266 Pages
    by Routledge

    266 Pages
    by Routledge

    Ruling England, now in its second edition, is a key text for students wishing to understand the complexities of medieval kingship in England from 1042–1217. Beginning just before the Norman Conquest, and ending with the ratification of Magna Carta, this book is divided into three parts: Late Anglo-Saxon England, Anglo-Norman England and Angevin England. Richard Huscroft considers the reign of each king during these periods, including their relationships with the nobility, local government, the courts and the Church and poses the central question of how the ruler of the most sophisticated kingdom in twelfth century Europe was eventually compelled to submit to the humiliation of Magna Carta at the start of the thirteenth.

    This new edition has been fully revised and updated to take into account the latest scholarship. Throughout the book key areas of historiographical debate are highlighted and analysed, including nationhood, feudalism and Magna Carta. The narrative is supported by maps, a genealogy of the kings of England, a chronology, a glossary and an introduction to the principal narrative sources and their authors to provide a thorough introduction to the political history of medieval England.

    This book will be essential reading for students of English medieval history.

    List of Debates Preface to the Second Edition Introduction Chronology of Main Events, 978-1217, A Note on Money, References and Abbreviations, Glossary, Maps, Genealogy Part I. Late Anglo-Saxon England, 1042-1066 1. The Reigns, 1042-1066 2. Ruling the Kingdom, 1042-1066 3. The Kings and the Law, 1042-1066 4. The Kings and the Church, 1042-1066 Part II. Anglo-Norman England, 1066-1154 5. The Reigns, 1066-1154 6. Ruling the Kingdom, 1066-1154 7. The Kings and the Law, 1066-1154 8. The Kings and the Church, 1066-1154 Part III. Angevin England, 1154-1217 9. The Reigns, 1154-1217 10. Ruling the Kingdom, 1154-1217 11. The Kings and the Law, 1154-1217 12. The Kings and the Church, 1154-1217 The Principal Narrative Sources and their Authors, 1042-1217 Suggestions for Further Reading Index

    Biography

    Richard Huscroft teaches history at Westminster School. His previous publications include The Norman Conquest: A New Introduction (2009) and Expulsion: England’s Jewish Solution (2006).

    Praise of the previous edition:

    'This is a splendidly fresh and clear account of the main political events in England between the Norman Conquest and King John's Magna Carta.'
    Michael Clanchy FBA, Emeritus Professor of Medieval History at the Institute of Historical Research, University of London, UK

    'Lucid and perceptive, striking an effective balance between primary and secondary authorities, Huscroft's book is both a significant statement in nits own right and an ideal introduction to other work in the field.'
    David Carpenter, King's College London, UK


    Praise of this edition:
    'This book provides an excellent summary of the state of play on many important questions, with valuable accounts of significant controversies. Complex issues are explained with admirable clarity.'
    Michael Prestwich, Emeritus Professor of History, Durham University, UK

    ‘Through a combination of swift narrative and clear thematic analysis, Huscroft provides an exceptionally accessible and up-to-date account of the exercise of political power in England from the reign of the last Anglo-Saxon king to the birth of Magna Carta. Ruling England is quite simply the best introduction to the topic available.’
    Colin Veach, University of Hull, UK

    "This superb book clearly and engagingly sets out the formation and development of the medieval English state, and does so in such a way as to prove both challenging and stimulating to readers familiar with the field as well as engaging to those just starting out. Especially well-suited for classroom use, students will be grateful for Huscroft’s calm and lucid guidance through the difficulties and complexities of this fascinating period of English history." 

    Samuel Collins, George Mason University, USA