A Great and Terrible King

January 12, 2015
In an age of chivalry and ever-shifting political boundaries, Edward I typified the ideal medieval monarch in his significant military conquests, construction of notable castles and towns, and participation in the Crusades. Morris (The Norman Conquest) expertly puts Edward’s achievements, such as the Model Parliament, into historical context while laying bare—and making interesting—the king’s struggles. The account primarily centers on Edward’s role as monarch; there’s comparatively little development of his personal relationships with his much-loved wife and tragedy-prone children. Edward’s flaws (expelling the Jews, throwing temper tantrums, and levying heavy taxes) receive clear analysis; Morris wryly notes that an aging Edward benefited from outliving many of his detractors. Descriptions of Edward waging war in Scotland, Ireland, Wales, and even Gascony maintain a level of excitement as Morris cleverly builds anticipation, never dropping a narrative thread. In Morris’ able hands, readers accompany Edward Longshanks as he earns his legendary status as the larger-than-life warrior king who defeated Scotland’s William Wallace, held on to his French lands, and built a reputation nearly impossible for later Plantagenet rulers to duplicate. Illus.

February 1, 2015

Historian Morris (The Norman Conquest) has created a painstakingly researched and highly readable account of "Edwardus Magnus" (1272-1307), one of Britain's longest-lived medieval monarchs. This first major modern biography takes a chronological rather than thematic approach in detailing the accomplishments and legacy of the ruler who, according to Morris, reigned during a pivotal and decisive moment for the future of England. The author presents a decidedly positive perspective of Edward, conqueror of Wales and nemesis of the Scots, painting him as a valiant warrior with a talent for selecting men of ability to serve the state and as a man of character driven to recover Jerusalem for the papacy and rights for the crown. Included here is a fascinating but little-known account of the way in which Edward used the memory of the legendary King Arthur--believed by contemporaries to have been a real person--to his own political advantage. Today's readers will certainly find fault with Edward's sense of justice, his persecution of his Jewish subjects, his "racist" attitudes toward the Welsh, and the financial costs of his incessant war making and unparalleled castle construction. Nonetheless, vivid details and an engaging narrative style bring the man and his period to life. VERDICT Highly recommended for scholars and generalists alike interested in the Middle Ages.--Marie M. Mullaney, Caldwell Coll., NJ

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