Customer Reviews

Henry II (English Monarchs)

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Unlike the previous reviewer, I found the book to be well written and very readable. The research proves to be fine, informative and gives a great insight into this ruler who created England's first oversea empire.

The author gives all aspects of Henry's life, his strengths and his weaknesses that mold him into a King that he became in history. Henry's victories and failures were also shown with equal light but I would say that the author handled two great conflicts of Henry's life, his struggles against his wife and family and Henry's battle with Thomas Beckett superbly well.

Like most books on this series, it would helped if you had some previous background on the subject period. The book really isn't for a casual reader. The author didn't write this book to be on New York Times best seller list. Its a scholarly work for scholarly minded people. But the book still remains the standard work on Henry II to this day and it has stood the test of time so far.

In every historical atlas you will see a map of Henry II's dominions streteching from Scotland & Ireland across Normandy and Aquitaine down to the Pyrenees. Henry is also known for his friendship with St. Thomas Becket -- the story which was made into the classic movie "Becket" -- which was quite a good movie, but not very good history. (Henry II is also in "The Lion in Winter" which is an even better movie and much better in its history.) But aside from these notices he seems somewhat overlooked in comparison with other Kings in England's pantheon, especially in comparison with his son, Richard the Lionhearted.
It is therefore very fortunate that Henry should have such an excellent biography. Warren's "Henry II" takes the whole reign topically -- it does a wonderful job of teaching not only about Henry II but also the general topics of Medieval Kingship, English law and government, church & state, etc.

Henry II is one of the few monarchs, English or otherwise to visit Ireland. He came to protect himself as some ambitious barons from the Marchs (borderlands) of Wales were trying to set up a rival kingdom here. Fair play to Henry for coming at all. The next English monarch to bother with a personal visit to Ireland was Richard III some two and a half centuries later ! Henry by all accounts was a fascinating person. He travelled all over the territories he ruled with what was said to be a restless energy. He threw himself into government with much energy and is credited with laying the foundations of common law. For example he introduced jury trial to prevent the practice of trial by duel. This helped to bring peace and fairness to judicial proceedings and leaves us with the legacy of jury trial and the O J Simpson case. (Bring back Henry to resolve that one I hear you say.) Still King Henry II was a serious player in his time. When the murder of his Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Beckett was partly said to be his resposibility, Henry had himself publicly whipped as a form of penance and redemption. He clearly believed his stock had to be backed up with real sacrifice, the kind todays politicians seem to think is practised by saying 'I'm sorry' or 'I did not sleep with that woman' whatever good they might be doing elsewhere. Henry had to battle his way to the throne. England was in civil war when he was growing up. It was only after many years in struggle during the period of the anarchy of Stephen, a king the English would like to forget about, did Henry eventually succeed to the English throne. However, Henry was Duke of Normandy as well and could lay claim to larger and richer areas of France than the King of France, who was his nominal overlord and Henry's wife's ex-husband. Hows that for a constitutional set-up. Henry II was surrounded by interesting people not least his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine, a high-born, strong willed woman with a rich daddy. His son Richard known as the Lionheart was as blood thirsty an "sob" as you'll ever find, notorious for his massacres in the Holy Land while on crusade. The English seem to think something of him, (check out the statue of him currently outside the English parliament at Westminster) despite his having only spent six months at home as king. Then theres John whose gone down in history as a scheming weiner, but his importance to us can't be dismissed as Magna Carta a legal document of much significance later was signed into law in his reign. Henry II worked hard and did much. He lived a long life, out living several of his offspring, slept with many women (John Kennedy eat your heart out) and was an all round mover and shaker of his time. This book tells the story of this man in great detail, shining a light in many areas of interest to people with little knowledge of this period. I would read this book again for a rundown on Henry II's antics and achievements alone. ((See the film Lion in Winter for a play-adapted to film of Henry's politiking at its most fascinating (won Oscars, great cast, a slice of witty intrigue)

Cleveland, OH. I have read Many books on English History and W. L Warren's King Henry II is head and shoulders above the rest. His detail in painting a picture of 12th Century Europe with accurate and compelling facts is outstanding. I especially liked the many maps inserted thoughout the book that helped with place and time. For those of you interested in Genealogy of Midevil Europe and Contemporaries of King Henry II this is an excellent source.

This is not only the best biography of Henry II I've ever read, but it is one of the best non-fiction historical books I've ever read, too. The writing is lively, engaging, and often wryly amusing, though that may be in part because of the subject. Mr Warren does not in the least ignore or minimize the flaws of Henry II, but neither can he conceal a deep respect for this magnificent king. Too often, the tragedy of Thomas Becket and Henry II's relationship with the glamorous Eleanor of Aquitaine detract from this great king's important accomplishments, and influence, the precursors of which extend even to our American judicial system today. What impresses me most about this man is that he did not love power for power's sake alone, but for the sake of honestly trying to improve the affairs of the wide kingdoms he ruled. This book by Mr Warren should stand as THE definitive biography of Henry II.

