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A Great and Terrible King

Edward I and the Forging of Britain

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About this listen

Brought to you by Penguin.

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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Thoroughly enjoyed the narration, and found something very addictive about the overall narrative.
I would have liked a little more of the authors speculation and illustration to some key famous events, as it did get a little “fact upon fact” at times. Overall a great character and brilliant timeline construction and execution throughout.

Colourful and informative

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Quite frustrating to be unable to continue listening! The book is very interesting and I was looking forward to listening to it. Had to give it up because of a tiring overstressed reading. Will have to read it on kindle. Unfortunately they don’t let me return it. It would be better for all if the reading samples were such as to make it possible to assess the reader.

Frustrating

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