Product Description

England and its Rulers has established itself as an attractive and authoritative account of English history from 1066, which brings the chronicle sources to life and makes original assessments of the kings and political events. It emphasizes how the Norman Conquest was followed by the Angevin Empire and then by the Poitevin ministers and favourites brought in by King John and Henry III. The identity of English culture is analysed in the light of these strong external influences.
This new edition has an epilogue on Edward I (1272–1307), which considers his wars in Wales and Scotland and reassesses his character and achievements. It also contains a new bibliography on all aspects of English history in the period 1066–1307.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #291393 in Books
• Published on: 1998-03-13
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 253 pages

Review
"England and Its Rulers has long been the most consistently interesting and accessible survey of its subject available. This revised edition, with its provocative new chapter on King Edward I, is as lively as ever, and even more wide–ranging. It is that rare creature, a textbook that both students and general readers will enjoy and profit from." Robert C. Stacey, University of Washington

From the Back Cover
England and its Rulers has established itself as an attractive and authoritative account of English history from 1066. It brings the chronicle sources to life and makes original assessments of the kings and political events. Examining a period in which England was dominated by successive waves of foreign rulers, the book emphasizes how the Norman Conquest was followed by the Angevin Empire and then by the Poitevin ministers and favorites brought in by King John and Henry III. The identity of English culture is analyzed in the light of these strong external influences.

This new edition retains the characteristics of the widely–acclaimed original, but it now includes an epilog on Edward I (1272–1307), which considers his wars in Wales and Scotland and reassesses his character and achievements. The second edition also contains a new bibliography covering all aspects of English history in the period 1066–1307.

About the Author
M. T. Clanchy taught Medieval History at Glasgow University from 1964 to 1985, before moving to London, where he now researches at the Institute of Historical Research, University College, and the Warburg Institute. He is the author of From Memory to Written Record, England 1066–1307 (Blackwell, second edition, 1993) and Abelard: A Medieval Life (Blackwell, 1997).

Customer Reviews

The standard book for this period
Clanchy's book has for many years become the standard text book for colleges and University history dept book lists covering this period. First published in 1983, this new second edition includes a newly added epilogue covering the rule of Edward I and takes the book through to 1307, so the title is a bit out of date. The book starts by giving the reader a general view of Englands political and economic position during the middle ages prior to the conquest by William in 1066. The following chapters cover the Norman conquest and how they stamped their authority on England covering the problems of their early government and church reform. Part two of the book moves on to the Angevin rulers of England with the civil wars of Stephen, law and order and the twelfth century renaissance. Part three covers the Poitevins from 1199 -1275 with the newly added epilogue on Edward I. Clanchy's book is an excellent read and well worth reading.

Somewhat lacking review of the period
This book is very readable, but has some rather large omissions for a piece of work covering 1066-1272.
While William the Conqueror is, as usual with books on this period, covered in good depth, William Rufus, Henry I and Stephen/Matilda are all covered with such brevity that it is hardly worth mentioning them at all.
Should the above monarchs, be ones you hope to learn anything about, I would advise you to look elsewhere.
On a positive note, the book is very readable and does contain some strong points, just be aware before you buy, of its limitations.