Description
Book SynopsisA new review of the most significant issues of Edward II's reign. Edward II presided over a turbulent and politically charged period of English history, but to date he has been relatively neglected in comparison to other fourteenth and fifteenth-century kings. This book offers a significant re-appraisal of a much maligned monarch and his historical importance, making use of the latest empirical research and revisionist theories, and concentrating on people and personalities, perceptions and expectations, rather than dry constitutional analysis. Papers consider both the institutional and the personal facets of Edward II's life and rule: his sexual reputation, the royal court, the role of the king's household knights, the nature of law and parliament in the reign, and England's relations with Ireland and Europe. Contributors: J.S. HAMILTON, W.M. ORMROD, IAN MORTIMER, MICHAEL PRESTWICH, ALISTAIR TEBBIT, W.R. CHILDS, PAUL DRYBURGH, ANTHONY MUSSON, GWILYM DODD, ALISON MARSHALL, MARTYN LAWRENCE, SEYMOUR PHILLIPS.
Trade ReviewLike all the best historical writing, this book will provoke debate, even disagreement, and so move its subject forward. * ENGLISH HISTORICAL REVIEW *
Table of ContentsThe Character of Edward II: The Letters of Caernarfon Reconsidered - Jeffrey S Hamilton The Sexualities of Edward II - W. Mark Ormrod Sermons of Sodomy: A Reconsideration of Edward II's Sodomitical Reputation - Ian Mortimer The Court of Edward II - Michael C Prestwich Household Knights and Military Service Under the Direction of Edward II - Alistair Tebbit England in Europe in the Reign of Edward II - Wendy Childs The Last Refuge of a Scoundrel? Edward II and Ireland, 1321-7 - Paul Dryburgh Edward II: The Public and Private Face of the Law - Anthony Musson Parliament and Political Legitimacy in the Reign of Edward II - Gwilym Dodd The Childhood and Household of Edward II's Half-Brothers, Thomas of Brotherton and Edmund of Woodstock - Alison Marshall Rise of a Royal Favourite: the Early Career of Hugh Despenser - Martyn Lawrence The Place of the Reign of Edward II - J R S Phillips
