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Richard the Lionheart: A Life from Beginning to End
Discover the remarkable life of Richard the Lionheart... Free BONUS Inside! You might have heard of King Richard—the Lionhearted, the “good king” in the tales of Robin Hood. But what do you really know about this twelfth-century ruler of England? Do you know why he left England, or why he was taken prisoner by another sovereign as he tried to return? Did you know Richard had other brothers besides the famed scoundrel, Prince John? Have you heard tales of Richard not only as a missing king but as a leader who rode boldly into battle alongside his knights? In this book, you’ll learn the actual story of King Richard, a king who may not have been exactly “good,” but was certainly brave, charismatic, and dashing—a historical character with a story to remember. Discover a plethora of topics such as From Aquitaine to King of England Beginnings of a Crusade The Way to Palestine Sea Battles and Sieges A Captive King The Last Five Years And much more!So if you want a concise and informative book on Richard the Lionheart, simply scroll up and click the "Buy now" button for instant access!
111 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 19, 2017
288 people are currently reading
284 people want to read
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Hourly History
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 4, 2025
Son of Eleanor of Aquitane, and bringer of the 3rd Crusade into Palestine, anti-Jewish violence in his homeland, skirmishes with Saladin. A Plantagenet, ruled for a brief 2 year period before succumbing to infection of a spear wound to the chest. The spear was thrown by a mercenary holding a cast iron pan as a shield. Legend says the Lionheart was impressed by this act of bravery and pointed him out before turning away, causing the fatal wound. The Duke of Aquitane was 42 when he died. He did not come from a happy family. All the sons of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitane behaved selfishly, gaining personal wealth, taxing the citizens for their own mistakes, and overall being brutal tyrants as they passed kingship from one brother to another until King John was all that was left. For all their stories of bravery, there is even more treachery. Each brother engaged in their own controversial schemes and scandals for selfish gain.
his role in the legends and folktales surrounding Robin Hood, daring renegade and cunning thief of Sherwood Forest. In these stories, Richard is the beloved but absent ruler; his subjects all hope for the return of “Good King Richard” as they suffer under the tyrannical rule of Richard’s younger brother, Prince John.
Richard spent less than a year of his reign on English soil. In fact, Richard never even learned to speak English fluently.
Reading this along with: The Plantagenets: The Warrior Kings and Queens Who Made England which includes a lot more detailed information about Richard I Lionheart, the favorite son of Eleanor of Aquitane.
his role in the legends and folktales surrounding Robin Hood, daring renegade and cunning thief of Sherwood Forest. In these stories, Richard is the beloved but absent ruler; his subjects all hope for the return of “Good King Richard” as they suffer under the tyrannical rule of Richard’s younger brother, Prince John.
Richard spent less than a year of his reign on English soil. In fact, Richard never even learned to speak English fluently.
Reading this along with: The Plantagenets: The Warrior Kings and Queens Who Made England which includes a lot more detailed information about Richard I Lionheart, the favorite son of Eleanor of Aquitane.
September 9, 2021
A Good start
This Biography has a few details that are sketchy I guess the reason is there are few facts as to why certain events happened but overall a good start on the King of England
This Biography has a few details that are sketchy I guess the reason is there are few facts as to why certain events happened but overall a good start on the King of England
September 8, 2020
This narration about the legendary Richard is a fascinating one. Hourly History does justice to his crusades as well as the internal feuds that marked these historic campaigns. Makes for an interesting read.
February 8, 2022
It was a brief “History in An Hour” sort of thing. Sort of like Spark Notes for Middle School 🤷🏼♀️
July 24, 2019
King Rich'ard I: Despite the people/ popul'ar image of Richard as a good king, the act'ual account of his life might surprise many readers.
Although he's been renowned as a good king of England, Richard I was actually absent all throughout his reign as the English King, and he never even learned to speak English of the time as he spent most of his childhood in his mother's hometown in Southern France.
His real interest was to hold the lands and titles in France and in Palestine.
Besides, his Christian Crusaders definitely showed serious di-vis'ion among themselves, and no wonder their campaign was meant to fail after all.
(Kindle Ed., locations 60-61)
...His native tongue was the dialect of French spoken in Poitou...
(Kindle Ed., locations 142-143)
...Richard used this time to consolidate his power in the south of France and build alliances there, slowly working to move his center of government from Normandy, in the north, to Aquitaine...
