The Plantagenets: The Warrior Kings and Queens Who Made England

Sehr gut geschriebenes Buch über den Aufstieg der Plantagenet-Könige und des Angevinischen Reiches, im journalistischen Stil geschrieben, daher aber spannend und leicht lesbar. Es werden viele oolitische Zusammenhänge deutlich, ohne dass das vom Lesespass ablenkt. Das Buch gibt einen guten Überblick und Einstieg. Sehr empfehlenswert!

I have only read a little on this period of English history and am therefore no expert. My views are those of an amateur who's interest in this period have grown with reading of Dan Jones' excellent book. Jones provides a tremendous introduction and overview to the subject, involving as it does a bewlidering array of characters and events. He tells the story with ease and turns what is a complex and (at times) obscure period of history into an exciting story that I simply could not put down. In fact, I cannot wait for him to write "The Plantagenets - Part II" covering the period from 1399 to Bosworth in 1485. That would include amongst other things, Henry V (Agincourt), the conquest of France, Joan of Arc, the Wars of the Roses, Towton, Edward IV, Richard III, the Princes in the Tower and maybe even a mention of the dig in the carpark. Jones, however, suggests that the Plantaganets as a royal line end with the usurpation by Henry IV and the death of Richard II in 1399/1400. I think there is an equally strong argument to the effect that the Plantagenets as a royal line continued up to the death of Richard III in 1485 at Bosworth and that the Wars of the Roses were really a Plantagenet family conflict. Even if Jones is correct in arguing that the Plantagenets came to an end in 1399 and he decides to end his story there, this book will whet your appetite to read more. Jones has some very definite views on issues that have been the subject of debate in recent times. For instance, he has no truck at all with the theory that Edward II survived past 1327 until 1330 (or if we are to believe Ian Mortimer - possibly into the 1340's). He is sure that the king was killed at the behest of Roger Mortimer (1st Earl of March) in 1327. Jones also gives an excellent overview of Richard I, the Lionheart and the following reign by his brother King John. From reading Jones, the Lionheart does not appear to have been so great on Crusade after all but was brilliant in his conquest of much of France. King John is famous for having been a truly appaling King and the author shows exactly why this was the case. I would strongly recommend this book to anyone with even a passing interest in the period. Despite its size it is in fact a very quick read. You will end up wanting to read more on the subject. This being the case, I must recommend the various books by Ian Mortimer which cover part of the period covered by Jones. Though Mortimer expounds some theories and conspiracies that Jones clearly does not agree with, his works are 'must reads' as well. These include the Greatest Traitor (on Edward II and Roger Mortimer), the Perfect King (on Edward III) and the Fears of Henry IV . Start with Jones' excellent book and you will find yourself wanting to read more. Enjoy!

LIVRE PASSIONNANT AUTANT POUR L'HISTOIRE DE L'ANGLETERRE QUE POUR L'HISTOIRE DE LA FRANCE DE L'EPOQUE

Good book, especially if you are into English history for the time period.

This book is great popular history: solid research combined with an excellent narrative style. I found it hard to put down. The same writer wrote The Wars of the Roses, which gives an excellent overview of how the House of Tudor finally emerged as the successor of the Plantagenet dynasty. Highly recommended, both books!