Geoffrey De Mandeville: A Study Of The Anarchy

by John Horace Round

""Geoffrey De A Study Of The Anarchy"" is a historical book written by John Horace Round. The book is a detailed study of the life and times of Geoffrey De Mandeville, a prominent figure during the period of Anarchy in England. The Anarchy was a period of political and social unrest in England during the reign of King Stephen (1135-1154), characterized by a power struggle between the King and his cousin, Empress Matilda, for control of the throne. Geoffrey De Mandeville was a powerful baron who played a significant role in this period of turmoil. He was a loyal supporter of King Stephen, but also had a reputation for being a ruthless and opportunistic leader who was willing to switch sides for his own gain. The book delves into the details of his life, including his rise to power, his alliances, and his military campaigns. The author also provides a broader historical context for the Anarchy, exploring the causes and consequences of this turbulent period in English history. The book is based on extensive research, including primary sources such as charters, chronicles, and manuscripts. Overall, ""Geoffrey De A Study Of The Anarchy"" is a comprehensive and engaging account of one of the most fascinating figures of medieval England, and an important contribution to the study of English history.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.

476 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1892

About the author

J.H. Round (1854–1928) was a prolific historian, scholar and genealogist of the English medieval period. He translated the portion of the Domesday Book (1086) covering Essex into contemporary English. As an expert in the history of the British peerage, he was appointed honorary historical adviser to the Crown.

Reviews

[Michael Smith]

Round, one of the more astute (and contentious) genealogical scholars for two decades on either side of the beginning of the 20th century, undertook this study of the period of aristocratic civil war following the death of Henry I in the light of the large number of charters granted or attested by Geoffrey de Mandeville, 1st Earl of Essex. Until his sudden death at the hands of an enemy bowman in 1144, Geoffrey was one of the major players during the Anarchy; to many historians, he typifies the period. Round, in fact, calls him "the most perfect and typical presentment of the feudal and anarchic spirit." Actually, his principal goal seems to have been to recover the lands seized from his father by Henry I, which he accomplished by playing each side in the struggle against the other.

Of special interest, though, is Round’s habit of adding appendices to his books on whatever topics interested him, however tenuous their connection to the subject at hand. This volume includes twenty-eight brief essays on such notables as Gervase de Cornhill, Miles of Gloucester, William of Arques, Roger de Ramis, and the connection between the Mandevilles and the De Veres. There is also an extended essay on "The Creation of the Earldom of Gloucester."

Round’s scholarship is always finely honed, though certain of his interpretations and conclusions are now out of fashion. And be warned that he follows the Victorian gentleman’s assumption that any educated person can handle Latin texts, so he never bothers to translate his frequent excerpts from medieval charters and historians.