(Kindle Ed., Locations 429-431)
...Much of the remaining five years of Richard's reign would be spent going back and forth in fighting and negotiations with Philip. Richard would never again return to England--the land that he ruled as sovereign, but which was not truly his home...Money continued to be a problem during Richard's reign. Perhaps this is part of the reason why, in 1199, when a peasant discovered buried treasure on one of Richard's lands, it spurred Richard to respond with military might. The peasant's lord, Achrad, had claimed the treasure for himself...Richard marched to meet the viscount at the castle of Chalus and began a siege. Always part of the fray, Richard rode too close to the walls of the castle on March 26. A bolt from a crossbow jolted into the king's shoulder...infection soon set in.
(Kindle Ed., Locations 450-451)
...Richard's kingdom was left behind, over-taxed and neglected...
According to this book Richard King must have killed more Christians than Muslims and had more enemies among Christians than Muslims. It sounds like he wasn't really trusted by his fellow Christians of his time, but was more famed among the Muslims as a brilliant an/ en-emy/ ami (not-friend) military leader. Anyways he didn't have friends after all.
This book is another good example why people who read hi'story prevail those who only like to watch shows on TV.
Don't you ever feel frustrated reading and answering comments on #SNS?
We never know we are ignorant making arguments based on craps we pick up from shows on screen we want to believe are knowledge. These images we get from screen now rule the world creating more and more confusions and misunderstandings.
I hope we really start reading and learn or at least stay quiet for the sake of our world if we don't want to read.
And kudos to all who have opened and read this book ♡
Although he's been renowned as a good king of England, Richard I was actually absent all throughout his reign as the English King, and he never even learned to speak English of the time as he spent most of his childhood in his mother's hometown in Southern France.
His real interest was to hold the lands and titles in France and in Palestine.
Besides, his Christian Crusaders definitely showed serious di-vis'ion among themselves, and no wonder their campaign was meant to fail after all.
(Kindle Ed., locations 60-61)
...His native tongue was the dialect of French spoken in Poitou...
(Kindle Ed., locations 142-143)
...Richard used this time to consolidate his power in the south of France and build alliances there, slowly working to move his center of government from Normandy, in the north, to Aquitaine...
(Kindle Ed., Locations 429-431)
...Much of the remaining five years of Richard's reign would be spent going back and forth in fighting and negotiations with Philip. Richard would never again return to England--the land that he ruled as sovereign, but which was not truly his home...Money continued to be a problem during Richard's reign. Perhaps this is part of the reason why, in 1199, when a peasant discovered buried treasure on one of Richard's lands, it spurred Richard to respond with military might. The peasant's lord, Achrad, had claimed the treasure for himself...Richard marched to meet the viscount at the castle of Chalus and began a siege. Always part of the fray, Richard rode too close to the walls of the castle on March 26. A bolt from a crossbow jolted into the king's shoulder...infection soon set in.
(Kindle Ed., Locations 450-451)
...Richard's kingdom was left behind, over-taxed and neglected...
According to this book Richard King must have killed more Christians than Muslims and had more enemies among Christians than Muslims. It sounds like he wasn't really trusted by his fellow Christians of his time, but was more famed among the Muslims as a brilliant an/ en-emy/ ami (not-friend) military leader. Anyways he didn't have friends after all.
This book is another good example why people who read hi'story prevail those who only like to watch shows on TV.
Don't you ever feel frustrated reading and answering comments on #SNS?
We never know we are ignorant making arguments based on craps we pick up from shows on screen we want to believe are knowledge. These images we get from screen now rule the world creating more and more confusions and misunderstandings.
I hope we really start reading and learn or at least stay quiet for the sake of our world if we don't want to read.
And kudos to all who have opened and read this book ♡
September 30, 2017
When I think of King Richard I, I picture a grey-bearded Sean Connery majestically arriving just in the nick of time to save England from his evil younger brother, King John. In reality, the story, as the times, was much more bizarre than one could imagine.
Richard was born on September 8, 1157, in Beaumont Palace, Oxford, as the third of five brothers. His parents were King Henry II (1133-1189) and Eleanor of Aquitaine (1122-1204). He spent most of his youth in his mother’s court in France. As is often the case (especially during the turbulent and uncertain times of the Middle Ages) Richard’s two older male siblings died, leaving him as the heir apparent to the English throne.
I was fascinated to read about the inner-family intrigues and conflicts for both real and perceived power. Maybe even more remarkable, was the ease in which transgressions (sometimes nothing short of high treason) were forgiven. When news of Saladin’s attack on Palestine reached Richard, he didn’t hesitate to join in the Third Crusade and vanquish every member of the Ayyabid Dynasty from the Holy Lands.