Warren's is an excellent and very recommendable text. This book (already in its 5th edition) is destined to remain a great among readers, researchers and teachers of history. He nails Henry II and the history of his unruly domain.

Warren tells a complete and well-documented story of one of Britain's greatest kings. The book's photos, maps, tables, and glossary are very helpful. Although he tends towards long paragraphs and run-on sentences, Warren's writing style is not dull nor does he ramble. This book could also serve as an excellent study text for 21st century writing and documenting style.

The book's length (693 pages in paperback) may frighten some, but it is well worth reading. It takes time to unpack good history and the story of Henry II is no exception as Warren proves.

W. L. Warren's excellent monograph on the first Plantagenet king displays a superb narrative style and an authoritative thoroughness of detail, which nonetheless remains surprisingly approachable for a work of this length and depth. This depth is remarkable: one can open the book to any chapter and read it independently without feeling that one is missing key details. Yet the book manages to steer free of a sense of drudgery or redundancy, even while effecting such an admirable encapsulated quality for its chapters. I can hardly wait to read his book on King John.

HENRY II by W.L. Warren is a 693 page book, printed on high quality white paper (not cheap beige paper), with 13 pages of black & white photos of castles, and 14 pages of photos of old manuscripts. Separate maps show: southern England; duchys of Brittany, duchy of Normandy, France in time of war of 1173, England in time of war of 1173, Wales, Scotland, Ireland, and the Royal Forests. Flow charts show the dynasties of King Stephen (Count of Blois), Duncan I, and Edmund Ironsides. There is a 4-page glossary that includes legal terms, e.g., assize, demesne, escheat, and seisin. The 16 chapters cover the years 1120-1189. This is a scholarly book (there are no imaginary dialogues). The author is careful to state that the available information on certain topics is fragmentary or mostly unconfirmed, when relevant. The narrative flows well. The first three chapters (outlined below), provide an overview of history, while subsequent chapters delve into details. As you can see from my summary, this book is rock solid in its presentation of facts relating to political intrigues, alliances, conspiracies, and in innovations to English government. The following outlines the first few chapters:

CHAPTER ONE. Hugh Capet took the crown from the Carolingians in 987, and the resulting lineage of French kings ruled over a small area (Orleans, Sens, Paris). They were called the Capetian Kings. Separate from France, was the duchy of Aquitaine. "France" had 8 nuclei: Flanders, Normandy, Capetians, Anjou, Blois-Champagne, Burgundy, Poitou, and St.Gilles-Toulouse. Henry I continued the tradition of William the Conqueror, by firmly uniting England + Normandy. Henry I was the son of William the Conqueror. Henry I's ally was Blois, and his enemies were Anjou and Capetians. Henry I neutralized Anjou by marrying his son to the daughter of Count Fulk V of Anjou (but the son died on Nov. 25, 1120, when the White Ship sank). Henry I also secured the duchy of Maine. Henry I's only other child was Matilda, and Henry I made her (at age 25) marry Count Fulk's son (age 14) which again cemented Normandy + Anjou. Matilda had 3 sons: Henry II (born March 1133 in LeMans), Geoffrey, and William. Henry II later became duke of Normandy, count of Anjou, duke of Aquitaine, and king of England. Hence, it could be argued that Henry II, at the early part of his career, was more of the continent (and less of England).

CHAPTER TWO. Henry I died in Dec. 1135, and his throne was taken by his nephew Stephen of Blois (but this was not to last long). Stephen was connected to English monarchy because he was married to William the Conqueror's daughter. Stephen traveled to England, campaigned on behalf of himself, and 3 weeks after Henry I died, was anointed king (anointed in Dec. 1135). By 1139, the bishops of England became disgusted with Stephen, and in 1141, Stephen was temporarily overthrown at the castle of Lincoln. Henry II (aged 9) (son of Matilda + Geoffrey of Anjou) first set foot in England in Nov. 1142, but then he went back to Anjou.

