Shopping cart
Your cart empty!
The Plantagenets
The New York Times bestseller, from the author of Powers and Thrones, that tells the story of Britain’s greatest and worst dynasty—“a real-life Game of Thrones” (The Wall Street Journal)
The first Plantagenet kings inherited a blood-soaked realm from the Normans and transformed it into an empire that stretched at its peak from Scotland to Jerusalem. In this epic narrative history of courage, treachery, ambition, and deception, Dan Jones resurrects the unruly royal dynasty that preceded the Tudors. They produced England’s best and worst kings: Henry II and his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine, twice a queen and the most famous woman in Christendom; their son Richard the Lionheart, who fought Saladin in the Third Crusade; and his conniving brother King John, who was forced to grant his people new rights under the Magna Carta, the basis for our own bill of rights. Combining the latest academic research with a gift for storytelling, Jones vividly recreates the great battles of Bannockburn, Crécy, and Sluys and reveals how the maligned kings Edward II and Richard II met their downfalls. This is the era of chivalry and the Black Death, the Knights Templar, the founding of parliament, and the Hundred Years’ War, when England’s national identity was forged by the sword.
More Books from Dan Jones
Reviews
This is a masterful chronicle of one of England’s most influential dynasties, spanning from the White Ship to the first Lancaster King. As someone who deeply appreciates historical narratives, I found this book to be exceptional and informative although as a non english speaker from time to time the book uses very complicated words which can be challenging but despite this the richness of the content make it a rewarding read. Dan has provided beautiful and detailed insights into the lives and reigns of the Plantagenet kings and queens. Each chapter is rich in history, offering thorough explanations that bring the complexities of medieval politics very close to the reader. The depth of research and the clarity of storytelling stand out, painting vivid pictures of the significant events and personalities that shaped this era. It’s a dynamic narrative full of political intrigue, inner and outer wars, treason and unexpected turn of events. Of course I tottally recommend this book to anyone who loves history!
By presentywriter
This reading helped me to understand the growth and development of British constitutional history. As an American reader I know that my country's history is a part of this tradition.
By NormanBB
Dan Jones’ The Plantagenets transforms soporific classroom fodder into a vibrant and compelling narrative. Contemporary sources paint a vivid picture of a sophisticated and turbulent period, with the ebb and flow of triumph and tragedy framed by the human foibles that drove them. Compelling reading.
By Paul1980ABC
Great way to learn your history and how kings and Queens started.
By lishy138
This is an outstanding historical survey of the English Plantagenet Dynasty which ruled England in the Middle Ages from 1120 to 1399. The book is well-research, thoughtful, and makes sure to describe more than the battles. The book discusses how the English legal system developed, how the Magna Carta had a long-lasting impace on Middle Ages England. The writing style is quite good as well. Anyone interested in English or American history should read this book very carefully.
By ChgoLaw67