England in the Reign of Edward III (Cambridge Medieval Textbooks) (Paperback)

~ (Author) "The highlights of Edward III's reign can be briefly narrated..." (more)
Key Phrases: wool schemes, thefourteenth century, seyntz medicines, Black Death, Black Prince, John of Gaunt (more...)

Editorial Reviews

Product Description

The reign of Edward III is usually remembered for his stirring victories over the French and Scots. Yet these triumphs occurred against a domestic backdrop of economic upheaval, crime, high taxation, and the Black Death. Edward's ability to pursue his ambitions amid such challenges shows the effectiveness of his leadership and the resilience of English institutions. This book examines the strains on English life in this remarkable era, and shows how an interlocking network of hierarchies at each level enabled Edward to reach into local communities to get what he needed. Compliance, however, required hard bargaining as subjects chafed under incessant taxes and royal demands and, during Edward's reign, parliament became the primary arena for negotiations between the king and the community. Professor Waugh's incisive account of these tumultuous events also contains an extensive guide to further reading, in addition to a glossary of the more abstruse medieval terms.

Book Description

Edward III is usually remembered for his stirring victories over the French and Scots. Yet these triumphs occurred against a backdrop of economic upheaval. Waugh examines the strains on English life in this remarkable era.

Product Details

• Paperback: 316 pages
• Publisher: Cambridge University Press (February 22, 1991)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0521310393
• ISBN-13: 978-0521310390
• Product Dimensions: 8.4 x 5.5 x 0.9 inches
• Shipping Weight: 14.1 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #1,703,886 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Brilliant review of key phase in English social development, January 19, 2000

By A Customer

I found this an excellent book that balances simple descriptions with economic analyses. Waugh meshes together the various levels of society and shows how power became stratified within layers of elites.

The book has it all - the church, towns, villages, the power of the monarchy, law, trade, economic and social change and the cost of war. I found the book easy to read, occasionally got lost, but overall it is excellent. I am buying the book as my library has demanded it back! Well worth several reads.