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49th out of 61 books
—
13 voters
William Marshal
Recreates in detail the life of this advisor to the Plantagnets and knight extraordinaire.
Paperback, 160 pages
Published
February 12th 1987
by Pantheon
(first published January 1st 1976)
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A very interesting book, although not really a satisfying biography of William Marshal. Rather the author uses the story of Marshal's life to examine the ideals of chivalry and the hierarchical structure of medieval feudal society. Marshal seems to have been adept at managing the multiple and often conflicting bonds of loyalty and obligation.
He began life as a penniless younger son of a minor nobleman. He garnered fame for his prowess on the tournament field, entered into the service of kings, a...more
He began life as a penniless younger son of a minor nobleman. He garnered fame for his prowess on the tournament field, entered into the service of kings, a...more
Georges Duby uses the 13th century biography of William Marshal, commissioned by his eldest son immediately after his death and written within the lifetime of many of his companions, as a device to present an analysis of chivalry and knighthood in the late 12th and early 13th centuries.
In this book that opens with the last months of Marshal's life and describes how he prepares for death, Duby, a leading French historian and professor of medieval history, provides the reader with a wealth of inf...more
In this book that opens with the last months of Marshal's life and describes how he prepares for death, Duby, a leading French historian and professor of medieval history, provides the reader with a wealth of inf...more
Biography of one of the greatest, if not the greatest, yet now almost obscure medieval knights, William the Marshall. He was one of the few knights ever to have unhorsed the great warrior king, Richard the Lionheart, and he lived to not only tell about it but went on to serve Richard, as he has served his father Henry II, and later John and John's son, the young Henry III. Perhaps William did no greater service than to rally the disaffected barons (in the wake of the revolt which resulted in Mag...more
This is a nice, popular history of William Marshal, one of the greatest knights and political figures of late 12th and early 13th century England.
If you like medieval history and are looking for something light, this is definitely a good one to read. If you want more depth, read the history by Sidney Painter that he gets much of his material from.
If you like medieval history and are looking for something light, this is definitely a good one to read. If you want more depth, read the history by Sidney Painter that he gets much of his material from.
Very interesting about the role that tournaments played in 11th and 12th century Europe. William Marshall played an important part in the courts of the kings - from the Henry's to King John. I learned a lot about that period and what role the tournaments played in expressing the relationships between the barons and the crown.
I began reading this book as background for a reenactment group that I am a member of. I was not expecting the book to be as readable and enjoyable as it proved to be. Rather than a dry list of names and dates the reader gets a glimpse into the life and times of one of the greatest knights. I would recommend this book to readers interested in the late 12th century of the life of a knight.
Fantastic view into a world at the crossroads of great change. Wm. Marshall is a fascinating man, his life is a testimony to the chivalric code and Mr. Duby spins his tale with great artistry. Truly good read.
A good portrait of the most famous English knight of the age, firmly placed in the context of the age.
An interesting blend of biography of William Marshal, and how his life echoed the ideals of chivalry.
Back in the day this guy was a real man's man. I know, I should totally relinquish my vagina for saying things like that. However, once I was able to lay aside my girlish ways (ouch) I was completely captivated by a tale that illuminates its era almost as brazenly as it chaps my ass.
This is a fantastic little book: quickly readable and absolutely authoritative.
Lo leí en la edición original en francés.
Made me want to be a historian.
Jun 01, 2013
Otto Snaps
marked it as to-read
May 30, 2013
Leslie
marked it as to-read
May 28, 2013
Nathan Byrd
marked it as to-read
May 24, 2013
Biblioteca
marked it as to-read
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
mondolibri,
storia
May 17, 2013
Ashok
marked it as to-read
Apr 30, 2013
Jim
marked it as to-read
Apr 28, 2013
Joaquim Teixeira
marked it as to-read
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Good medieval biographies are tough to find, as you probably know, because the s...more
Nov 14, 2009 11:48am
Nov 24, 2009 08:37pm