If All the Swords in England: A Story of Thomas Becket (Living History Library) (Paperback)

by Barbara Willard (Author), Robert M. Sax (Illustrator)

Editorial Reviews

Review
"I have at least half of your books and have recommended them to all my homeschooling friends (and others). Two years ago we read through Bethlehem history books and the details stuck! An added plus was that we enjoyed and looked forward to each reading and narration time."

Product Description
In 1170, orphaned twin brothers, one in service to England's King Henry II and the to other Archbishop Thomas Becket, witness the climax of a long-standing battle of wills.

Product Details

• Reading level: Young Adult
  
• Paperback: 194 pages
• Publisher: Bethlehem Books (May 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1883937493
• ISBN-13: 978-1883937492
• Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.5 x 0.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (3 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #311,708 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

49 of 51 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A timeless story of courage and conscience, September 26, 2000

By	Steven Keller (Fairview Heights, Illinois, USA) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

Barbara Willard's If All the Swords in England, first published in 1961, makes a happy comeback in this quality paperback edition by Bethlehem Books.

The drama unfolds during the turbulent years of the argument between King Henry II Plantagenet and Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, concerning juridical authority in church matters.

After the tragic deaths of their parents, brothers Simon and Edmund Audemer are separated. Edmund becomes a page in the court of King Henry II, while Simon becomes a scribe in the household of Thomas Becket.

Willard's use of the literary device of the two brothers allows the reader a "first-hand" glimpse into both the characters of Thomas Becket and Henry II as well as into the climate of the times.

The book is full of exciting episodes (including a miracle), and interesting characters. Barbara Willard's If All the Swords in England presents a timeless story of courage and conscience. It is also an excellent introduction to the heavier Becket by Anouilh and T.S. Eliot's Murder in the Cathedral. Grades 5-7.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars The story of St. Thomas Becket, October 4, 2007

By	Florentius (New Jersey, USA) - See all my reviews

If All the Swords in England tells the well-known tale of St. Thomas Becket and King Henry II through the eyes of two twin brothers, Simon and Edmund. Separated in their youth by the death of their parents, Simon, who is lame in one hand, becomes a servant to Becket the exiled Archbishop of Canterbury. He witnesses the sufferings of the Archbishop's household in France and the numerous attempts to bring about a reconciliation between the estranged churchman and his sovereign.

Meanwhile, Edmund comes of age in the royal court. He sees first hand the rages of a king obsessed with protecting his royal power and extending it even into the realm of the Church. The King will not reconcile with his former friend due to Thomas's insistence on standing up for the honor of God.

This book starts off slow but the climax is exceptionally well done--even if you know what's coming. In St. Thomas Becket, one can see a reflection of Christ, who fearlessly stood face-to-face with brutal, murderous men having nothing to defend himself with but the cross. All in all, this book is a fine introduction to the life of a very admirable man, and is easily read by young folks 12 and up.

1 of 1 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Interesting story, February 6, 2009

By	CaZ - See all my reviews

The story was well told. It pointed out many of the traditions of the church at the time.