In the ten years that King Richard I ruled, he spent a scant year on English soil. Why a newly crowned king would lead a crusade so far away from home is a mystery to me. That he would finance, supply, and man such a commitment I can fathom but to personally lead it is ludicrous. I’m sure he could have found enough capable minions to lead the Knights and soldiers into battle, leaving him to care for his kingdom. This apparently wasn’t the way of Richard the Lionheart, adding more color and excitement to the House of Plantagenet and his legend and questions for historians.
Richard was born on September 8, 1157, in Beaumont Palace, Oxford, as the third of five brothers. His parents were King Henry II (1133-1189) and Eleanor of Aquitaine (1122-1204). He spent most of his youth in his mother’s court in France. As is often the case (especially during the turbulent and uncertain times of the Middle Ages) Richard’s two older male siblings died, leaving him as the heir apparent to the English throne.
I was fascinated to read about the inner-family intrigues and conflicts for both real and perceived power. Maybe even more remarkable, was the ease in which transgressions (sometimes nothing short of high treason) were forgiven. When news of Saladin’s attack on Palestine reached Richard, he didn’t hesitate to join in the Third Crusade and vanquish every member of the Ayyabid Dynasty from the Holy Lands.
In the ten years that King Richard I ruled, he spent a scant year on English soil. Why a newly crowned king would lead a crusade so far away from home is a mystery to me. That he would finance, supply, and man such a commitment I can fathom but to personally lead it is ludicrous. I’m sure he could have found enough capable minions to lead the Knights and soldiers into battle, leaving him to care for his kingdom. This apparently wasn’t the way of Richard the Lionheart, adding more color and excitement to the House of Plantagenet and his legend and questions for historians.
January 15, 2018
I wanted something really quick to read for NF book group theme: biography of British royalty. I decided to go shallow and read a couple of these hourly history books to get a sense of a couple of kings who I didn’t know much about.
This didn’t take long and gave a decent overview with a little bit of detail and background but not too much. I didn’t care enough to want to really understand medieval politics, but there was enough that the story of Richard mostly made sense.
There were some annoying editing mistakes (the wrong word or spelling, not many, but pretty glaring) and at times the writing was pretty poor. But for the most part this seemed to be on par with a good Wikipedia article or children’s book - ideally I will read a Wikipedia article about Richard to compare before book group to see if I’m right about that.
This didn’t take long and gave a decent overview with a little bit of detail and background but not too much. I didn’t care enough to want to really understand medieval politics, but there was enough that the story of Richard mostly made sense.
There were some annoying editing mistakes (the wrong word or spelling, not many, but pretty glaring) and at times the writing was pretty poor. But for the most part this seemed to be on par with a good Wikipedia article or children’s book - ideally I will read a Wikipedia article about Richard to compare before book group to see if I’m right about that.
December 7, 2017
King Richard is best known for his role in the tale of Robin Hood. But do you know anything else about King Richard? One of my favorite subjects is history and these short novels by Hourly History are perfect as a starting point into the lives of historical figures that have shaped our world. Has our society learned anything from history? In my own opinion, we have not. Power changes people and not always in a good manner. But we all have to start somewhere and reading about history is a good start to learning how to live today.
February 8, 2021
Interesting
I chose this title because I have always heard of the fable Robinhood and in it Richard comes at the end and that is really all you hear of him. So I wanted to know the true story of Richard the Lionheart
I really enjoyed, but this book which I guess is good peaked my interest about his brother John.
I love history.
I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to a friend.
I chose this title because I have always heard of the fable Robinhood and in it Richard comes at the end and that is really all you hear of him. So I wanted to know the true story of Richard the Lionheart
I really enjoyed, but this book which I guess is good peaked my interest about his brother John.
I love history.
I really enjoyed this book and would highly recommend it to a friend.
August 7, 2020
Informative
I knew very little about Richard the Lionheart before reading this book and found it quite interested. Basically Richard held the title of king but spent most of his life being commanded in chief instead. The duties of ruling his kingdom he left to others so he could become a crusader.
I knew very little about Richard the Lionheart before reading this book and found it quite interested. Basically Richard held the title of king but spent most of his life being commanded in chief instead. The duties of ruling his kingdom he left to others so he could become a crusader.
October 31, 2021
Bringing Reality to the Legend
This quick read on Richard will provide you with context of both the rise, crusades and fall of Richard the Lionheart. Interesting background and information on his mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine is almost as fascinating. A good introduction to the life of the legend.
