fascinating book. I liked the way he wrote it and it's a different way to look at history. I would highly recommend it.

Full review on my blog: Coffee & Books

[Marion Roux · Rating 5 out of 5]

I wish all history books were written like this book - making the reading easy, interesting and memorable. This is about the English and French royalty from 715 to modern day, with great splashes of the Fiennes family involvement. What a warring and blood thirtsy tribe the English were!

[Tractor Girl · Rating 2 out of 5]

Quick run through of history in England....possibly not my cup of tea!

[Alayne · Rating 4 out of 5]

A history of England since 1066, written around the conceit of following his family's relationships with various monarchs. I enjoyed it but I thought it a most egotistical way to write a book!

[Rachel Rothwell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Highly entertaing romp through English history with the Fiennes

[Jonathan · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting read to see how involved one family can be in significant historical events

[Mr Michael R Stevens · Rating 4 out of 5]

Amazing journey through history seen through the eyes of one family

[Chad Mitchell · Rating 3 out of 5]

Decent. Not entirely sure of historical accuracy and found it more interesting reading about history of England vs his family

[Ryan Kriste · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book that fast-forwards through English/British/Norman history only stopping where the Fiennes, Twisleton, Wykeham and related families pop-up. The book is for the casual reader as there is very little in the form of sourcing or small (but important) details. I was a bit worried about the left wing leanings that I suspected but they were not too blatant (although they do exist).

A great read if you like history and it is fascinating reading how important one family can be in the history of our people. The fact that it is my family as well only makes it better for me and the many others that share the ancestry.

[Anita · Rating 3 out of 5]

I'm really impressed by the Fiennes' family history. The book itself was interesting, but it was really just a summary of every significant historical event in England (almost all of which the Fiennes family were involved in). I guess there was so much to tell that if the book included more stories and details it would have ended up too long but, as it was, I found it lacked depth and 'personality'.

[Jim Mitchell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love a bit of history and if your into English and French history you'll love this book. Detailed and open it not only shines a light on his ancestors but covers centuries of English history and the Fiennes family's impact on England and France. The 19th and 20th centuries were not as adventurous for the Fiennes and the last few chapters drag a little but that's only because they didn't get up to so much mischief then. Really enjoyed.

[Marilyn · Rating 2 out of 5]

I kept reading it although I couldn't believe I was reading it! There are no women in his family history and few domestic stories or even architectural stories of his house that has been in the familly for 600 years. I did learn a lot of English history in a brief way which was nice.

[Ewald · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very interesting person, out af an amazing family history, and still he has the guts to enjoy life to the fullest!

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed Randulph's writing style and some of the history stuff was fascinating - I've realised how little I know about English history!- but I did get lost in all the names and family stuff.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

A better-than-expected read. An amazing family history (seemlessly interwoven with British history).

[Roxanne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really, really enjoyed this book. I've never had much of a brain for history but I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Sir Ranulph has a way of making stories come to life (cliched, but true). Full marks.

[Ellena Downes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this, it did seem like his family was involved in event in British history for the last 800 years! A very touching last chapter.

[Camille · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really interesting, engrossing audiobook read by the author himself. I really enjoyed it and it had me laughing at times. You can tell it is well-researched and well-written.

[Solomon]

Interesting insight into English history through the eyes of a single family. What an amazing chap - Sir Ranulph Fiennes.

[Valerie Martin · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was OK - a bit dull in places.