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A Great and Terrible King

Edward I and the Forging of Britain

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A Great and Terrible King

By: Marc Morris
Narrated by: Ralph Lister
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This is the first major biography for a generation of a truly formidable king. Edward I is familiar to millions as 'Longshanks', conqueror of Scotland and nemesis of Sir William Wallace ('Braveheart'). Edward was born to rule England, but believed that it was his right to rule all of Britain. His reign was one of the most dramatic of the entire Middle Ages, leading to war and conquest on an unprecedented scale and leaving a legacy of division that has lasted from his day to our own.

In his astonishingly action-packed life, Edward defeated and killed the famous Simon de Montfort in battle, travelled across Europe to the Holy Land on crusade, conquered Wales, extinguishing forever its native rulers and constructed - at Conwy, Harlech, Beaumaris and Caernarfon - the most magnificent chain of castles ever created. After the death of his first wife, he erected the Eleanor Crosses - the grandest funeral monuments ever fashioned for an English monarch.

©2008 Marc Morris (P)2021 Penguin Audio Europe Great Britain Historical Medieval Politics & Activism Royalty England Middle Ages Scotland War United Kingdom
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Marc Morris has done various histories that I have read, but this one is absolutely outstanding.
King Edward 111 (or is it Edward 1, really is confusing) was until listening to this audio book, just another king from long ago.
This book really brings him to live in so many ways, from his love of jousting and tournament to actual war. He seems to be one of the exceptional kings and rulers even surpassing Henry V.
A lot should get to know this king, he was remarkable in keeping and making laws.
His passion for crusades was very evident but events prevent him from equalling Richard the Lionheart, but on being a king I don't think another one can surpass his quite long reign.
The narration and research in this audio book are excellent in every way.
This is my third audio by Marc Morris. I'm now looking for more. Excellent

A truly exception history of a great king

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The book is very detailed but sustains interest to the last. Excellent.
The inability to even pronounce Llewelyn and Dafydd correctly is unforgivable. Many Welsh places names are also mispronounced. The pronunciation of Dolwyddelan many me laugh out loud. The narrator also miprounced the English town of Alnwick.
Some basic research before launching into narration would have been good.

A comprehensive review of the reign and legacy of Edward 1st but very poor pronunciation of many Welsh names.

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The subject is big and very interesting - a biography of one of the most eminent English kings - therefore the challenge facing the author who wants to tackle it is enormous.
But Mark Morris coped with this task in an excellent style and written book that not only provides facts, but all of it is a great read (or actually listen).

Well written

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This has been the most enjoyable listen, and I would highly recommend it to anyone wishing to gain a better understanding of our early monarchy.

it is well researched and explains the highs and lows during the latter part of Henry III and his son Edward, who would become King Edward 1st.

From his teens until death, the story explains the struggles of Edward, his constant taxes, and personal ambitions.

Failure seems to be the recurring pattern, and his leadership was to be challenged on numerous occasions.

This is a magnificent story, and I was left questioning if he was a Great or Terrible King. The self-imposed power hungry King certainly attempted to be great, but history tells us a different story.

To date, this has been the best book I have listened to. it is told as a life story and was easy to follow and made for very easy listening.

Was he such a Terrible King

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Great narrating and a well written, well researched book of a fascinating king. I learned much and found it very interesting. I would just disagree right at the very end about the murder of his son. This is not proven beyond all doubt that this was the case.

Loved it!

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