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The Greatest Knight (William Marshal #1)
by
Elizabeth Chadwick (Goodreads Author)
A penniless young knight with few prospects, William Marshal is plucked from obscurity when he saves the life of Henry II's formidable queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine. In gratitude, she appoints him tutor to the heir to the throne. However, being a royal favourite brings its share of conflict and envy as well as fame and reward. William's influence over the volatile, fickle Pr...more
552 pages
Published
(first published November 3rd 2005)
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A nice romance/historical fiction about the legendary knight-errant who served Eleanor of Aquitaine and her sons, including Richard the Lionheart and the infamous King John. I felt immersed in medieval Europe and was always reluctant to put the book down. The details on tournament play were particularly interesting.
One thing I felt was lacking was an exploration of Marshal's childhood and adolescence, since I was curious about the impact of his father's abandonment. The book begins w...more
One thing I felt was lacking was an exploration of Marshal's childhood and adolescence, since I was curious about the impact of his father's abandonment. The book begins w...more
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Elizabeth Chadwick's 'The Greatest Knight' chronicles the life of William Marshall, the Medieval soldier and statesman who was described as "the greatest knight that ever lived".
Chadwick takes us from Marshall's boyhood through his service to three kings; King Henry II, Henry the Young King and King Richard. Marshall is loyal and true to those he pledges his fealty even in the face of near certain peril.
I found the history interesting but Chadwick failed to ...more
Chadwick takes us from Marshall's boyhood through his service to three kings; King Henry II, Henry the Young King and King Richard. Marshall is loyal and true to those he pledges his fealty even in the face of near certain peril.
I found the history interesting but Chadwick failed to ...more
Perfect knight, consummate politician or both
This novel tells the story of William Marshal who was one of the greatest English knights of the twelfth century, or arguably, any century. He was also astute politically and this story shows how he was able to loyally serve King Henry II and two of his sons who were engaged in an almost feral conflict with each other. In this maelstrom of passion and family feud Marshal was the great survivor.
Chadwick weaves a marvellous story...more
This novel tells the story of William Marshal who was one of the greatest English knights of the twelfth century, or arguably, any century. He was also astute politically and this story shows how he was able to loyally serve King Henry II and two of his sons who were engaged in an almost feral conflict with each other. In this maelstrom of passion and family feud Marshal was the great survivor.
Chadwick weaves a marvellous story...more
I loved the idea of a novel dedicated to William Marshall. He rose from being the 4th son of a landholder, to a man of wealth and stature, serving 3 of Englands kings in the process. He was present at a number of critical moments in English history, and is mentioned in many original sources, so there was a lot of historical fact to bring up in this novel.
Unfortunately, I think the facts got in the way of the story for this novel. Chadwick does cover a lot of history, but Marshall as...more
Unfortunately, I think the facts got in the way of the story for this novel. Chadwick does cover a lot of history, but Marshall as...more
Excellent!
At present necessary commuting is eating into my reading and writing time. I can't write while I'm driving, but audiobooks are a Godsend for my sanity. And this one was a cracker.
It was also a Christmas present, but what a difference to my last. The writing was crisp, and even though I know the adult story of real life William Marshall, Elizabeth Chadwick takes him from the age of six, when he's due to be hanged by King Stephen for his father's duplicity (leaving y...more
At present necessary commuting is eating into my reading and writing time. I can't write while I'm driving, but audiobooks are a Godsend for my sanity. And this one was a cracker.
It was also a Christmas present, but what a difference to my last. The writing was crisp, and even though I know the adult story of real life William Marshall, Elizabeth Chadwick takes him from the age of six, when he's due to be hanged by King Stephen for his father's duplicity (leaving y...more
This is the first in a two volume series, focusing on William Marshal, a self-made man serving Kings Henry II, Richard I, and John. Elizabeth Chadwick, the author, doers a masterful job of depicting the era and the details of that time (although I am not an expert, there is a sense of reality to the novel that impresses me).
