Publisher Description

In this thorough and illuminating work, Michael Prestwich provides a comprehensive study of Plantagenet England, a dramatic and turbulent period which saw many changes. In politics it saw Simon de Montfort's challenge to the crown in Henry II's reign and it witnessed the deposition of Edward I. In contrast, it also saw the highly successful rules of Edward I and his grandson, Edward III. Political institutions were transformed with the development of parliament andwar was a dominant theme: Wales was conquered and the Scottish Wars of Independence started in Edward I's reign, and under Edward III there were triumphs at Crécy and Poitiers. Outside of politics,English society was developing a structure, from the great magnates at the top to the peasantry at the bottom. Economic changes were also significant, from the expansionary period of the thirteenth century to years of difficulty in the fourteenth century, culminating in the greatest demographic disaster of historical times, the Black Death. In this volume in the New Oxford History of England series, Michael Prestwich brings this fascinating century to life.

Notes

Illuminating the dramatic thirteenth and fourteenth centuries, this provides a comprehensive study of the period, with the themes of politics, economics, war and society.

Author Biography

Michael Prestwich has taught at Oxford and the University of St. Andrews before moving to the University of Durham in 1979. He has been Professor of History since 1986 and from 1992 to 1999 he was Pro-Vice-Chancellor.

Table of Contents

Part I: IntroductoryThe EnvironmentThe Crown and KingshipGovernmentPart II: Politics and WarPolitics under Henry IIIReconstruction and Reform, 1266-94WalesPolitical Crises, 1294-1311Times of Trouble, 1311-1330ScotlandEngland under Edward IIIEngland and FranceThe Armies of Edward III's French WarPart III: Society and PeopleThe Great LordsThe Knights and the GentryLandownership and the LawThe Management of LandThe PeasantryThe TownsTrade and MerchantsCrime and PunishmentPopulation and the Black DeathConclusion

Review

`[An]...impressive volume... a splendidly clear and useable account.'John Hudson, BBC History Magazine`an admirable blend of clarity and objective empiricism.'Nicholas Vincent, Times Literary Supplement

Long Description

In this thorough and illuminating work, Michael Prestwich provides a comprehensive study of Plantagenet England, a dramatic and turbulent period which saw many changes. In politics it saw Simon de Montfort's challenge to the crown in Henry II's reign and it witnessed the deposition of Edward I. In contrast, it also saw the highly successful rules of Edward I and his grandson, Edward III. Political institutions were transformed with the development of parliament and
war was a dominant theme: Wales was conquered and the Scottish Wars of Independence started in Edward I's reign, and under Edward III there were triumphs at Crécy and Poitiers. Outside of politics, English society was developing a structure, from the great magnates at the top to the peasantry at the
bottom. Economic changes were also significant, from the expansionary period of the thirteenth century to years of difficulty in the fourteenth century, culminating in the greatest demographic disaster of historical times, the Black Death. In this volume in the New Oxford History of England series, Michael Prestwich brings this fascinating century to life.

Review Text

`[An]...impressive volume... a splendidly clear and useable account.'
John Hudson, BBC History Magazine
`an admirable blend of clarity and objective empiricism.'
Nicholas Vincent, Times Literary Supplement

Review Quote

'Review from previous edition Impressive volume... a splendidly clear anduseable account.'John Hudson, BBC History Magazine

Promotional "Headline"

Preface Part I: Introductory 1. The Environment 2. The Crown and Kingship 3. Government Part II: Politics and War 4. Politics under Henry III 5. Reconstruction and Reform, 1266-94 6. Wales 7. Political Crises, 1294-1311 8. Times of Trouble, 1311-1330 9. Scotland 10. England under Edward III 11. England and France 12. The Armies of Edward III's French War Part III: Society and People 13. The Great Lords 14. The Knights and the Gentry 15. Landownership and the Law 16. The Management of Land 17. The Peasantry 18. The Towns 19. Trade and Merchants 20. Crime and Punishment 21. Population and the Black Death Conclusion

Feature

Illuminates the dramatic thirteenth and fourteenth centuries
Examines politics and war, society and people
Up-to-date survey, taking latest scholarship into account
Part of the acclaimed New Oxford History of England series

Details