William Marshall: Medieval England's Greatest Knight (Non-Series)

Weatherly, Myra

ISBN 10: 188384648X ISBN 13: 9781883846480

Publisher: Morgan Reynolds Pub, 2001

Synopsis

A biography of the revered and powerful English knight who served four kings includes information about the daily life of a medieval knight.

About this title

From School Library Journal:

Gr 5-8-Written in a lively fashion, this biography recounts Marshal's life as a minor baron's fourth son, who was sentenced to death at the age of five by King Stephen because his father refused to surrender. However, the boy was not executed, and later became a skillful and courageous knight. He eventually became the Earl of Pembroke; the bodyguard for Eleanor of Aquitaine; and served four kings, Henry II, Richard, John, and Henry III. He ended his career as regent to King Henry III, ruling wisely under very dangerous circumstances resulting from the rule of King John. Quotes from historical sources give life to the narrative. Reproductions from the period provide useful points of reference and clarification. Short descriptions of events, people, or customs lend further insight. This biography not only provides information on Marshal, but also gives a thorough description of the life of a knight, tournaments, chivalry, and medieval life. A genealogical table of the family of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine is included.-Lana Miles, Duchesne Academy, Houston, TX

Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information, Inc.

From Booklist:

Gr. 5-8. In twelfth-century England, John Marshal sent his five-year-old son William as a hostage to King Stephen, who had besieged Marshal's castle. Angered by Marshal's subsequent deceit, Stephen ordered the child hanged. Though the father refused to yield, the king spared William's life. So begins the action-packed saga of William Marshal (1147-1219), who became a knight, fought in tournaments and wars, traveled to the Holy Land, negotiated and witnessed the Magna Carta, and served as Regent of England when Henry III was crowned king at the age of nine. Though few Americans have heard of William Marshal, Weatherly refers to him as medieval England's greatest knight and makes a good case for that claim. Her account of Marshal's life is lively, informative, and full of action that pauses for a discussion of some aspect of the times: courtly love, chivalry, or the Knights Templar. Back matter includes a genealogical chart, a glossary, a bibliography, and source notes for quotations. Carolyn Phelan
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

About this edition

• Publisher: Morgan Reynolds Pub
• Publication date: 2001
• ISBN 10: 188384648X
• ISBN 13: 9781883846480
• Binding: Library Binding
• Number of pages: 112