This quick read on Richard will provide you with context of both the rise, crusades and fall of Richard the Lionheart. Interesting background and information on his mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine is almost as fascinating. A good introduction to the life of the legend.
June 13, 2018
A disappointment
A very superficial depiction of Richard and his legacy. I was really disappointed in this book. I suppose if you want a taste of Richard the lion hearted this is just that, a taste......barely.
A very superficial depiction of Richard and his legacy. I was really disappointed in this book. I suppose if you want a taste of Richard the lion hearted this is just that, a taste......barely.
July 30, 2018
Richard the Lionheart
King Richard has always sparked a curiosity in me. As they say, the man, the myth, the legend... this little book has an adequate amount of information about King Richard. This read gives one an idea why he received the epithet Richard the Lionheart.
King Richard has always sparked a curiosity in me. As they say, the man, the myth, the legend... this little book has an adequate amount of information about King Richard. This read gives one an idea why he received the epithet Richard the Lionheart.
September 16, 2019
Great story of the 3rd crusade legend an enjoyable read
Great story of the 3rd crusade legend
Well organized timeline enjoy going back 800 years
I wish he succeeded in capturing the holy land
Great story of the 3rd crusade legend
Well organized timeline enjoy going back 800 years
I wish he succeeded in capturing the holy land
September 29, 2019
This is one of better books in the Hourly History series. It covers the high points of Richard's life accurately as well as concisely. I read Hourly History as a refresher for coursework and books I read many years ago and this monograph more than fit the bill.
October 16, 2019
Great Man deserves a great story!
Short, maybe, but we'll worth reading. To all those who are interested in history but don't have much time to read, this is the ideal way. Do believe me!
Short, maybe, but we'll worth reading. To all those who are interested in history but don't have much time to read, this is the ideal way. Do believe me!
November 5, 2025
Unchanneled Power
Richard was physically above ordinary, charismatic and diligent in gifting. However, no field of practice spelt out his legacy. Do one thing well, live out the rest to others.
Details of the story are clear.
Richard was physically above ordinary, charismatic and diligent in gifting. However, no field of practice spelt out his legacy. Do one thing well, live out the rest to others.
Details of the story are clear.
January 17, 2018
Exceedingly short narration
Worst book on King Richard, I have come across. Grade school history books possibly tell more than this author has presented.
Worst book on King Richard, I have come across. Grade school history books possibly tell more than this author has presented.
March 9, 2018
An interest unraveling of truth from legend. I learned quite a lot. I never realized how absent from England this king had been.
September 29, 2018
Good history
Like most history buffs I enjoy the facts and details of those before me. I enjoyed this history lesson. And would recommend it to all other history buffs.
Like most history buffs I enjoy the facts and details of those before me. I enjoyed this history lesson. And would recommend it to all other history buffs.
May 16, 2019
An interesting short read about a king who loved to fight.
August 15, 2019
History told
Written in a form that allowed a reader to visualize the events, people & geography. It was eady to read with the flow of the historical context.
Written in a form that allowed a reader to visualize the events, people & geography. It was eady to read with the flow of the historical context.
March 12, 2020
Great book
June 23, 2021
This is very interesting and shows Richard the Lionheart in a different light, never learning English and being mostly absent from England involved in the Crusades and other fighting.
September 1, 2021
This book invites me to learn more about Richard the Lionheart.
March 18, 2022
CuRiosity rewarded
These short books provide interesting info on the subject, probably all most people want. I learned all I want about King Richard.
These short books provide interesting info on the subject, probably all most people want. I learned all I want about King Richard.
May 24, 2022
Good hisrory
This is a short but accurate history of a British king . good read for those with limited time .
This is a short but accurate history of a British king . good read for those with limited time .
May 20, 2023
Top man
Great read enjoyed 😌 it a lot lots I did not know the author has done a great job writing this book
Great read enjoyed 😌 it a lot lots I did not know the author has done a great job writing this book
November 4, 2025
Another good outline.
I like these short histories. They give a skeleton to a person or event. Then, if desired I can read further elsewhere. Keep up the good work.
I like these short histories. They give a skeleton to a person or event. Then, if desired I can read further elsewhere. Keep up the good work.
November 12, 2025
short and sweet
Good short summary of Richard and his times. Interested in crusade but wish there was more. Alas, hourly history is not the place to find it
Good short summary of Richard and his times. Interested in crusade but wish there was more. Alas, hourly history is not the place to find it
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews