Edward III: The Perfect King by Ian MortimerMy rating: 4 of 5 stars
Edward lll is a book of which a full 25% is bibliography and notes. Beautifully researched and thought out. When Mortimer postulates, he backs up his ideas with a solid and surprising ability to search every corner and dust off all the cobwebs. I decided to myself, more than once, that the author's fervor was because he must also actually be a descendant of that other Mortimer, Roger, just as 99% of English born since 1995 and living in England have the DNA of Edward lll.
I have written that my pet peeve, while reading history, is either an excess of dates or a lack of enough of them to keep myself (or any reader) grounded. I also want to be reminded from time to time of the full name of the person being discussed, or some landmark regarding the surrounding events, since so many of the names in history are the same and the dates or events are important and relevant. This book was perfectly understandable. No searching through previous chapters or googling dates to keep up with the story.
As I neared the end of Richard lll, I found myself wishing for more - to be taken onward through history to the end of the Plantagenet reigns. Also, went back afterwards and took another look at the illustrations, several of the notes, and the maps.
Finally, I now realize that I have made a mistake in my genealogy research. Although it won't change my direct lineage, I have an excess character sitting out-of-place who needs to either be removed or shuffled about. I would have never noticed but for reading this book. I pay homage to the respected and remarkable Ian Mortimer for that tidbit of information and for so much more.
Note to self: There is no mistake on the paternal branch I double-checked. It may be on the maternal side - so I have to be extra careful when I start work over there. I've done some work but haven't rechecked or researched anything maternally.
View all my reviews