Marshal tells the tale of this real historical figure in an historical fiction. Marshal was a self-made man, learning his craft, becoming a knight, coming to earn...more
Marshal tells the tale of this real historical figure in an historical fiction. Marshal was a self-made man, learning his craft, becoming a knight, coming to earn...more
I first encountered William Marshal in Maurice Keen's Chivalry when I was doing research for my dissertation. I was intrigued by the thought that a real knight existed who was the epitome of chivalry. But I was too busy then to read any further about him. Our paths did cross, most recently when I visited Chepstow Castle this summer and the Temple this past March, and I'd register recognition and move on.
I discovered Elizabeth Chadwick through a discussion of another excellent hist...more
I discovered Elizabeth Chadwick through a discussion of another excellent hist...more
I love English monarchial history through Queen Elizabeth, and the Lion in Winter is one of my favorite movies, so any chance to learn more about the people and times of Henry II and Eleanor of Acquitaine is welcomed. Though one always has to be careful with historical fiction, or fictionized history, this story helps to flesh out the events prior to and after the events of The Lion in Winter. Henry II's son, Henry, who is already dead by the time of the movie, is a fully realized character here...more
Most all of my reading friends have read this book and declared their undying love for William Marshall, the greatest knight. 25 percent into this book, I said, "Hm. This is really well written. Love the Eleanor tidbits, but I'm not in love with this William dude."
50 percent into the book, I said, "I have no interested in all these Henrys and Johns fighting over the crown, but Chadwick is making this interesting. This is a darn good book, but I'm still not in love wit...more
50 percent into the book, I said, "I have no interested in all these Henrys and Johns fighting over the crown, but Chadwick is making this interesting. This is a darn good book, but I'm still not in love wit...more
This novel is based on the true life story of William Marshal, who served at least four kings--three of whom were the sons of Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine. While William is a Dudley-Do-Right Knight with altogether too few flaws and a stoicism that keeps him at an arm's length from the reader, he's not without his charm. His story is so full of twists and turns, one might feel tempted to accuse the author of making it up out of whole cloth, but sometimes truth is stranger than fiction. The characte...more
Harmonybites
rated it
Recommends it for:
Lovers of Medieval Historical Fiction Who Just Can't Get Enough...
Recommended to Harmonybites by:
The Complete Idiot's Guide to the Ultimate Reading List
This is a biographic novel of William Marshall, one of the great knights of England, a man who served four English Kings, including Richard the Lionhearted, who was involved with the Magna Carta and served as regent to Henry III. So, a fascinating figure, but I'm afraid a less than fascinating book.
The problem may be that the book tried to cover too much ground--despite being over 500 pages and covering only about half his life. Years would pass between chapters that seemed to skim ov...more
The problem may be that the book tried to cover too much ground--despite being over 500 pages and covering only about half his life. Years would pass between chapters that seemed to skim ov...more
Liz
rated it
Recommends it for:
historical romance lovers, history lovers of henry VIII
Recommended to Liz by:
barnes and nobles
Shelves:
historical-fiction,
nook-book
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
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Historical fiction can be iffy with me -- if I know of the time period in any detail I usually have difficulties in enjoying it, because I'm always nitpicking. I know I shouldn't but it is so hard, especially when Philippa Gregory blatantly changes the birth order of the Boleyn siblings, or other authors Mary Sue their protagonists (Pink Carnation, I am looking at you).
