Edward III (The English Monarchs Series)

Edward III (13121377) was the most successful European ruler of his age. Reigning for over fifty years he achieved spectacular military triumphs and overcame grave threats to his authority from parliamentary revolt to the Black Death. Revered by his subjects as a chivalric dynamo he initiated the Hundred Years War and gloriously led his men into battle against the Scots and the French. In this illuminating biography W. Mark Ormrod takes a deeper look at Edward to reveal the man beneath the military muscle. What emerges is Edwards clear sense of his duty to rebuild the prestige of the Crown and through military gains and shifting diplomacy to secure a legacy for posterity. New details of the splendor of Edwards court lavish national celebrations and innovative use of imagery establish the kings instinctive understanding of the bond between ruler and people. With fresh emphasis on how Edwards rule was affected by his family relationshipsincluding his roles as traumatized son loving husband and dutiful fatherOrmrod gives a valuable new dimension to our understanding of this remarkable warrior king.