5 comments about Henry II.

1. In my book, "Astronomical Symbols on Ancient and Medieval Coins", I devote an entire chapter to the astronomical symbols that were depicted on medieval English coinage as signs of divine right to sovereignty. As part of my research, I read numerous books on medieval English history, and I found that Warren's book, "Henry II," was especially useful.
   
   Not only were there many items of interest that added to my understanding of the history of his reign, but of all the books about Henry II that I read, Warren's book was one of the most interesting reads. He really brought together an amazing amount of information.
   
   I highly recommend this book to all who are interested in English history.
   
   Marshall Faintich



2. "From the devil they came. To the devil they shall return." Abbé Bernard of Clairvaux (later Saint Bernard) pronounced that uncharitable verdict on the Angevin line. Legend has Bernard voicing his opinion after taking one look at the infant Henry of Anjou, child of Geoffrey, Count of Anjou and his consort, the Empress Matilda.
   
   Nothing deterred, the infant Henry grew to inherit Anjou, as its count (1151). Then came his conquests by might or marriage: Normandy, Aquitaine and Poitou, before claiming England as King Henry II (1154-1189). After 1154, Henry II and his consort, Eleanor of Aquitaine, ruled a swathe of land stretching from the Scottish border to the Pyrenees, the Angevin Empire.
   
   Perhaps Abbé Bernard was guided in his prognostication by the legend that the House of Anjou descended from the fairy Melusine, a malevolent sprite. There is no question that male members of the family, including Henry, were subject to incendiary fits of rage, one of which sent Eleanor into exile until Henry's death. People attached to the courts of alpha-male Angevins, especially Henry, could expect a turbulent life.
   
   Henry II's place in history is burdened by bad headlines and his sometimes flawed judgment. Appointing his friend Chancellor Thomas Becket to be archbishop of Canterbury was an error from the start. ("Was it because you held him in too much liking, or in too slight respect?" Eleanor asks, in another title.) Becket's murder might have proved fatal to Henry's reputation had Henry not been blessed with twin powers of recovery: amazing decisiveness and speed of action. Then there were the extraordinary rebellions against their father by Henry's sons, conflagrations fanned, perhaps, by Eleanor, and again, perhaps on account of Henry's ceaseless whoring.
   
   I write this pointed preamble to stress that W.L. Warren has not been misled by Henry's lurid press. Warren is even-handed, recognizing, and giving credit to, Henry's tireless labors in restoring an England ruined by nineteen years of civil war. Henry was a capable administrator and a fair-minded man. Henry, with Becket, established county courts in England and unified a code of laws to be evenly applied by competent judges. Henry was responsible for legislating 12-man juries (adopting the unit of commerce, the dozen), and employing juries in civil cases (Clarendon, 1166; Northampton, 1176). Henry's attention to property rights and contract law gave England a commercial edge that soon manifest itself in the growth and rising prosperity of new and expanding towns.
   
   In short, W.L. Warren has captured Henry II to the life, the man and his reign, warts, triumphs and all. Warren's "Henry II" not only brings us the man as a whole: his "Henry II" is entertaining to read.
   
   Robert Fripp, author of
   "Power of a Woman. Memoirs of a turbulent life: Eleanor of Aquitaine"



3. This is not only the best biography of Henry II I've ever read, but it is one of the best non-fiction historical books I've ever read, too. The writing is lively, engaging, and often wryly amusing, though that may be in part because of the subject. Mr Warren does not in the least ignore or minimize the flaws of Henry II, but neither can he conceal a deep respect for this magnificent king. Too often, the tragedy of Thomas Becket and Henry II's relationship with the glamorous Eleanor of Aquitaine detract from this great king's important accomplishments, and influence, the precursors of which extend even to our American judicial system today. What impresses me most about this man is that he did not love power for power's sake alone, but for the sake of honestly trying to improve the affairs of the wide kingdoms he ruled. This book by Mr Warren should stand as THE definitive biography of Henry II.