HENRY II'S RISE IN GOVERNMENT. Henry II became duke of Normandy at age 16 (when Stephen was still king of England). and in May 1152, Henry II married Eleanor (daughter of William X, duke of Aquitaine, and the cast-off wife of King Louis VII of France). Louis VII and Eleanor had divorced because he was a devout ascetic, and because Eleanor was a flirting hot chick, but also because after 14 years of marriage, she bore only daughters and no sons. Henry II married Eleanor in 1152 in Poitiers, and then Henry II started his plan to invade England (remember, that England had already been invaded by Normans in 1066. Now, it happened again, some 94 years later in 1152.) King Louis VII was angry at his ex-wife's good fortune in marriage, and he attacked Normandy, but Henry II struck back and Louis VII asked for a truce (later on, in the rebellion led by Henry II's son, Louis VII again fought against Henry II, and again Louis VII lost). In January 1153, Henry II invaded England with 3,000 mercenaries in 36 ships and attacked at Malmesbury. Earl Robert of Leicester changed allegiance from King Stephen to Henry II. King Stephen died in October 1154, when made Henry II's task easier, on in December 1154, Henry II (age 21) with Eleanor of Aquitaine, became king and queen of England.


CHAPTER THREE. Henry II appointed Richard de Lucy, Robert de Beaumont, and Thomas Becket to be his closest advisors. Lucy was later to aid Henry II in defeating the rebellion by Henry's son ("Henry the Younger"). Becket was later to be featured in a movie, with Peter O'Toole playing Becket, and Richard Burton playing Henry II.

Richard de Lucy was a trusted insider of King Stephen, but was not of noble birth, and could have alienated powerful barons in England (because of lack of nobility). Beaumont was earl of Leicester, and the most powerful baron in England, thereby offsetting the possible liability of Lucy. Becket had close connections with ruling oligarchy in London, and was appointed chancellor. Henry II frequently consulted with his barons at meetings of the great council, and in this way became a persuasive king. Henry II's innovations to government included the creation of posts that could accomplish tasks, on a routine basis, that had previously been carried out by the king. Henry II restored trust in his government by expelling Flemish mercenaries (previously hired by King Stephen for the purpose of maintaining law and order), but later in this book we learn that Henry II hired mercenaries to beat down the rebels in France (led by Henry the Younger). At this time, King Louis VII recognized all the titles claimed by Henry II. So far, everything is hunky-dory for Henry II -- rulership of England plus duchys on the continent, recognition by King of France, and many sons.

REMOTE DUCHYS -- BRITTANY & TOULOUSE. At this time, Brittany had not been considered to be a duchy of France. It's relation with France was poorly defined and unstable. Toulouse (located on the border of Spain) had only slight allegiance to France (Capetian kings). Toulouse was ruled by Count Raymond V of St.Gilles. King Louis VII had an alliance with Raymond, but Henry II also wanted control over Toulouse, and Henry II wanted it to be part of duchy of Aquitaine (please remember that Henry II's wife Eleanor was from the family of Raymond VI of St.Gilles, thus providing Henry II a rationale to capture Toulouse).

QUEEN ELEANOR. In Sept. 1158, Henry II went to Paris to visit King Louis VII, and there was a massive party to celebrate the good relationship between the two kings. Eleanor (the one who failed to bear any sons to King Louis VII) bore lots of sons for Henry II: William (1153, died in infancy), Henry (1155, led rebels), Richard (1157, King Richard the Lionhearted), Geoffrey (1158), and John (1167, King John).

BECKET. A problem in England was violent crime committed by the clergy. Henry II proposed that relevant clergy should be disowned by the church (and thus no longer subject to canonical law), so that they could be subjected to secular law. (Any person going to law school, and taking civil procedure, will be familiar with "choice of law," e.g., between administrative law, state law, and federal law.) Becket opposed this idea. Henry II demanded that clergy take an oath (CONSTITUTIONS OF CLARENDON) to obey royal authority, but the bishops preferred canon law and refused. Henry II had to browbeat the bishops. Finally, Becket proclaimed that the clergy should obey Henry, but then Becket changed his mind. And so, Henry trumped up charges of malfeasance against Becket. Becket fled abroad and complained to the pope. The result was a big dispute between the Crown and Papacy. Becket's situation was one of lonely defiance. According to legend, Henry II uttered, "Will no one rid me of this turbulent priest!!" Apparently, this prompted four of Henry II's knights to murder Becket, in his cathedral, on Dec. 29, 1170. Henry II was overcome with grief. Archbishops around France proclaimed Henry II to be, "enemy to the angels and the whole body of Christ . . . this easily takes first place exceeding . . . the sacreligious treachery of Judas." Pope Alexander III might have wanted to excommunicate Henry II, but he merely prohibited Henry II from entering churches. In May 1171, Henry II was absolved of complicity in the murder, and he was restored to the church, but Henry II was required to release the bishops from the oath (CONSTITUTIONS OF CLARENDON). Instead, Henry II tried to assert himself again over canon law, by way of the COMPROMISE OF AVRANCHES. The end-results was that Henry II was taking a more flexible approach (less dogmatic), and was viewed as a successful politician and an innovator (page 116).

