"Only a few historians are interested in trying to understand these strange, hierarchical, and devout times—and those who aren’t interested prefer instead to scold the medievals for failing to meet modern standards of democratic tolerance and consumer affluence."
So that's why so many characters in Medieval-period novels and films wave the Magna Carta around like its the Bill of Rights. 😀
I knew next to nothing about William Marshal before I found this book at the public library. I liked it enough to buy it, and next year it’ll be required reading for my oldest two children.
Sometimes documenting things like illness can actually be a boon to a work. The biography I read of Andrew Jackson made sure to hammer home how injured, broken, and sick he was, so that when he did something insanely impressive, it was that much more heroic. A man so dedicated to the United States he pushed through insane agony to do his duty.
I agree that it's good to catalogue illness and injury. My issue with Jones is that he seemed to consider illness and injury to the extent of Richard's Crusade.
"Only a few historians are interested in trying to understand these strange, hierarchical, and devout times—and those who aren’t interested prefer instead to scold the medievals for failing to meet modern standards of democratic tolerance and consumer affluence."
So that's why so many characters in Medieval-period novels and films wave the Magna Carta around like its the Bill of Rights. 😀
Precisely. Asbridge does a good job of setting the record straight on this.
I knew next to nothing about William Marshal before I found this book at the public library. I liked it enough to buy it, and next year it’ll be required reading for my oldest two children.
Have you had them read any Raymond Ibrahim?
Not yet…he’s on my own list and then I plan to have them read him. I was told that parts of his books are a little heavy for younger teens.
Sometimes documenting things like illness can actually be a boon to a work. The biography I read of Andrew Jackson made sure to hammer home how injured, broken, and sick he was, so that when he did something insanely impressive, it was that much more heroic. A man so dedicated to the United States he pushed through insane agony to do his duty.
I agree that it's good to catalogue illness and injury. My issue with Jones is that he seemed to consider illness and injury to the extent of Richard's Crusade.
Great review!
Ty kindly!