Marc Morris’ Masterpiece

This book is Morris’ Sistine Chapel, an absolute heavier hitter in historical biography. It is extremely well written and reads like a novel at times. The text is thoughtful and supported by strong argument and a deep knowledge of the 13th century. It contains everything you would want and need to know about Edward I, from why he was called Edward, why he’s considered ‘the First’ to what his contemporaries thought of him after his death. Society, politics, coinage, economy, diplomacy are all covered which add the relevant context to understand this great English king. Morris offers fair analysis of Edward’s actions in their time and why history played out the way it did. It was structured as I feel books like this should, from birth to death with a solid conclusion. Something which Morris’ King John book unfortunately lacks. It’s my second read and I’ll definitely be revisiting again. I could not stop, an absolute masterpiece! Loved it.

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6 people found this helpful

Great stuff

One of the best books I have listened too! Brilliantly read I totally recommend this book.

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5 people found this helpful

Colourful and informative

Thoroughly enjoyed the narration, and found something very addictive about the overall narrative.
I would have liked a little more of the authors speculation and illustration to some key famous events, as it did get a little “fact upon fact” at times. Overall a great character and brilliant timeline construction and execution throughout.

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4 people found this helpful

Great story

A great listen about a formidable medieval monarch, not frightened to take on all comers. Certainly more authentic than Braveheart!

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2 people found this helpful

Frustrating

Quite frustrating to be unable to continue listening! The book is very interesting and I was looking forward to listening to it. Had to give it up because of a tiring overstressed reading. Will have to read it on kindle. Unfortunately they don’t let me return it. It would be better for all if the reading samples were such as to make it possible to assess the reader.

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2 people found this helpful

Was he such a Terrible King

This has been the most enjoyable listen, and I would highly recommend it to anyone wishing to gain a better understanding of our early monarchy.

it is well researched and explains the highs and lows during the latter part of Henry III and his son Edward, who would become King Edward 1st.

From his teens until death, the story explains the struggles of Edward, his constant taxes, and personal ambitions.

Failure seems to be the recurring pattern, and his leadership was to be challenged on numerous occasions.

This is a magnificent story, and I was left questioning if he was a Great or Terrible King. The self-imposed power hungry King certainly attempted to be great, but history tells us a different story.

To date, this has been the best book I have listened to. it is told as a life story and was easy to follow and made for very easy listening.

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2 people found this helpful

Loved it!

Great narrating and a well written, well researched book of a fascinating king. I learned much and found it very interesting. I would just disagree right at the very end about the murder of his son. This is not proven beyond all doubt that this was the case.

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2 people found this helpful

Excellent

Very engaging listen. A comprehensive account of a great and misunderstood king. Not just a book of military history but very good accounts of the King's impact on law, architecture and the effect of ordinary peoples lives. Highly recommended.

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1 person found this helpful

A truly exception history of a great king

Marc Morris has done various histories that I have read, but this one is absolutely outstanding.
King Edward 111 (or is it Edward 1, really is confusing) was until listening to this audio book, just another king from long ago.
This book really brings him to live in so many ways, from his love of jousting and tournament to actual war. He seems to be one of the exceptional kings and rulers even surpassing Henry V.
A lot should get to know this king, he was remarkable in keeping and making laws.
His passion for crusades was very evident but events prevent him from equalling Richard the Lionheart, but on being a king I don't think another one can surpass his quite long reign.
The narration and research in this audio book are excellent in every way.
This is my third audio by Marc Morris. I'm now looking for more. Excellent

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1 person found this helpful

A historical nationalistic whitewash of a cruel and despicable monarch!

The author’s description of the facts of Edward’s rule are undeniable as far as they go, unfortunately, his interpretation of them are biased and
Partisan basically arguing that his pogrom against the Jews was forgivable as he was a man of his times and it is not anachronistic to see his destruction of them in his own country as basic inhumanity, as it most certainly was. Throw in his conquest of Wales and his inhumane treatment of Scotland,which blew up in his face big time, and you are presented with the portrait of a monstrous tyrant of whom ,unfortunately, there are still a few around today. Not national heroes, but zeros.

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