REVIEWER'S COMMENT ON RELIGIOUS "PROGRESS" IN ENGLAND. Please note that some 364 years later (in 1534), Henry VIII broke with the papacy, because the pope wouldn't grant him a divorce. Please note that two decades after Henry VIII broke with the pope, Queen Mary I burned hundreds of Protestants as heretics. Please note that 100 years after Queen Mary's cruel reign, John Bunyan, author of Pilgrim's Progress, was sent to prison for 12 years for failing to observe Anglicanism. Thus, it is my guess, for any American to understand the early days of the settling of the American continent, you need to understand England's collection of cruel policies regarding religion.

REBELLION OF HENRY THE YOUNGER. Henry II's most serious crisis was the rebellion of his oldest son ("Henry the Younger"). Henry the Younger conspired with King Louis to depose of Henry II. During a visit of Henry with his son, Henry the Younger, to Normandy, the son fled to Paris to visit King Louis, and Louis declared the son to be the real king. Queen Eleanor was a co-conspirator, and she had sneaked to Paris dressed as a man. The son acquired many allies in England and on the continent, e.g., Hugh Bigod earl of Norfolk, Robert Blanchemains earl of Leicester, Hugh earl of Chester, William de Ferrers earl of Derby. These rebels were motivated in order to be granted territories, and because (at an earlier time) Henry II had confiscated their territories. Fighting began in May 1173 at Pacy and it moved towards Rouen. A turning point occurred in July 1173, where Richard de Lucy (on Henry II's side) captured Leicester, the principal rebel stronghold in England. Henry crossed the channel in August 1173 to Barfleur, and he took Rouen with a large force of mercenaries, and King Louis surrendered in September 1173. Henry II was lenient and there were no executions. Henry II's only retribution was to destroy many, many castles in England, Normandy, and Anjou, which had belonged to the rebels. Henry II's biggest accomplishment was establishing stable rule over England, Normandy, and Anjou, and the creation of administrative posts, who's officials could carry out tasks previously requiring the king's own attention.

CONCLUSION. I had two reasons for reading this book. I wanted to understand how England came to occupy France, and to understand the earliest precedent or origin for the Hundred Years War. Now I have my answer: The origin of the English in France came from the fact that Henry II originally had ruled the duchy of Normandy, and that he later took over England, and that later England became his dominant location (headquarters) and duchys on the continent became secondary. Therefore, Henry II's later conquests on the continent were, in effect, an invasion of France by England. The earliest precedent for the Hundred Years War was, in this reviewer's opinion, when Henry II's son ("Henry the Younger") proclaimed himself to be king of England, and went to France and acquired support from King Philip of France, resulting in a direct conflict between Henry II (domiciled primarily in England) versus the combination of co-conspirators King Philip of France + Henry the Younger. In other words, when I read books that argued that King Edward III was "the" origin of the Hundred Years War, I was not convinced. It seems that the rebellion involving Henry II versus a coalition between Henry the Younger plus the king of France, is a more logical origin of the Hundred Years War.

Please also note that, in my opinion, the most accurate ending date of the Hundred Years war might be March 1550. In MARCH 1550, the Treaty of Boulogne allowed Henri II of France to buy back Boulogne. This treaty was effected by Warwick (not Warwick the Kingmaker, but a different "Warwick"). This Warwick was the second of two protectorates who ruled England during the time of King Edward VI. Since King Edward VI was only a boy, during his term, England was really ruled first by Somerset and then by Warwick duke of Northumberland. To view the big picture, it could be argued that the Hundred Years War really lasted from SEPTEMBER 1173 (when the King of France surrendered to Henry II of England) to MARCH 1550 (when Warwick transferred Boulogne to France). This period is THREE HUNDRED AND SEVENTY SEVEN YEARS.

A fine overview about one of the most important but overlooked Kings in English History. The author does a fine job detailing the important historical aspects of Henry II, such as his relationship with Elenor of Aquantaine, with his sons Richard the Lionheart and John. Good pictures also accompany this book which was a tremendous help to the landscape and the tombs of Henry and Elenor. I didn't know that they are buried in France, I thought all English Kings were buried in G.B. Overall a great book that is highly recommended.

In my book, "Astronomical Symbols on Ancient and Medieval Coins", I devote an entire chapter to the astronomical symbols that were depicted on medieval English coinage as signs of divine right to sovereignty. As part of my research, I read numerous books on medieval English history, and I found that Warren's book, "Henry II," was especially useful.

Not only were there many items of interest that added to my understanding of the history of his reign, but of all the books about Henry II that I read, Warren's book was one of the most interesting reads. He really brought together an amazing amount of information.

I highly recommend this book to all who are interested in English history.

Marshall Faintich