Synopses & Reviews
Judith Green argues that although Henry's primary concern was defence of his inheritance, it did not preclude expansion where circumstances were propitious, notably into Welsh territory. His skillful dealings with the Scots permitted consolidation of Norman rule in the northern counties of England, while in Normandy every sinew was strained to defend frontiers through political alliances and stone castles. Green claims that although Henry's own outlook was essentially traditional, the legacy of this fascinating but repellent personality included some hugely significant developments in governance.
Review
"A valuable and sure-handed synthesis."
-Choice
Review
"[Henry I] will provide a useful introduction to his reign and to the Anglo-Norman world of the late eleventh and early twelfth century to both undergraduate and graduate students."
-David Stewart Bachrach, University of New Hampshire, Journal of Medieval Studies
Review
"Judith A. Green, who first made her mark with an excellent book on Henry I's government in England...has since written on various topics, many of which shed light on Henry's reign, and she is therefore highly qualified to write this biography."
-Hugh M. Thomas, American Historical Review
Synopsis
Definitive life of Henry I and evocation of his court.
Synopsis
The first biography to offer a fully rounded treatment of the life of Henry I, the youngest son of William the Conqueror, this book presents a major new interpretation of the man and his methods. Green argues that although Henry's primary concern was defence of his inheritance this did not preclude expansion where circumstances were propitious, notably into Wales. Although Henry's outlook was essentially traditional, the legacy of this fascinating but repellent personality included some hugely significant developments in governance. The book also offers a fresh perspective on Henry's court.
About the Author
Judith A. Green is Professor of Medieval History at the University of Edinburgh. She is the author of The Government of England under Henry I (1986) and The Aristocracy of Norman England (1997) and is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society.
Table of Contents
Introduction: a surfeit of lampreys; 1. 'Born in the purple'; 2. 'By the grace of God, king of the English'; 3. Testing times, 1101-3; 4. The conquest of Normandy, 1104-7; 5. Reform and reconstruction, 1107-8; 6. Defence of his dominions, 1108-15; 7. Triumph and disaster, 1116-20; 8. Surviving the wreck, 1120-4; 9. Matilda and the succession, 1125-8; 10. Rescuing the marriage, 1129-35; 11. The ruler; 12. 'Guardian of the church'; 13. The court and court culture; Conclusion: 'once the peace and glory of the world'.