I picked this up because everytime I went to Borders my eye kept hitting it. And I only knew of William Marshal as th...more
I picked this up because everytime I went to Borders my eye kept hitting it. And I only knew of William Marshal as th...more
I owe Chadwick an apolgy. I've been aware of her for a while, mostly though GRFs but I have been somewhat wary of picking up her books. This is not due to distrust on the part of my GRFs reviews, but more with knowledge that my tolerance of romantic fiction is, currently, very, very, very, very low. And some of the covers of Chadwick's books look a bit too romancy I'm the same way with Urban Fantasy. You know what's it like, you've been burnt by false book advertising before, and you know you...more
All I can say is: Eh. I was interested because it's about William Marshal, but at some point things just fell apart. It wasn't the writing, exactly, but the series of events. I felt like Chadwick was debating what to keep historically true and what to expand on and never came to a conclusion. Years go by in a flash, there are children born one chapter after another and all I felt was confusion for what was going on. The cliff-hanger chapter endings led me to believe there'd be more in the c...more
I am not usually into medieval fiction, or historical fiction much at all, but this was really good! That is one thing I love about GoodReads; I find new and wonderful books that I would never have picked for myself.
This story is based on the life of a forgotten hero, William Marshal, the knight selected by Eleanor of Acquitaine to train her sons in horsemanship and chivalry. While Eleanor's sons might not have turned out that great, it wasn't any fault of William Marshal's. He was ...more
This story is based on the life of a forgotten hero, William Marshal, the knight selected by Eleanor of Acquitaine to train her sons in horsemanship and chivalry. While Eleanor's sons might not have turned out that great, it wasn't any fault of William Marshal's. He was ...more
This book follows William Marshal, a knight in the 12th century who served under Henry, Richard, John, and another Henry, through his late teen years until his early 50s. I had never heard of William Marshal before this book, and my only knowledge of the time period was Sharon Kay Penman's Here Be Dragons.
The book doesn't have a plot necessarily, it basically just follows Marshal's life. But considering one of my favorite genres is the biography, I'm really just fine with that. I ve...more
The book doesn't have a plot necessarily, it basically just follows Marshal's life. But considering one of my favorite genres is the biography, I'm really just fine with that. I ve...more
The Greatest knight is the story of William Marshal, knight and advisor to three Plantagenet kings: King Henry II, the Young King and King Richard. William Marshal lives in a time when chivalry is assumed but not always uphold, when politics and scheming are the order of the day. In contrast, William espouses the very ideals of honour and loyalty and over the years rises from hearth knight to justicular.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Elizabeth Chadwick's writing is wonderfully deta...more
I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Elizabeth Chadwick's writing is wonderfully deta...more
Sarah Maddaford
rated it
·
review of another edition
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
can-be-read-alone,
first-in-series,
historical,
political,
realistic-fiction,
romance,
war,
arlington
This book definitely fits most of the characteristics of historical fiction. It is over five hundred pages long and packed with historical detail. The events and settings are accurate as far as I can tell. The author even includes the sources that she found most helpful in her author’s note. At the front of the book, there are two family trees: the English Kings and the Marshal family. There are also two maps, one of England and one of France. The book focuses on a real person. William Marshal w...more
This is the first part of the four part series chronicling the life of the little known person who was indeed classed as "The Greatest Knight" of his time. A skilled knight and tourney champion, William is also a clever diplomat and politician, at ease with all strands of society, from King through to the humblest clerk.
As a reward for his loyalty he is offered the hand of Isabelle, a wealthy heiress with lands in England and Ireland. They make a fabulous match, and their ...more
As a reward for his loyalty he is offered the hand of Isabelle, a wealthy heiress with lands in England and Ireland. They make a fabulous match, and their ...more
The Greatest Knight is an enjoyable historical fiction that covers the first part of William Marshal's life (1167-1194 AD). The sequel, describing the rest of his life, is titled "The Scarlet Lion."
The author clearly knows her subject matter and stayed true to it. Her skilled use of historical detail helped bring the world alive in my imagination without slowing the pace.
However, the author had so many years to cover that she often skipped over months, even year...more
The author clearly knows her subject matter and stayed true to it. Her skilled use of historical detail helped bring the world alive in my imagination without slowing the pace.
However, the author had so many years to cover that she often skipped over months, even year...more
Hands down, this is one of the best historical romance/fiction reads I have read in a long, long time. And to think it was offered as a freebie thru ereaderiq.com! And its sequel, The Scarlet Lion is good, too! It follows the life of William Marshall, Marshall of England who served under Henry II through to King John's son, Henry III. Great book. Great, great, great!
