Henry I: King of England and Duke of Normandy

ISBN-13: 9780521744522 / Angielski / Miękka / 2009 / 406 str.

Judith Green

Opis

Judith Green argues that although Henry's primary concern was defence of his inheritance, it did not preclude expansion where circumstances were propitious, notably into Welsh territory. His skillful dealings with the Scots permitted consolidation of Norman rule in the northern counties of England, while in Normandy every sinew was strained to defend frontiers through political alliances and stone castles. Green claims that although Henry's own outlook was essentially traditional, the legacy of this fascinating but repellent personality included some hugely significant developments in governance.

Recenzje

'Henry I King of England and Duke of Normandy is a masterful and engrossing biography of one of England's most fascinating and perhaps least known monarchs. The author uses primary sources to excellent effect, enlivening and enriching the text with fascinating contemporary facts. There is a comprehensive biography, a set of family trees and even a diagram of the harbour of Barfleur, where the White Ship sank.' Rachel Bellerby, Suite101.com

Spis treści

Introduction: a surfeit of lampreys; 1. 'Born in the purple'; 2. 'By the grace of God, king of the English'; 3. Testing times, 1101–3; 4. The conquest of Normandy, 1104–7; 5. Reform and reconstruction, 1107–8; 6. Defence of his dominions, 1108–15; 7. Triumph and disaster, 1116–20; 8. Surviving the wreck, 1120–4; 9. Matilda and the succession, 1125–8; 10. Rescuing the marriage, 1129–35; 11. The ruler; 12. 'Guardian of the church'; 13. The court and court culture; Conclusion: 'once the peace and glory of the world'.