King Edward III

by Michael St. John; Hayek Packe, L.C.B. Seaman (Editor)

Seaman finished the work after Packe's death. During his reign (1312-1377), Edward III fought savage wars against the Scots and French, avenged his father's murder, and suffered a lonely, solitary death.

Genres: History, Biography, Medieval History

336 pages, Paperback

First published March 1, 1983

Reviews

[mark · Rating 5 out of 5]

A very thorough survey of the life and times of the King who started and presided over the first third of the Hundred Years' war. Much of it has that "you were there" feel, even though it's completely narrated in past tense and third person. This also means there's no false drama, no words being put into the mouths of any of those involved. The parts were the author is offering his opinion or conclusion on a matter are generally clearly discernible from the biographical text, despite that the author also is clear in his opinion that Edward has been unfairly treated by historians between then and now.

[Cathie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was an older historical book in which the author, Michael Packe, died before completing. The last chapter was finished by another author. King Edward III was a warrior king and for most of his reign he was doing one battle after another to hold his lands. He was more like his grandfather, Edward I (Longshanks) than his father, Edward II (who was more like his grandfather, Henry III). He wasn't mean or vicious like Edward I. He was more gracious. He was another 6' King who had 11 children with Phillipa. She died a few years before him and he then took up with a mistress, Alice Perrers. He was very close to his son, Edward, The Black Prince, and they fought together for years. The Black Prince turned out to be more like Edward I in personality. It took me a long time to read this book because of all the battles and wars. King Edward III was at the start of the One Hundred Year War with France and also had battles with Scotland, and in his own country.

[Stephen Robert Kuta · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting book and very detailed. A great book for academic reference and study but far from a casual read.

[Brenna · Rating 3 out of 5]

I think this book was well written but for two possible reasons, I cannot give it more than 3.5 stars. First (and this is completely on me) I have read way too much about the fighting between England and France= Crecy and Calais! Please no more! Second, I would have liked Mr. Packe to go into a little more detail or maybe some psychoananlysis on what drove Edward III, what was his family situation like, etc. Less fighting, more personal information. However, that being said, I know how very difficult to darn impossible that is when writing a biography about someone in the M.A