Overview
'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
'Lucid and perceptive, striking an effective balance between primary and
secondary authorities, Huscroft's book is both a significant statement
in its own right and an ideal introduction to other work in the field.'
Professor David Carpenter, Kings College London
'Ruling England¿ is about the exercise of political power in England at a time of formative change in the country¿s history. Framed at one end by the Norman Conquest and at another by Magna Carta, it describes what happened, why and with what consequences in politics, government, law and the church. It analyses developments from a royal perspective and focuses on the policies and priorities of the English kings, the limitations of the political system within which they operated, and the efforts they made to expand their power.
It explains 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.
Richard Huscroft teaches History at Westminster School.
Synopsis
A new history of post-conquest England which makes the new kingdom accessible through a focus on its kings and how it was ruled, featuring the empire building dynasties.
- Strong political spine, incorporating social and economic issues
- Descriptions of what happened, why and with what consequences in politics, government, law and the church ¿ shows students the full impact of events on the country¿s key institutions
- Analyses developments from a royal perspective and focuses on the policies and priorities of the English kings, the limitations of the political system within which they operated, and the efforts they made to expand their power ¿ reinforces for students the influence of the crown on events of the time.
Editorials
From the Publisher
'Lucid and perceptive, striking an effective balance between primary and secondary authorities, Huscroft's book is both a significant statement in its own right and an ideal introduction to other work in the field.'
Professor David Carpenter, Kings College London
"An outstandingly lucid and attractively presented introduction to the political history of Englad in the period it covers. Hopefully it will encourage many new to the subject to read further".
Peter Jackson, Oxford