The Perfect King: The Life of Edward III, Father of the English Nation (Paperback)

by Ian Mortimer (Author)

Editorial Reviews

Review
“This is a story which, for its boldness of interpretation, success in evoking this vanished medieval world, and sheer narrative élan, deserves to be widely read.”
–Sunday Times

Product Description
King for fifty years (1327—77), Edward III changed the face of England.

He ordered his uncle to be beheaded; he usurped his father’s throne; he started a war which lasted for more than a hundred years, and taxed his people more than any other previous king. Yet for centuries, Edward III was celebrated as the most brilliant king England had ever had.

In this first full study of the man, Ian Mortimer shows how Edward personally provided the impetus for much of the drama of his reign. Edward overcame the tyranny of his guardians at the age of seventeen and then set about developing a new form of awe-inspiring chivalric kingship. Under him the feudal kingdom of England became a highly organized, sophisticated nation, capable of raising large revenues and, without question, the most important military nation in Europe. Yet under his rule England also experienced its longest period of domestic peace in the Middle Ages, giving rise to a massive increase in the nation’s wealth through the wool trade, with huge consequences for society, art and architecture. It is to Edward that England owes its system of parliamentary representation, local justice system and the English language as “the tongue of the nation.”

As the King who re-made England and forged a nation out of war, Edward III emerges as the father of the English nation.

See all Editorial Reviews

Product Details

• Paperback: 544 pages
• Publisher: Pimlico (April 24, 2007)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1844135306
• ISBN-13: 978-1844135301
• Product Dimensions: 7.6 x 5.4 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars See all reviews (5 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #903,886 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

10 of 12 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful, July 20, 2007

By	Anne K. Throdahl - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Perfect King: The Life of Edward III, Father of the English Nation (Hardcover)

Ian Mortimer is a meticulous historian with the ability to seamlessly blend momentous historical sweep with touching personal account. Edward the III is portrayed with all his strengths and weaknesses, ultimately emerging as a sympathetic character. Mortimer himself creates a new history of the period that goes beyond Froissart, Le Bel and other traditional medieval historians to find a history that is not jaded by period bias. He delves into primary sources resulting in a convincing and thrilling tale.

It is rare for history to come alive as it does in this book. Battles are fought by flesh, blood, and spirit, and kings and queens agonize over their decisions, delight in their children, and experience the drama of the human condition which we all share. A marvelous book that will instill a love of this fascinating and pivotal time in English history.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars `In legends he became what he aspired to be in life.', March 1, 2008

By	J. Cameron-Smith "Expect the Unexpected" (ACT, Australia) - See all my reviews (TOP 500 REVIEWER)    (REAL NAME)

This review is from: The Perfect King: The Life of Edward III, Father of the English Nation (Hardcover)

Edward III reigned over England and Wales for over 50 years (1327 to 1377). He also had claims over Ireland, Scotland, the Isle of Man (from 1333) and France (from 1340).

In this book, Ian Mortimer combines a very clear respect for his subject with meticulous research and succeeds in providing a detailed contextual picture of this monarch.

Many with an interest in this period of history will know of Edward III as the king who started the 100 Years War, who won a number of battles (including at Crecy and Calais) - and who added Calais as a long standing English possession.

`For the 30 years between 1334 and 1363 he was the greatest exponent of chivalric kingship there was.'

The Black Death (1348-1349) occurred during his reign. The tragic loss of life and resulting labour shortages brought changes to the structure of society: a subject of study in their own right.

Ian Mortimer lists five overarching achievements:
(1) Kingship
(2) Domestic peace
(3) England's standing in the international community
(4) Modernised warfare
(5) Participatory government

I agree with these broad headings, but would make special mention of The Statute of Pleading (1362). This was the first piece of legislation to officially recognise the English language - thus making the law (potentially at least) more accessible to all.

I'd highly recommend this book to those with an interest in the life and times of arguably one of England's greatest monarchs. In his later years, Edward's authority waned but his achievements stand alone.

Jennifer Cameron-Smith

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The Real King Arthur, July 11, 2008

A Kid's Review

This review is from: The Perfect King: The Life of Edward III, Father of the English Nation (Hardcover)

Ian Mortimer goes a long way in this amazing feat of work. He lets us begin to see Edward III in his (Edward's)eyes. In some way he remakes Edward's story and protrays him as a warrior, a lawmaker, and a knight. This is the most amazing work on Edward yet.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants to go deeper into the life of an amazing man. Without a doubt the warrior-king known as Edward III was the real Arthur