The Magnificent Century [Library Binding]

Thomas B. Costain (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: December 1994

THE MAGNIFICENT CENTURY, the second volume of Costain's A History of the Plantagenets, covers Henry III's long and turbulent reign, from 1216 to 1272.

During his lifetime Henry was frequently unpopular, unreliable and inconsistent. Yet his reign saw spectacular advancement in the arts, sciences and theology, as well as in government. Despite all, it was truly a magnificent century.

"Combines a love of the subject with factual history. . .a great story." (San Francisco Chronicle)

A History of the Plantagenets includes THE CONQUERING FAMILY, THE MAGNIFICENT CENTURY, THE THREE EDWARDS and THE LAST PLANTAGENETS.

--This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

Editorial Reviews

From the Publisher

10 1.5-hour cassettes --This text refers to the Audio Cassette edition.

Product Details

• Library Binding
• Publisher: Buccaneer Books (December 1994)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1568493711
• ISBN-13: 978-1568493718
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.8 x 1.1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 15.2 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (9 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,198,019 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

23 of 23 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Best of the series, May 22, 2000

By 

Leona Malo (The Golden State) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Magnificent Century (Library Binding)

To my surprise, I found this to be the best of the four-volume series by Costain on medieval English history. Perhaps it was due to the fact that I started in the belief that Henry III did not merit an entire volume to himself. Then I realized that this Weathercock King lived an extremely long life and all that happened during his reign was momentous indeed. For instance, learning how the Countess of Flanders played a part in ensuring future Vatican Cardinals always wear red is something I didn't think I would chance upon during this read. Or all the little bios Costain supplies for people long since lost to the annals of time. Great stuff, I simply couldn't put it down.

12 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Delightful, October 8, 2002

By 

Matthew Baumgartner "matt baumgartner" (South Bend, IN United States) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: The Magnificent Century (Library Binding)

I first read these books 20 years ago, and the opportunity to purchase them in a new edition is the thrill of the year for me. Costain makes the period come alive, with all its heroes, villains, and bystanders. While many of Costain's opinions and conclusions are somewhat dated by more recent research, there is no more delightful reading experience amongst modern histories of the middle ages.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Excellent overview of 13th century British history, December 1, 1997

By A Customer

This review is from: The Magnificent Century (Library Binding)

The second installment of Costain's four-volume history of the Plantagenet dynasty. Very readable, very personal biographies of the early kings of this royal house. Costain brings the art of the novelist to writing history.