Description
Henry I, son of William the Conqueror, ruled from 1100 to 1135, a time of fundamental change in the Anglo-Norman world. This long-awaited biography, written by one of the most distinguished medievalists of his generation, offers a major reassessment of Henry's character and reign. Challenging the dark and dated portrait of the king as brutal, greedy, and repressive, it argues instead that Henry's rule was based on reason and order.
C. Warren Hollister points out that Henry laid the foundations for judicial and financial institutions usually attributed to his grandson, Henry II. Royal government was centralized and systematized, leading to firm, stable, and peaceful rule for his subjects in both England and Normandy. By mid-reign Henry I was the most powerful king in Western Europe, and with astute diplomacy, an intelligence network, and strategic marriages of his children (legitimate and illegitimate), he was able to undermine the various coalitions mounted against him. Henry strove throughout his reign to solidify the Anglo-Norman dynasty, and his marriage linked the Normans to the Old English line.
Hollister vividly describes Henry's life and reign, places them against the political background of the time, and provides analytical studies of the king and his magnates, the royal administration, and relations between king and church. The resulting volume is one that will be welcomed by students and general readers alike.
About the Author
C. Warren Hollister was professor of history emeritus at the University of California, Santa Barbara, before his death in 1997.
Reviews
"The product of a lifetime's research, a monument to its author's scholarship and teaching alike, this book gives us a Henry I to relish as well as to reconsider... thorough and readable." T.N. Bisson, English Historical Review "A deeply learned, readable, and witty biography, which provides a new assessment of an important reign... a marvelous book." Marjorie Chibnall, Albion "A magisterial biography." Publishers Weekly "A work of outstanding scholarship." Fred A. Cazel, History: Reviews of New Books "A valuable volume, destined to be the standard biography." Expository Times
Book Information
ISBN 9780300098297
Author C. Warren Hollister
Format Paperback
Page Count 588
Imprint Yale University Press
Publisher Yale University Press
Weight(grams) 930g
C. Warren Hollister points out that Henry laid the foundations for judicial and financial institutions usually attributed to his grandson, Henry II. Royal government was centralized and systematized, leading to firm, stable, and peaceful rule for his subjects in both England and Normandy. By mid-reign Henry I was the most powerful king in Western Europe, and with astute diplomacy, an intelligence network, and strategic marriages of his children (legitimate and illegitimate), he was able to undermine the various coalitions mounted against him. Henry strove throughout his reign to solidify the Anglo-Norman dynasty, and his marriage linked the Normans to the Old English line.
Hollister vividly describes Henry's life and reign, places them against the political background of the time, and provides analytical studies of the king and his magnates, the royal administration, and relations between king and church. The resulting volume is one that will be welcomed by students and general readers alike.
About the Author
C. Warren Hollister was professor of history emeritus at the University of California, Santa Barbara, before his death in 1997.
Reviews
"The product of a lifetime's research, a monument to its author's scholarship and teaching alike, this book gives us a Henry I to relish as well as to reconsider... thorough and readable." T.N. Bisson, English Historical Review "A deeply learned, readable, and witty biography, which provides a new assessment of an important reign... a marvelous book." Marjorie Chibnall, Albion "A magisterial biography." Publishers Weekly "A work of outstanding scholarship." Fred A. Cazel, History: Reviews of New Books "A valuable volume, destined to be the standard biography." Expository Times
Book Information
ISBN 9780300098297
Author C. Warren Hollister
Format Paperback
Page Count 588
Imprint Yale University Press
Publisher Yale University Press
Weight(grams) 930g
