Henry III: The Rise to Power and Personal Rule, 1207-1258

In his two-volume history of Henry III's rule, Professor David Carpenter highlights the king's achievements, failures, and the intimate connections between medieval politics and religion. The book is a fine, judicious, and illuminating work that should be the standard study of the reign for generations to come.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 800 pages
Publication date: 02 February 2021
Publisher: Yale University Press

"Professor Carpenter is one of Britain's foremost medievalists. . . . No one knows more about Henry, and a lifetime of scholarship is here poured out, elegantly and often humorously. This is a fine, judicious, illuminating work that should be the standard study of the reign for generations to come."

- Dan Jones, Sunday Times

Nine years of age when he came to the throne in 1216, Henry III had to rule within the limits set by the establishment of Magna Carta and the emergence of parliament. Pacific, conciliatory, and deeply religious, Henry brought many years of peace to England and rebuilt Westminster Abbey in honor of his patron saint, Edward the Confessor. He poured money into embellishing his palaces and creating a magnificent court. Yet this investment in "soft power" did not prevent a great revolution in 1258, led by Simon de Montfort, ending Henry's personal rule.

Eminent historian David Carpenter brings to life Henry's character and reign as never before. Using source material of unparalleled richness—material that makes it possible to get closer to Henry than any other medieval monarch—Carpenter stresses the king's achievements as well as his failures while offering an entirely new perspective on the intimate connections between medieval politics and religion.

Henry III, born in 1216, ascended to the throne at a young age, facing the challenges of governing within the framework established by Magna Carta and the rise of parliament. He possessed a unique blend of qualities, including pacifism, conciliation, and deep religious devotion, which led to a period of relative peace and stability in England. Henry's reign was marked by significant achievements, such as the reconstruction of Westminster Abbey in honor of his patron saint, Edward the Confessor. He also invested substantial resources in enhancing his palaces and establishing a splendid court. However, despite these efforts, a significant revolution occurred in 1258, led by Simon de Montfort, which ended Henry's personal rule.

In his comprehensive two-volume history, Professor David Carpenter delves into the life and reign of Henry III with unparalleled depth and insight. Drawing upon a wealth of source material, Carpenter offers a fresh perspective on the medieval monarch, highlighting both his accomplishments and shortcomings. Through meticulous research and analysis, he sheds light on the intricate connections between medieval politics and religion, providing a comprehensive understanding of Henry's era.

One of the key strengths of Carpenter's work is his emphasis on the king's character and personality. He delves into Henry's upbringing, education, and political inclinations, providing a nuanced portrayal of the man behind the throne. Carpenter's writing is elegant and engaging, often infused with humor, making the narrative accessible and enjoyable for readers of all backgrounds.

Carpenter's analysis of Henry's reign is comprehensive, covering various aspects of his rule. He explores the king's diplomatic efforts, his relationships with foreign powers, and his efforts to consolidate his power within England. Carpenter also examines Henry's religious beliefs and practices, highlighting his deep devotion to the Catholic Church and his role in the Investiture Controversy.

In addition to his analysis of Henry's reign, Carpenter offers a new perspective on the intimate connections between medieval politics and religion. He explores the role of the church in shaping political outcomes and the influence of religious leaders on the king's decisions. Carpenter's work sheds light on the complex dynamics between the secular and religious spheres, providing a deeper understanding of the complex web of power and influence that characterized medieval society.

Overall, Professor David Carpenter's two-volume history of Henry III is a groundbreaking work that offers a fresh and insightful perspective on the medieval monarch. Through his meticulous research and engaging writing, Carpenter provides readers with a comprehensive understanding of Henry's character, reign, and the complex relationships between medieval politics and religion. This work is a must-read for anyone interested in medieval history and will undoubtedly stand as a standard study of the reign for generations to come.

Weight: 802g
Dimension: 416 x 215 x 65 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780300259193