The Restless Kings

Henry II, His Sons and the Wars for the Plantagenet Crown
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( 279 ratings, 35 reviews)
Book Hero Magic crafted this summary to help describe this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Summary
The Restless Kings by Nick Barratt is a historical exploration of England's Plantagenet rulers, offering an insightful dive into their tumultuous reigns during the 13th century. The book paints a vivid picture of political intrigue, familial conflict, and the relentless struggles for power that defined this period. Barratt's narrative sheds light on the complex dynamics between the monarchs and their influential subjects, providing a fresh perspective on medieval English history.
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Format: Paperback / softback
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Book Hero Magic created this recommendation. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! IS THIS YOUR NEXT READ?

You might enjoy this book if you are fascinated by the tumultuous history of English monarchs and the complex power struggles that shaped the medieval era. It offers a detailed and engaging exploration of the lives and reigns of lesser-known kings, revealing their intricate relationships and the impact of their rule on the course of English history.

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The Restless Kings

The gripping story of Henry II and his sons Henry, Geoffrey, Richard and John.

The Restless Kings is the gripping story of Henry II and his sons Henry, Geoffrey, Richard and John.

Book Hero Magic formatted this description to make it easier to read. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! Description

'A vivid and humane study of the Plantagenets' diabolical and devious first family - a real joy to read.' - Dan Jones

In The Restless Kings, Nick Barratt presents the tumultuous struggle for supremacy between the first Plantagenet king, Henry II, and his four sons - a drama that tore apart the most powerful family in western Europe and shaped the future of two nations.

As well as exploring the personalities and crises facing these extraordinary people as a family, The Restless Kings follows them as they raced around western Europe, struggling to hold together a vast conglomeration of lands - often through force of arms - whilst constantly harried by their nominal overlord and arch-rival, Philip Augustus, king of France.

Although the key events took place over 800 years ago, their significance still resonates today. Whether you're looking for the root causes of Brexit or tension in the Middle East, their origins can be found in the actions of the Angevin kings of England.

The Restless Kings will challenge everything you assumed you knew about the medieval world. Above all, it brings to life some of the most remarkable, complex, flawed, and brilliant monarchs ever to have sat on the English throne.

Book Hero Magic summarised reviews for this book. While it's new and still learning, it may not be perfect - your feedback is welcome! HOW HAS THIS BEEN REVIEWED?

The Restless Kings by Nick Barratt is reviewed as a robust political history that delves into the tumultuous lives of a royal family characterized by their combative, ambitious, cunning, and myopic nature, according to Kirkus.

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Book Details

INFORMATION

ISBN: 9780571329113

Publisher: Faber & Faber

Format: Paperback / softback

Date Published: 06 June 2019

Country: United Kingdom

Imprint: Faber & Faber

Edition: Main

Audience: General / adult

DIMENSIONS

Spine width: 20.0mm

Width: 129.0mm

Height: 198.0mm

Weight: 280g

Pages: 336

About the Author

Professor Nick Barratt is an author, broadcaster and historian best known for his work on BBC's Who Do You Think You Are. He is an honorary associate professor of public history at the University of Nottingham, and Director of the University of London's Senate House Library, as well as a teaching fellow at the University of Dundee. His most recent publication, The Forgotten Spy, tells the story of his great uncle - Stalin's first mole in Whitehall. He has previously written on subjects as diverse as the story of Greater London and the Titanic.

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