Seymour Phillips reassesses Edward II, whose reign has often been dismissed as an interlude of incompetence between two powerful kings. He reconstructs the king’s government, military policy and personal relationships, showing how favouritism, aristocratic rivalry and Edward’s refusal to abandon trusted companions repeatedly destabilised political life.
The biography examines Piers Gaveston, the Despensers, defeat at Bannockburn and the growth of baronial opposition. Phillips gives particular attention to the invasion led by Queen Isabella and Roger Mortimer, Edward’s deposition and disputed death, presenting a detailed account of how a crowned king lost authority and was removed.
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