Thursday, December 12, 2013

Plantagenets: The Warrior Kings and Queens Who Made England

Plantagenets: The Warrior Kings and Queens Who Made England
by Dan Jones
Viking Adult, 2013. 534 pgs. Non-fiction
This was a fun, engaging and interesting book. I would recommend this to anyone with a general interest in history and British/medieval history more specifically. The book maintains good pace as it illustrates the trials and challenges of the Plantagenet dynasty as it struggles to grasp and hold power and territories. The emphasis is on war, diplomacy and the tensions between the monarchs, lords and commons. The evolving role of Parliament and the constitutional crises I found to be particularly interesting. For those who prefer a history of society and culture will find this to be somewhat disappointing. The ladies of the dynasty are by and large neglected. The fan of historical fiction will find this an interesting resource to compare the writings of Sharon Kay Penman, etc. against. All in all, a good book and a fun quick read.

CHW

No comments: