Book
A Great and Terrible King
First published 2008
Marc Morris reconstructs the life and reign of Edward I, following him from a turbulent youth during the Second Barons’ War through crusading service and accession to the English throne. Edward emerges as a forceful and energetic ruler whose ideals of kingship were shaped by chivalry, religion, law and an expansive belief in royal authority throughout Britain.
The biography examines Edward’s conquest of Wales and the great castle-building programme that followed, his intervention in the Scottish succession and the wars associated with William Wallace and Robert the Bruce. Morris also addresses parliament, taxation, legal reform, the expulsion of England’s Jewish population and the king’s family life, including his marriage to Eleanor of Castile. Edward’s achievements are set beside the coercion, warfare and long political divisions created by his ambitions.
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