All Things Medieval discussion

Famous rulers like William the Conqueror, Henry II, Edward I, Richard III and Llywelyn ap Gruffydd just to name a few can be discussed.

Does anyone have book suggestions on Edward I-III, Henry I-III or Richard I?

For nonfiction on the three Edwards, there are Thomas Costain's The Three Edwards (a little dated) and Michael Prestwich's The Three Edwards (originality in titling isn't the name of the game here). I have Marc Morris's biography of Edward I, A Great and Terrible King, but I haven't read it yet. John Gillingham's bio of Richard I is supposed to be good.

I like Sharon Penman's novels for Henry II & III and Richard I.

Jean Plaidy has written novels about most of these kings and their families, but most aren't really in the same league as her Tudor novels, in my opinion. Some of the research in them has become a bit dated.

I'm biased toward one novel on Edward II in particular, but there's a list of others on my website:

http://www.susanhigginbotham.com/Edwa...

I've been wanting to read Emma Campion's book on Alice Perrers, Edward III's mistress.

Alison Weir's biography of Edward II's wife (and Edward III's mother), Queen Isabella Treachery, Adultery, and Murder in Medieval England, is interesting.

I do not buy her theory about Edward II, although it's certainly an interesting one.

Susanna wrote: "Alison Weir's biography of Edward II's wife (and Edward III's mother), Queen Isabella Treachery, Adultery, and Murder in Medieval England, is interesting.

I do not buy her theory a..."

Ian Mortimer does a rather better job arguing that theory than Weir, though I wasn't convinced.

I would also mention Susan's book on Edward II, The Traitor's Wife, I enjoyed it a great deal.

A side note, Susan Howatch wrote three books that while not based on the medieval period her characters and storylines parallel the Plantagenets. Penmarric, Henry II, Eleanor and his battling brood of sons. Cashelmara Edward I & II (some damn chilling scenes there let me tell you) and Wheel of Fortune which continues the story of Edward III. I haven't read Wheel yet. Note, these are not a series, each book and it's characters and setting are unrelated to each other.

Nora Lofts wrote The Lute Player which is about Richard I, but it was pretty meh for me. Penman's Devil's Brood features him quite a bit in the latter part of the book and we're all waiting patiently whilst she writes the next one, Lionheart.

Also any recommendations on best book about Richard II?

Thoughts on Plaidy's Plantagenet series?

Margaret Campbell Barnes wrote a book about Richard II. Within the Hollow Crown

Brian Wainwright's Within The Fetterlock also covers parts of Richard's life, but the focus is not on him.

Did youread Barnes's book and was it good/bad?

Susan C wrote: "Also any recommendations on best book about Richard II?

Thoughts on Plaidy's Plantagenet series?"

I read Within the Hollow Crown (Margaret Campbell Barnes) and thought it was pretty good. I preferred it to Plaidy's Passage to Pontefract which covers the reign of Richard II.
As for Plaidy's Plantagenet series as a whole, I have read all of them and thought that the quality varies widely. Some of them are good; others are very boring and dry - pretty much a recitation of historical facts with a little dialogue thrown in. I thought the worst was Hammer of the Scots (a/k/a Longshanks) about Edward I.

Susan C wrote: "Did youread Barnes's book and was it good/bad?"

I enjoyed Within the Hollow Crown as well.

Good to know about the Plantagenet's by Plaidy. I have been collecting all of her works and are missing pretty much the last 1/2 of the Plantagenets. I have enjoyed Plaidy as an 'easy' read or introduction to the times as a precursor to reading the heavier types of books.

Marie wrote: "Good to know about the Plantagenet's by Plaidy. I have been collecting all of her works and are missing pretty much the last 1/2 of the Plantagenets. I have enjoyed Plaidy as an 'easy' read or intr..."

I think that's a good view to have of Plaidy's books!

Just purchased Judith Green's "Henry I" - so looking forward to reading it.

Just finished "John of Gaunt: King of Castile and Leon, Duke of Aquitaine and Lancaster" by Sydney Armitage-Smith. He was never king himself, but since both sides in the War of the Roses sprang from him, I wanted to know more about him.

Jan wrote: "Just finished "John of Gaunt: King of Castile and Leon, Duke of Aquitaine and Lancaster" by Sydney Armitage-Smith."

Was it any good?

I get the impression that one didn't want to mess with John of Gaunt.

John of Gaunt was a powerful man, who never became king. He's a very interesting character, and I enjoyed reading about him. You see different glimpses of him in so many others' stories, that I liked having it all put together with the focus on John. Worth reading, I think.

I was going to ask how the John of Gaunt book was too - and if it was worth buying. His is a name that seems to be held in such high esteem. I've bookmarked in on Amazon but may see if I can get it through the library. Thanks for the mini review!

Anyone with an interest in John of Gaunt also should consider reading about Katherine Swynford, Gaunt's mistress and later wife.

Katherine Swynford: The Story of John of Gaunt and His Scandalous Duchessis one source.

I did read the book about Katherine Swynford. Interesting woman.