Book Review: The Plantagenets by Dan Jones

The Plantagenets: The Warrior Kings and Queens Who Made England by Dan Jones

My rating: 5 of 5 stars


“The Plantagenets: The Warrior Kings and Queens Who Made England” is a fascinating history of the two-and-a-half centuries that transformed England from a Norman colony to a European power. First published in 2013 by Viking, Author Dan Jones’ tome documents the Plantagenet line with a clear overview, an attention to detail, and a fine pen. The book is very engaging and readable, yet it remains a fine work of history.

As documented by Mr. Jones, The Plantagenet line in England begins with Henry II and ends with the downfall of Richard II, or 1154 to 1399. These two kings bookend a ferocious and flawed set of rulers who cobbled together what we begin to recognize as England. During this era, French and Latin give way (finally) to English as the language of the newly-minted bureaucracies. It was a bloody time as well, full of invasions, sieges, treason, and the gruesome punishments that followed. Readers with a sense of the macabre will not be disappointed. There are quite enough poor sods beheaded, hung, and drawn and quartered to keep even the most ghoulish enthralled.

Writing history for the general public is a chancy game. A dry, academic tome appeals only to dry academics. The other end of the spectrum is splashy, historical fiction; with heaving bosoms atop the castle battlements. While this may appeal (to some) it does not inform. Happily, Dan Jones pioneers a path between the two extremes. The book is very well written, engaging, and yet remains informative and detailed. Along with documenting the saga of bigger-than-life kings, the book dispels a few cherished historical saws. Despite Winston Churchill saying it was so, Edward II most probably did not die of a red-hot poker inserted into his body. Sorry to disappoint.

The original hardcover version comes in at a hefty 540 some-odd pages. Readers of a historic bent should not be deterred. I found Mr. Jones’ history of the Plantagenets to be an entertaining and captivating page-turner. I have read a great many histories of this era, and for my money, this is one of best. I look forward to the companion volume on the Wars of the Roses.





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