If I had never read any books by Sharon Kay Penman, I would probably have rated this story much higher. However, I think Sharon Kay Penman's trilogy on the reign of King Henry II has tainted my review of all other books involving the same time period.
This story focuses on William Marshal, a knight who bravely defends Queen Eleanor of Aquitaine and saves her from capture. After she ransoms him, she requests that he serve her oldest son King Henry III, and after his death, he ...more
When I was a boy, my parents subscribed for me to Children's Digest, a kiddie version of Readers Digest. I remember a graphic story about William Marshal - actually, I remember only one panel, a lance striking his helmet, temporarily blinding Marshal during a tournament. That episode is in Chadwick's The Greatest Knight. This is a rousing tale of medieval times, of training, tourneys, intrigue, battles, romance, and chivalry. Although the book is rich in detail and memorable characters, the most...more
As someone who greatly enjoys reading about the medieval period, I had been aware of Elizabeth Chadwick’s books for some time but had never been able to get my hands on any due to them not being readily available in the US. I was therefore very happy to see The Greatest Knight for free on the kindle. I really enjoyed it in spite of a rather slow start and will definitely be purchasing more of her books, beginning with The Scarlet Lion which continues the story of William Marshal.
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Excellent fictional biography of this great Knight. Having read Couch's biography, Ms Chadwick has given life to this great hero of the medieval period, savoring the best highlight of a his full and fruitfull life. Ms Chadwick should be commended for her excellent skill in giving breath to his story but still keeping the history intact.
William Marshall was a real person; born in relative obscurity he rose through the ranks to become “the greatest knight that ever lived” as well as Earl of Pembroke. He served under four kings of England, although this book only covers his exploits under two, Henry II and Richard I. He married Isabel de Clare, who was the daughter of Strongbow. And through her gained the rights to Leinster.
This could so easily have been I book I loved. Knights! Jousting! A decent story. Entertaining ...more
This could so easily have been I book I loved. Knights! Jousting! A decent story. Entertaining ...more
After reading Denise Domning's Graisten Series, following romance through real life, it's interesting to move to fiction based on real life. The Domning series was easy to relate the story. As Elizabeth Chadwick follows the life of this marvelous knight, I find the complications of real life harder to convey. I appreciate her look into his life, and England and Normandy at the time, and have already purchased the follow-up and looking for which novels after that. I appreciate her searching fo...more
The Greatest Knight follows the story of William Marshal, who served as a knight under King Henry II and Henry III--but he swore his oath of service under Stephen. Through thick, thin, better, and worse--William sticks to his duty and I stuck to Madam Chadwick's story.
It took me a lot longer to read this than I would have liked, but I'm glad I did. I went into this thinking it was a YA book...uh, not so much. I suppose it could pass as a YA book, but the level of maturity and depth surpass...more
It took me a lot longer to read this than I would have liked, but I'm glad I did. I went into this thinking it was a YA book...uh, not so much. I suppose it could pass as a YA book, but the level of maturity and depth surpass...more
I don't read a lot of historical fiction but the audio CD version of this book was left at my house by a houseguest and I enjoyed it a great deal. The main character in the book is William Marshall who lived in the 12th century in both England and the English held Normandy. William was a favourite of the Queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine and was attached to the court of her son Henry until his death. Later he served Richard the Lionheart and was involved in the court politics and the fighting betwe...more
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Best selling historical novelist Elizabeth Chadwick won a Betty Trask Award for her first novel The Wild Hunt. She has been shortlisted for the UK's mainstream Best Romantic Novel of the Year Award 4 times and longlisted twice. Her novel The Scarlet Lion about the great William Marshal and his wife Isabelle de Clare, has been selected by Richard Lee, founder of the Historical Novel Society as one...more
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“Your enemies have neither the proof nor the backbone to stand against you, but say something often enough in vulnerable ears and incredulity turns to belief.”
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