Product Description

An excellent introduction to this eventful and fascinating period in history has been updated to include the latest research and information. It offers students and researchers a fascinating insight into the reigns of three very different sovereigns

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #185826 in Books
• Published on: 2003-03-13
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 304 pages

Review
'The best general survey of a topic central to the development of the English state.' - Times Literary Supplement

From the Back Cover
The Three Edwards: War and State in England, 1272 is an excellent introduction to this eventful and fascinating period of history. It analyses the three Kings of very different qualities and reputations: the confident and masterful Edward I who conquered Wales; Edward II who was defeated by the Scots in battle and was humiliated and deposed; and Edward III whose reign saw great triumphs against the French, but also the terrible ravages of plague.
The book focuses on the central importance of war and how it was financed and organised, as war was an essential determinant of political and constitutional development during this period. The need to organise and finance campaigns on a huge scale posed major problems for the government and placed great burdens on the people. Success in war brought political peace but failure was divisive. The importance of war in this period stretched far beyond the traditional bounds of military history. This book therefore tells the story of how England responded to the pressures of war, and of the part played in the process by the three Kings.
The second edition of this highly acclaimed book updates the picture throughout, in the light of recent research.

Customer Reviews

The 14th century
Michael Prestwich once again continues his trend of detailed and insightful medieval books with the Three Edwards. Essentially this book explores 14th century England with Edward I reign beginning in 1272 while his grandson Edward III dies in 1377. This book explores the primary problems of politics and warfare involving the english state and how each one of the Edwards approached it. Edward I is a very typical medieval king who pushes the limits of his kingship and power to achieve conquest and fame. He was brutal and brought England to its knees finacially. Edward II could not have been more different. While his father hankered for warfare, his son enjoyed music, art and theatre. Edward II lavished gifts on entirely unsuitable subjects that brought about dissent and eventually internal rebellion by Mortimer and the Kings wife Isabella. Edward III is a return to his fathers idea but with greater success.

The book is detailed and very well researched with a sense of tired success followed by total failure that is finally repaired on the fields of Crecy and Poitiers. An important book for students studying the 14th century and the progression and politics and kingship throughout this period.