The "Magnificent" Century? Is that meant to be ironic? This second in Thomas B. Costain's books on the Plantagenets covers the 13th century, the 1200's, and the reign of Henry III... not the most spectacular period for the dynasty. Although a bit more historical in feel than the first book "The Conquering Family", this second volume is still written as popular history to be read by the general public - no major citation of sources, no foot nor end notes here. Costain combines his own conjecture as well as facts and guesswork provided by the scholars of his day (he writes in the 1950s-'60s) into a sure-footed narrative - he tells a solid tale of history, highlighting characters and interesting figures from the era.Most of the tale is related in linear form, but occasionally Costain pursues an historical character's outcome to it's end - jumping a bit ahead of where the narrative is sitting at the time. Can be jarring when he jumps back in time. Seems to jumble a bit mid-book and mid-century. Maybe it's me, but I got as tired of reading about Henry the Third as many of his subjects did of his rule. His story is a bit of a slog, with an unappealing lead character in the weak monarch. A boy king who replaced his despised father, the legendarily bad King John, the ineffectual Henry III suffered from the overconfidence in his personal wisdom and abilities often endemic to those elevated to thrones as young children. As he aged and ruled England throughout the century, the best that could be said about him was that he was a "builder". Costain rolls with the prevailing theory in British history that some bad kings begat good political developments - progress in spite of misrule. Thus, under John we got the Magna Carta, and then under his son the Provisions of Oxford, among other restraints. Though dismissed by the popes of the day who said the kings needn't follow them, those stubborn documents outlived those who would try to kill them. And though Henry III ultimately prevailed over more enlightened foes like Simon de Montfort, the democratic stirrings birthed by those rebels and their early Parliaments bore later fruit, according to Costain.Costain makes his case for the "magnificence" of the century at books end, citing again the example of de Montfort, other great men he'd highlighted in the text, others like Thomas Aquinas and Genghis Kahn, and Costain also includes the birth of the Renaissance in the case for the 1200's. His penultimate chapter on "the great Roger Bacon" follows - he's been referring to him throughout the book, promising a chapter on him alone. but for all Costain's hype, his chapter on Bacon is a bit of a letdown, lacking in specifics and detail and somewhat repetitive. As Henry III dies in the book's final chapter, in November of 1272, this reader could not help but let out an "about time!" Still, an enjoyable read. With Edward replacing his doddering father, I'm looking forward to moving on next to "The Three Edwards".
This is the first of Costain's books that I have read and I am anxious to read more. Reading this reminded me of sitting in history class in college - yes there is a lot of information, no it is not a quick, easy read - but a century (the 13th) worth of information is presented in a way that you learn and are fixated at the same time. Since this was a time period I had not read much about beforehand, I was on the edge of my seat at some times wondering what would happen next. The story of Simon de Montfort is amazing & heart touching, as are several others that are told of prominant people of the period. His is my favorite because he was brave, willing to stand up for rights of the common man (far ahead of his time), virtuous, and loyal to his family. The story of Henry III is enough to make you wonder how England's monarchy lasted as long as it has and how people convince themselves that being born of a certain family makes them able to rule. (Don't get me wrong I love England and reading about it's history, but this guy was awful!) This is a book of factual history presented in a readable, enjoyable fashion. It is not embellished historical fiction with made up characters and literary license taken with the past. If you are interested in reading about what really happened more than light entertainment, this book is an excellent choice.
What do You think about The Magnificent Century (1994)?
Read By: David CaseGenre: HistoryPublisher: Books on TapeSeries Name: The Pageant of EnglandPosition in Series: 2Abridged: NoBook Description Blurb================THE MAGNIFICENT CENTURY, the second volume of Costain's A History of the Plantagenets, covers Henry III's long and turbulent reign, from 1216 to 1272. During his lifetime Henry was frequently unpopular, unreliable and inconsistent, yet his reign saw spectacular advancement in the arts, sciences and theology, as well as in government. D
—Bettie☯
The second book in Costain's series on the Plantagenet kings covers the 13th Century and the reign of Henry III. As he says in the book, Henry III was the son of probably the worst ever English king (John) and the father of one of the best, Edward I. Although Henry reigned for over 50 years, he was a poor king and somehow the country managed to prosper despite his efforts. The book details Henry's reign in great detail, all of it fascinating. It covers the of the turbulent period between England and France, civil war between the Royalty and the Barons as well as conflicts between the Vatican and the Crown. I enjoy his writing style of non-fiction often told in a fictional style. It makes it interesting and very factual at the same time. The book has filled another hole in my knowledge of this often forgotten period of English history."
—Richard
Much weaker than The Conquering Family. Would have been better with more focus on Henry III and less tangents on the state of the church, economy, social order, etc. Very little of those tangents play into the key conflict of the reign, that between Henry & Simon de Montfort. I find Costain most compelling when he sticks to power struggles.And if the book is titled "The Magnificent Century", what of Edward I's reign beginning in 1272? Book felt slapped together at times.As an aside, for a king that ruled for 56 years, Henry III is criminally under-examined. Can we put a moratorium on Elizabeth I books or movies until this is fixed?
—JR
