The Conqueror's Son: Duke Robert Curthose: Thwarted King [Hardcover]

Katherine Lack (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: October 1, 2008

This study redresses the balance of opinion on Robert Curthose. There is no doubt that Robert was rebellious, but the fact remains that the throne of England was meant to pass to him on the death of William the Conqueror. William Rufus and Henry I were thus usurpers, which casts a new light on English history. Had Robert succeeded, the Church would have been spared the depredations of Rufus's reign and there would have been better relations with Scotland. The key elements of later history would also have been changed for the better.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dr Katherine Lack qualified as an inorganic chemist before turning her attention to Norman England. She has been a visiting lecturer in medieval studies at the University of Birmingham and is the author of The Cockleshell Pilgrim: A Medieval Journey to Compostela. She is married to a Church of England vicar and lives in Worcestershire

Product Details

• Hardcover: 256 pages
• Publisher: The History Press (October 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0750945664
• ISBN-13: 978-0750945660
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 6.4 x 1.3 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.2 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,430,227 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

3.0 out of 5 stars Revisionist History - Duke Robert Defended, January 22, 2012

By 

JH "hobbs_tx" (Houston, TX United States) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)   

This review is from: The Conqueror's Son: Duke Robert Curthose: Thwarted King (Hardcover)

Katherine Lack seeks to show that Robert Curthose was defrauded of his inheritance twice. First by William Rufus and then by Henry. All in all, I found Lack's book entertaining and an interesting perspective. It makes for a fast read with well written prose. I agree with her main point that Robert Curthose was treated over harshly by the monastic chroniclers. However, I think some of her points must be taken as unsubstantiated.

Lack discards the testimony of monastic chroniclers like Orderic Vitalis in pursuit of her claims. Orderic Vitalis was biased source, but she discredits him completely. I would recommend Frank Barlow's book William Rufus (English Monarchs). Barlow explores the succession and rift leading up to William the Conqueror's death in great detail. He likewise points out the bias and sometimes confusion of Orderic Vitalis and the copying of De obitu Willelmi from the form of previous works on Louis the Pious. But I feel he puts the story in better perspective and provides a more balanced account. Lack also leaves out the account of Robert's first rebellion before Gerberoy. In this episode, Robert tries to capture Rouen after an argument with his father and joins the opposition when he is thwarted. In addition, Lack's belief that Robert was still on good terms with William the Conqueror from 1083-86 seems unlikely. There is no mention of Robert assisting in the suppression of the conflict in Maine in winter 1083-4 or at his sister's wedding to Alan of Brittany in autumn 1086.

Lack rejects the evidence of William the Conqueror's succession of England to William Rufus. Most of her points are reasonable, but she does not provide any evidence that supports her theory that Robert Curthose was chosen to inherit England and Normandy. Why would there not be testimony from Henry or others that William Rufus's inheritance was a fraud. Lack's continued use of Orderic Vitalis and selected rejection of his chronicle without any support are disconcerting.

Lack also follows the conflict between the brothers including Henry. But I would say that the details are provided more completely by Barlow. Lack also discusses the First Crusade and Robert Curthose participation in it. It isn't an incredibly detailed account, but makes for a good read. Robert is shown as an important part of the victorious army and the later critics are disarmed.

Lack writes of Robert's return from the Holy Land and his welcoming at Constantinople and Italy. She discusses Robert's return to Normandy and his discovery of Henry's coronation as King of England. Lack places Henry as orchestrating the assassination of his brother William Rufus. Again her assertions seem reasonable, but are unsupported by actual evidence. I would recommend Frank Barlow's book on William Rufus for a more scholarly review of William Rufus's death. Regardless, Henry does take the kingdom of England for himself which is contrary to established agreements between William Rufus and Robert Curthose.

Lack tells the story of Robert Curthose organizing an invasion of England and with victory close at hand agreeing to peace with Henry. She follows Henry's devious actions as he denuders Robert's allies and later obtains victory at the Battle of Tinchebray. Lack does her best to defend Robert's actions and exposing Henry's unscrupulous behavior. However, it shows that Robert Curthose was not cutout for the rule of the duchy. He was not capable of adapting to the political tactics of Henry. As can be seen with the difficulties of William the Conqueror, William Rufus, and Henry in maintaining the duchy, political skillfulness was a necessity. Lack also writes of the efforts of William Clito to regain his inheritance. This is an interesting continuation of Robert Curthose's story which is well placed.

0 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars An Excellent Book, August 1, 2011

By 

Terry D. Janes "TheVikingsWorld.com" (Kansas City, Mo. USA) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: The Conqueror's Son: Duke Robert Curthose: Thwarted King (Hardcover)

This is an excellent book on a rarely discussed subject. It was pricey, but is a book that will stay in my permanent library!