jjares reviewed on 3/5/2017 + 3413 more book reviews

The history of the Plantagenets starts with Geoffrey of Anjou. Geoffrey gave the line their name with the sprig of Planta genista he liked to wear. Keep in mind, this dynasty was never called 'the Plantagenets' during their lifetimes.

This is a warring group of kings who used their swords to carve out a kingdom that, at its height, stretched from Scotland to Jerusalem. The author has a firm grasp on the kings and their times; he doesn't just tell the kings' stories, he explains the socio-political realm that helped shape the kings' reigns.

Having watched all of the old 'Robin Hood' stories, I thought I knew the story of Richard the Lionheart and King John. However, Dan Jones fleshed out each king and era; what a wild time it was. John was just as vicious and stupid as the 'Robin Hood' stories showed. It was no surprise that it was John who was forced to sign the Magna Carta.

I liked that Dan Jones showed the 'why' of things. He explained why Richard the Lionheart felt the need to go to Jerusalem to fight Saladin. The Pope's urging of the Western Kings to fight the Muslims was a strong impetus to Richard and others to leave the comfort of their lives to fight in distant lands. Richard's ignoble death shows what a reckless man he was.

There was considerable variety in the quality of leadership offered by the Plantagenants. Jones did a very fine job of explaining why, and how, Edward II and Richard II lost their kingships. It seems that the English public was incredibly patient with these two misfits. As the author explains, Richard II was the worst of all the Plantagenets -- and that is saying something after reading this long work.

In an effort to keep the book to a reasonable length, I think the author skimmed over some areas. This book is a great overview, but other works must be read to understand the complete picture. 4.5 stars

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