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'.
This book presents the first comprehensive biography of Henry I, as well as an evocation of his court.
Judith A. Green is Professor of Medieval History at the University of Edinburgh. She is the author of The Government of England under Henry I (1986) and The Aristocracy of Norman England (1997) and is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society.
'Judith Green provides us with the best available biography of
Henry I … Green's biography … shows the richness derived from
having lived with study of the king for decades, and it skilfully
provides an account of the reign and his kingship that is both
detailed and accessible.' BBC History Magazine
'It is a work of sustained scholarship and balanced judgement … a
remarkable tour de force … Professor Green adds new facts and
modifies existing narratives. … This fine biography does him
justice.' The Times Literary Supplement
'Green's is the first work to provide a comprehensive and
integrated examination of Henry's reign not only as king of England
but also as Duke of Normandy.' Sixteenth Century Journal
'Beautifully written, this is a book that is accessible to all, and
deserves to become the standard work on Henry I. War, sex,
violence, tragedy, political intrigue, paranoia: it is the stuff of
fiction. Henry I lived it.' The Medieval Review
'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
Ask a Question About this Product More... |