BY VICKY FLETCHER

 

If, like me, you are interested in medieval history but are unsure how to go about improving your knowledge, this is a fantastic place to start. Dan Jones writes in an accessible, humorous and straightforward way which has the effect of bringing The Plantagenet Kings back into focus – in fact, they are leaping off the pages.

It is an incredibly lively and engaging book, full of information on battles and politics yes, but also personalities and individual circumstances which add up to suggest theories as to why some kings of this era are remembered fondly, some with loathing and some all but forgotten.

Jones takes us on a fascinating journey through the reigns of the kings of the Plantagenet era, setting the scene for the beginning of the dynasty before looking closely at the reign of Henry II through to the pitiful demise of the last Plantagenet of the direct line Richard II.

There is lots going on throughout the book, which can get a little confusing at times though this is down to my limited knowledge of the period and not Jones writing. He does provide family tress which help you sort out your Edward's and Henry’s (Plantagenet’s liked to reuse names).

I felt that I learned a great deal by reading this and Jones provides a useful further reading list for those who have caught the Plantagenet bug and want to go more in depth into particular reigns and eras.

Although a book focusing particularly on the history of royalty, it places this within a wider idea of social history of particular eras and makes many references to how actions taken by kings would have effected everyday people. As he notes: "A rural labourer born in 1300 would have been lucky to reach his fortieth birthday" largely due to wars and taxation derived from the costs of these wars, as well as famine. Women are not excluded either - Jones includes information on the lives and careers of many of the most powerful women of the era who were connected to the crown.

Living in Worcester, I found the chapters on King John particularly of interest as he is buried in our own cathedral. Jones provides a well-rounded portrait of this notorious king and he certainly comes across as an unpleasant character, however this is placed firmly in context with the acts of the kings that preceded and followed him and does not seem excessive in comparison. It seems John was in some ways unlucky (suffering military defeats where other Kings triumphed) and perhaps lacked the people skills of other Plantagenet’s that enabled their successes. As Jones says: "The legacies of each of the Plantagenet Kings depended largely on their success in battle."

I was surprised how many modern day institutions have their roots in the Plantagenet era such as Parliament and the Order of the Garter. In this way this book is not just about the past but has relevance of the world we live in today and the Plantagenet’s have left a legacy which is often more deep seated than we may think. As Jones notes, the Plantagenet’s left England in a much stronger condition than they found it. This influence can still be felt today – you just need to know where to look.

Dan Jones is a renowned historian and journalist. He writes for national newspapers and blogs about medieval history at summerofblood.com.

 

This book was published by William Collins and is available to buy for £8.99. It can also be borrowed from The Hive as well as other Worcestershire libraries. Click here to check availability and check it out.