Allan Massie, Daily Telegraph
‘an excellent biography; entertaining as well as informative.’
The Economist
"A fascinating portrait. At times, the reader seems almost able to reach across time and touch this man"
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Customer Reviews
Most Helpful Customer Reviews
29 of 29 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
Being brought up firmly in the school of Edward II -Berkeley Castle - red hot poker in places that made teenage scholars snigger, I approached this book with a great deal of caution. I have to say that Mortimer has made acompelling case for the survival of Edward II, which I personally can go along with. Even if you don't agree with this thesis you should still buy this book if you are interested in: the Fourteenth Century, Edward III, the Hundred Years War. Mortimer takes Edward from vulnerable youth, through warrior king, to manipulated old man, In my opinion this will be the definitive work on Edward III for many years to come. Well written, copiously researched, brilliant, so buy it!
63 of 65 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
What a marvellous read. I am interested in all areas of history but as a boy Edward and his son the Black Prince were heroes. I have never been able to understand why we see so much about Henry V111 and so little about other great Kings such as Edward 111 or Edward 1 .. or indeed other fascinating long reigns such as Henry 111 with great charactors like Simon de Montfort. Here in Edward Dr Mortimer has found a character worthy of his writing. It is such a marvellous story. The theory that his father was alive till well in his reign is fascinating. Even better is that he does not go on about it , but states it firmly and lays down the reasons why he feels it is true. It is also fascinating that Edward was so enamoured of the tales of Arthur that he not only created his own myth for Camelot, but indeed when we see the myth in out minds eye, or on TV , it is not the early english hero we see but a figure much like Edward himself. READ THIS BOOK you will love it I think.
30 of 31 people found the following review helpful
Format:Paperback
This is the first book I've read about Edward III, and it's great. I was a fan of Mortimer's 'The Greatest Traitor' so really looked forward to reading this.
I was not disappointed. Mortimer sticks to his guns about Edward II being alive in Edward III's reign, and explains his motives in light of this. You couldn't get a more different king from Edward II, however, and it is his successful reign, wars in France and the multitude of offspring he has that makes this not only a great book in itself, but an excellent precursor to reading about Richard II, Henry IV and Henry V, as well as the Wars of the Roses (well, obviously!).
I started my history reading with the tudors, and worked my way back. If you are thinking of starting to read popular history, my advice is to start further back, as anglo-saxon and medieval kings and queens are so much more interesting!
I was not disappointed. Mortimer sticks to his guns about Edward II being alive in Edward III's reign, and explains his motives in light of this. You couldn't get a more different king from Edward II, however, and it is his successful reign, wars in France and the multitude of offspring he has that makes this not only a great book in itself, but an excellent precursor to reading about Richard II, Henry IV and Henry V, as well as the Wars of the Roses (well, obviously!).
I started my history reading with the tudors, and worked my way back. If you are thinking of starting to read popular history, my advice is to start further back, as anglo-saxon and medieval kings and queens are so much more interesting!
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Most Recent Customer Reviews
The Perfect King: The Life of Edward 111
An excellent read. Like an Errol Flynn swashbuckler from the opening moments when, against heavy odds Edward's friends free the young king from Sir Roger Mortimer; who had usurped... Read more
Published 6 months ago by Michael
A comprehensive history of a life of a statesman...and a man
The book has all the qualities of a good book - it is easy to read, it puts things in perspective, it provides intriguing details that make one better "feel" the person and his... Read more
Published 7 months ago by K. Birznieks
Better than any crime novel
I bought this book for summer holidays, and was not disappointed: English royalty supply a lot of action, crime, violence, but also good ruling, wise government, adventure,... Read more
Published 10 months ago by RAMON
Perfect.
I knew Edward III has one of the most interesting story's of a English monarch, i wanted to find a good book that covered his reign and i wasn't disappointed. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Jacks
A great read - but is it all true?
I do not know why Edward III is one of our lesser known kings. I knew very little about him at all and only bought this book based on the Amazon ratings. Read more
Published 11 months ago by Chorizo D'Horreur
great reading of a great king
one of the best books on Edward 3 and encompassing his fathers 'death' and incarceration
we owe much to kings like this
cheers
geof
we owe much to kings like this
cheers
geof
Published 11 months ago by G. G. Worrall
Not a perfect biography - but a good read
Whether you like or love this book probably depends on what you want from it. I can't see anyone really disliking it. Read more
Published 13 months ago by bookelephant
THE PERFECT WRITER
This is the third book I have read by Ian Mortimer, the others being 1415 A Year in the Life of Henry V and his book on the reality of medieval life. Read more
Published 14 months ago by airman
A King For England And A Hero To His People
Having just read Ian Mortimer's book, The Greatest Traitor, I felt compelled to read The Perfect King and was, without exaggeration, completely blown away...!!! Read more
Published 14 months ago by Steven T. Jarvis
The Perfect Biography
What a fantastic biography of a fantastic King. It is a model of its kind. Ian Mortimer tells the tale of these exciting times and this outstanding king really well. Read more
Published 15 months ago by D. Wieloch
Popular Highlights
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not until 1802 that George III finally dropped the formal title King of France, after the French Revolution had destroyed the Bourbon monarchy.
Highlighted by 4 Kindle users
Previously medieval society had understood that it was composed of three estates of people: those who fought (the nobility and knightly class), those who prayed (monks and the secular clergy), and those who worked (the peasantry).
Highlighted by 4 Kindle users
On 15 August 1316 Prince John, Edwards brother, was born at Eltham.
Highlighted by 3 Kindle users
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