Richard Mortimer's book covers the reigns of Henry II, his sons Richard the Lionheart and John, and much of that of his gradson Henry III. The period was beset by constant wars with France, frequent troubles with the popes, and baronial rebellions culminating in Magna Carta. But Angevin rule also witnessed the re-establishment of a strengthened royal authority and administration, a burgeoning prosperity, the beginnings of the common law, and the foundations of universities at Oxford and Cambridge. This is not only a history of the politics of the period but of society and culture, and the interactions of the three.

About the Author
Richard Mortimer was born in London and educated at Maidstone Grammar School and the universities of Sussex and London. He researched and taught at the universities of London, Exeter, East Anglia and Cambridge, before becoming in 1986 Keeper of the Muniments at Westminister Abbey.

Reviews
"Mortimer's volume is a well-written and thoroughly informed analysis of the dynamics and personalities of politics, diplomacy, war, and the structures of government of the century upon which Mortimer concentrates .... warmly recommended as a serious introduction to the period." Choice

"Richard Mortimer's text-book is solid and reliable." Times Literary Supplement

Book Information
ISBN 9780631202844
Author Richard Mortimer
Format Paperback
Page Count 280
Imprint Wiley-Blackwell
Publisher John Wiley and Sons Ltd
Weight(grams) 454g
Dimensions(mm) 231mm * 156mm * 21mm