John T. Appleby (1908–1974)

A good telling of the reign of King Stephen; very heavy on details, names, and places. Properly sourced from primary and closely-related secondary material. Author does seem to heavily discount the role of women in medieval leadership, echoing the misogyny of the sources (he DEFINITELY does not care for Empress Matilda).

Recommended for those interested in medieval history or English history (and will not be thrown by volume of detail); also for those who have read PILLARS OF THE EARTH and want more information around its time period / inspiration.… (altro)

Richard I was only in England Twice, the longest period being a three month stint while preparing for the Crusade. While he was there he raised a good deal of cash by selling offices. He also set up a structure to rule England in his absence. It worked after a fashion, after his principal deputy was run oout of the country. When the ransom was raised, the king returned, but only to discipline the ruling committee which remained more or less in charge while he dashed off to France again, battling for the bits of his domain he obviously liked better. Then, he died, and the ruling committee had to turn things over to King John. The author advances the idea that the time spent without the king in the country bore fruit in the eventual shape of the Magna Carta. It reads pretty well.… (altro)