Status Updates From Edward III: The Perfect King

An excellent, well-researched and highly enjoyable biography on one of England's most intriguing kings. Erudite, thoughtful with a lively writing style and a keen adherence to historical accuracy, this is a fantastic introduction to the tumultuous life of Edward III.

Appendices 1-8 In depth and thoughtful explanations on several issues within Edward III's life from the number of present day descendants he has to the enigmatic and controversial debate regarding the supposed murder of his father Edward II.

Ch 17 Edward the Gracious Was Edward III the "Perfect King"? Do his noted military, social and cultural achievements warrant such praise? Was his kingship a success or failure for England and himself?

Ch 16: A Tattered Coat upon a Stick Edward finds himself a mistress; the politically canny and avaricious Alice Perrers. Alice who was either a teenager or in her early twenties when she became involved with the King gave Edward a son John and two daughters Jane and Joan. Alice wielded great influence and authority over Edward and used it perhaps excessively to her advantage.

Ch 15 Outliving Victory Edward enters his inglorious and heartbreaking twilight years. His dearest friends, four of his much loved children and his cherished wife pass away and his triumphant military victories become no more than legendary memories. Edward is a man and King who has outlived his time; the saddest of all fates.

Ch 13: Lawmaker Edward III, in regards to law, followed the example of his grandfather Edward I who was known as the great codifier of English or "the Second Justinian". Edward, through Parliament and especially in the chaotic aftermath of the Great Mortality, passed numerous laws and statures meant to preserve the social and classist status qui.

Ch 12: At the Court of the Sun King Edward is best known for his minsters endeavours and his starting of the Hundred Years War. He did however rebuild Windsor castle, patronise Geoffrey Chaucer, collected hundreds of rare and highly prized books as well as supporting many of medieval England's best artists financially.

Ch 11: An Unassailable Enemy The Great Mortality later known as the Black Death sweeps across 14th century Europe wreaking havoc, misery and chaos. Edward is forced to put the war with France on hold and instead partaken in tournaments and creates the Order of the Garter.

Ch 9 The Advent of the Golden Age Edward prepares a major and well-organised assault on the Normandy coast to punish the treachery of the French King and to secure Brittany and Gascony under English control. IMHO Edward's a far more savvy and intelligent negotiated and diplomat then Phillipp VI. And it shows!

Ch 8 Chivalry and Shame In history, Edward III shines brightly as a noble paragon of chivalry, justice and perfect kingship. However, in the medieval period, his enemies often smeared and blackened his name with cruel and horrible deeds such as the Countess of Salisbury tale.

Ch 7 Sluys and Tournai Victory goes overwhelmingly to Edward at the sea battle of Sluys in 1340 where he smashes the French fleet and humiliates King Philipp VI. However money becomes an issue as Edward is forced to call off the siege of Tournai as he is unable to procure extra funds much to his disgust.

Ch 6 The Vow of the Heron According to a rather unbelievable and scurrilous poem Edward III was slyly goaded into the Hundred Years War by the duplicitous Robert d'Artois when he presented the proud Young king with a heron, the most cowardly of all birds. Nonetheless Edward III challenges King Philipp VI over the sovereignty of Gascony and soon all of France.

Ch 5 Warrior of God Edward iii like his grandfather Edward I proceeds to harass, harry and hammer the belligerent Scots into dutiful submission. Like his grandfather before Edward III finds this a lofty and damn near impossible goal to achieve.

Okay Mortimer seems 100% certain that Edward II loved beyond 1327 and sojourned in Italy for awhile. I'm not sure how I fell about this.....

Ch 4: Absolute Royalty Edward, with a wife Philippa and two small children, sets about reclaiming a kings total authority and dignity. Scotland is invaded and subdued only to rise again. Money is lavished on tournaments clothes weapons books armies...... Does someone have a point to prove?

Ch 3: the Devil for Wrath The arrest, trial and final downfall of Roger Mortimer, Earl of March at the hands of Edward III. After 3 years of being the puppet of his mother and her lover, Edward III breaks free from his chain and becomes the King he was meant to be. And boy does he ace it and still only 17! Mortimer mentions that there's a slight chance that Isabella and Roger may have had a child. I wonder....

Ch 3: A Treasonable Youth I'm still staggered by how Isabella and Mortimer usurped Edward II, imprisoned, crowned Edward III, ruled the country in his name and still managed to be worse tyrants than any other King and queen of England. Poor Edward can't have been an easy time.

Ch 1: Childhood Edward III is born to Isabella, Princess of France, and Edward II, King of England, on Monday 13 November 1312. Seriously by this date alone, people should realise just how inaccurate and stupid Braveheart is!

Intro: Edward III's rep took quite a beating during the Victorian era. A classic case of looking at the medieval world through modern eyes. All in all, who was Edward III? Did he succeed as a King, son, father or husband? Was he a great warrior and politician?