William Marshal [Paperback]

David Crouchs William Marshal, now in its third edition, depicts this intriguing medieval figure as a ruthless opportunist, astute courtier, manipulative politician and a brutal but efficient soldier. Born the fourth son of a minor baron, he ended his days as Earl of Pembroke and Regent of England, and was the only medieval knight to have a contemporary biography written about him. Using this biography in addition to the many other primary sources dedicated to him, the author provides a narrative of William Marshal and a survey of the times in which he lived and also considers the problems and questions posed by the History.

The third edition has been extensively updated and revised, and now includes:

• expanded sections on the reality of medieval tournaments and warfare as it is described in the biography
• an in-depth study of Marshals family life and children based on the latest research including material from the new edition of the Marshal family acts and letters
• more on Marshals royal patrons and contemporaries, in particular the relationship between Marshal and his nemesis, King John.

William Marshalexplores the world of medieval knighthood and the the aristocratic life of the times in engaging, readable prose, and is a unique resource for students of medieval history.

LIST OF MAPS, GENEALOGICAL TABLES AND ILLUSTRATIONS PREFACE TO FIRST EDITION PREFACE TO SECOND EDITION PREFACE TO THIRD EDITION ABBREVIATIONS INTRODUCTIONThe Biography and Its Author Old Work and New Questions The Problems of the Sources chapter 1 CHILDHOOD AND SQUIREHOODJohn Marshal: Father and Son William de Tancarville: the Good Master The Education of William Marshal chapter 2 THE HOUSEHOLD KNIGHT&lS²