4. W. L. Warren's excellent monograph on the first Plantagenet king displays a superb narrative style and an authoritative thoroughness of detail, which nonetheless remains surprisingly approachable for a work of this length and depth. This depth is remarkable: one can open the book to any chapter and read it independently without feeling that one is missing key details. Yet the book manages to steer free of a sense of drudgery or redundancy, even while effecting such an admirable encapsulated quality for its chapters. I can hardly wait to read his book on King John.



5. Warren's is an excellent and very recommendable text. This book (already in its 5th edition) is destined to remain a great among readers, researchers and teachers of history. He nails Henry II and the history of his unruly domain.
   
   Warren tells a complete and well-documented story of one of Britain's greatest kings. The book's photos, maps, tables, and glossary are very helpful. Although he tends towards long paragraphs and run-on sentences, Warren's writing style is not dull nor does he ramble. This book could also serve as an excellent study text for 21st century writing and documenting style.
   
   The book's length (693 pages in paperback) may frighten some, but it is well worth reading. It takes time to unpack good history and the story of Henry II is no exception as Warren proves.

No comments about Nelson: The Essential Hero (Wordsworth Military Library).

2 comments about An Autobiography: The Story of the Lord's Dealings with Mrs. Amanda Smith the Colored Evangelist (Schomburg Library of Nineteenth-Century Black Women).

1. Amanda Smith began her life as a slave. She later became a very successful evangelist, preaching to both black and white audiences all over the United States, as well as in England, Liberia and Africa. Fame on that scale in that field would, of course, be rare for an African-American woman even in today's society. In the face of the social obstacles she faced in the late 19th century it was surely nothing short of miraculous.

   Her autobiography is, of course a real autobiography. They didn't often have "ghostwriters" in those days. Her style of writing is easy to read but intelligent, articulate and piercingly insightful.

   She writes about encounters with racism, sexism and class distinctions among African-Americans with a rare combination of uncompromising integrity, wisdom, humor, tact and graciousness. She writes about holiness and theological issues within the context of her own personal experience with God in a way that is compelling and inspirational.

   The autobiography of Amanda Smith is a remarkable telling of a remarkable life. She is an undiscovered American treasure. Her book ought to be a perennial bestseller.




2. I just finished reading the biography of Amanda Smith. I found this book to be a faith building testimony of God's faithfulness and sufficiency, to all who will only trust Him both for spiritual and temporal provision. In today's complicated secular society and even in the organized church, Amanda Smith's testimony rises up in a refreshing way to glorify the Lord and teaches us that God's ways are still pure and simple, easy for anyone to understand and full of goodness and mercy, if only we would humble ourselves to hear what the Lord is saying to us, in His Word, the Bible. I recommend this book to anyone who wants a closer walk with Jesus.

No comments about Eminent Churchillians.

No comments about The Life of Benjamin Disraeli, Earl of Beaconsfield: Volume 2. 1837-1846.

No comments about Oliver Cromwell\'s Letters and Speeches, with Elucidations by Thomas Carlyle: Volume 3.

No comments about Oliver Cromwell\'s Letters and Speeches, with Elucidations by Thomas Carlyle: Volume 4.

No comments about Life of Horatio Lord Nelson.

1 comments about King George V.

1. Kenneth Rose is an excellent scholar and this book is about scholarship--debunking the myths and telling the straight story about King George V and the politicians with whom he dealth. My only wish is that I could know more about George V the man, but this is the same objection that I've had of all scholarly biographers of Kings.

1 comments about Sylvia Pankhurst: Counsel For Ethiopia.

1. In this beautifully written book, the author, the current leading Ethiopianst and the son of Mrs. Pankhurst, describes and reviews the work of his mother. The book introduces a new generation of Ethiopians and those interested in Ethiopian history to Mrs. Pankhurst's advocacy on behalf of Ethiopia during and after the Italian occupation of Ethiopia. This is definately a must read book!!!