Richard the Lionheart: The Crusader King of England

by W.B. Bartlett

Whilst Richard I is one of medieval England’s most famous kings he is also the most controversial. He has variously been considered a great warrior but a poor king, a man driven by the quest for fame and glory but also lacking in self-discipline and prone to throwing away the short-term advantages that his military successes brought him. In this reassessment W. B. Bartlett looks at his deeds and achievements in a new light. The result is a compelling new portrait of ‘the Lionheart’ which shows that the king is every bit as remarkable as his medieval contemporaries found him to be. This includes his Muslim enemies, who spoke of him as their most dangerous and gallant opponent. It shows him to be a man badly let down by some of those around him, especially his brother John and the duplicitous French king Philip. The foibles of his character are also exposed to the full, including his complicated relationships with the key women in his life, especially the imposing contemporary figure of his mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine, and his wife, Berengaria, with whom he failed to produce an heir, leading to later suggestions of homosexuality. This is a new Richard, one for the twenty-first century, and a re-evaluation of the life story of one of the greatest personalities of medieval Europe.

Genres: History, Medieval, Biography, Royalty, Plantagenet, Historical, Nonfiction

432 pages, Kindle Edition

First published July 1, 2018

About the author

W.B. Bartlett has worked across the globe in almost twenty countries and has spent time in over fifty. He is the author of many history books for Amberley Publishing, including titles on the Titanic, Medieval History and Dam Busters. He lives in Bournemouth.

Reviews

[Dawn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was informative, however a little repetitive. Also I'm not sure who checked the grammer or spelling but they must have been sleeping on the job. It kind of was a distraction .

[Blair Hodgkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an excellent popular biography of King Richard I because it has the virtue of challenging biographies that have come before as well as utilizing the early sources about his reign. John Gillingham, Richard's modern biographer, wrote the standard works on the king, and this author has referred to him and occasionally challenged his conclusions. The result is a bio that is well-researched, richly informative and up-to-date in scholarship. Recommended.

[Luke Gillham · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well executed high level summary of Richard’s life and conquests. The historian gives a balanced argument offering perspective from the 21st century and through the prism of the 12th century. A good read.

[Malacima · Rating 5 out of 5]

4,5 stars
If you are a fan of Sharon Kay Penman you will love this biography as well. It is very similar in historical data.

[Keith Hutson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I endeavored to read about this famous English king, as his legend, in part, inspired one of my most prominent story characters. I enjoyed the author's approach to this work in that he aims for a neutral perspective, displaying both the good and the bad, and mentions perspectives from other observers of King Richard's legacy. I often get wary of reading biographies, especially if the author has a noticeable slant, either favorable or unfavorable. This one seems to do a respectable job in staying on the neutral ground and allowing the reader to form his own opinion of the king.

[Simon Bradley · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very readable biography of this most famous of english kings about whom most people in reality know very little. Bartlett does a very good job of bringing him and his times to life. While he was clearly an extraordinary man it is perhaps ironic that his statue is so prominent in westminster when his reign was so short, he was basically french and he spent almost none of it in england. As Bartlett points put one is left wondering how hostpry mohht have turned out differently of he had outlived his awful younger brother and the throne passed directly to Henty 3.

[Balla Zsofia · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you’re interested in Richard the Lionheart, you must definitely read this. It does contain some detailed descriptions about his campaigns, measures as a king and his personality. Also, tries to sees everything in ‘grey’, not black and white. It contains some political analysis about his era too.

What I dislike though, is that the writing is not always coherent. It starts an idea, for example his relationship with Berengaria, adds some thoughts and analysis, then it’s left off. In a new chapter it’s started again.

[Andrey Jackson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good history book. The sign of a good history book is that it starts before and after the events in question. This provides context and evaluation which this book does masterfully. It offers a balanced perspective of the Richard the lionheart not seeking to put him down or hold him on a pedestal but offering credit where it is due and also criticism where it is needed. In a strong chronological order as well for ease of reading with a nice mix of accessibility as well as some more intellectual esoteric stuff mixed in. All around good read for anyone interested in the crusades or Richard the lionheart.

[Shawn William · Rating 5 out of 5]

comprehensive and entertaining description and analysis

Analysis of historical facts combined with an entertaining adventure story can be found in Bartlett’s Richard the Lion-heart: The Crusader King of England

[Sean Anter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very Interesting historical read in the life of King Richard the Lionheart!

[Daniel Stylianou · Rating 4 out of 5]

A great book. A little repetitive and there are quite a few spelling and grammar mistakes which can be distracting but on the whole a very good, informative read.

[Sydney · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this for background before reading Ivanhoe. Dang! It was such an exciting read. Maybe even more exciting than Ivanhoe...