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The Darkening Glass (Mathilde of Westminster Trilogy, Book 3)

Author: Paul Doherty

Publisher: Headline

Published: 2012-10-30

Total Pages: 190

ISBN-13: 0755370368

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As dark forces challenge Edward II's throne, will the King prevail? The Darkening Glass is the third novel in Paul Doherty's brilliant series featuring physician and lady-in-waiting to Queen Isabella, Mathilde of Westminster. Perfect for fans of Robin Hobb and Michael Jecks. March 1312 and England is divided. Edward II is in conflict with his barons over royal favourite Gaveston, and Queen Isabella is momentously pregnant with the first union of Plantagenet and Capetian blood. Meanwhile, rebel Robert Bruce prowls the Scottish border seeking advancement. Mathilde of Westminster senses a challenge for the throne is imminent. When the great Earls step up their campaign, the King and Queen are forced to flee to a fortified priory in Tynemouth, now vulnerable to the Scottish marauders on land and Bruce's allies at sea. With threats all around, the royal party can only despair when one of their camp is murdered. Will Mathilde be able to find the perpetrator before the King loses control of the throne? What readers are saying about The Darkening Glass: 'The plot was effective and...the mood was atmospheric' 'Wonderfully brought to life' 'I saw the wrong side of midnight many times, as I was unable to put the book down! The many twists and turns of the plot, and the strength of the characters made this a memorable book'

Book Synopsis The Darkening Glass (Mathilde of Westminster Trilogy, Book 3) by : Paul Doherty

Download or read book The Darkening Glass (Mathilde of Westminster Trilogy, Book 3) written by Paul Doherty and published by Headline. This book was released on 2012-10-30 with total page 190 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: As dark forces challenge Edward II's throne, will the King prevail? The Darkening Glass is the third novel in Paul Doherty's brilliant series featuring physician and lady-in-waiting to Queen Isabella, Mathilde of Westminster. Perfect for fans of Robin Hobb and Michael Jecks. March 1312 and England is divided. Edward II is in conflict with his barons over royal favourite Gaveston, and Queen Isabella is momentously pregnant with the first union of Plantagenet and Capetian blood. Meanwhile, rebel Robert Bruce prowls the Scottish border seeking advancement. Mathilde of Westminster senses a challenge for the throne is imminent. When the great Earls step up their campaign, the King and Queen are forced to flee to a fortified priory in Tynemouth, now vulnerable to the Scottish marauders on land and Bruce's allies at sea. With threats all around, the royal party can only despair when one of their camp is murdered. Will Mathilde be able to find the perpetrator before the King loses control of the throne? What readers are saying about The Darkening Glass: 'The plot was effective and...the mood was atmospheric' 'Wonderfully brought to life' 'I saw the wrong side of midnight many times, as I was unable to put the book down! The many twists and turns of the plot, and the strength of the characters made this a memorable book'

The Darkening Glass

Author: Paul C. Doherty

Publisher:

Published: 2010

Total Pages: 301

ISBN-13: 9781408461655

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With Robert Bruce prowling the Scottish border seeking advancement Mathilde of Westminster senses a challenge For The throne isimminent. When the great Earls step up their campaign, The King & Queen are forced to flee to a fortified priory.

Book Synopsis The Darkening Glass by : Paul C. Doherty

Download or read book The Darkening Glass written by Paul C. Doherty and published by . This book was released on 2010 with total page 301 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: With Robert Bruce prowling the Scottish border seeking advancement Mathilde of Westminster senses a challenge For The throne isimminent. When the great Earls step up their campaign, The King & Queen are forced to flee to a fortified priory.

The Cup of Ghosts

Author: Paul Doherty

Publisher:

Published: 2006

Total Pages: 409

ISBN-13: 9780755328758

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By 1322, Mathilde of Westminster was considered the finest physician in London. But in her years as lady-in-waiting to Princess Isabella, she was drawn into the murky politics of the English court, where sudden, mysterious death was part of the tapestry of life. Many years later, Mathilde looks back and chronicles her turbulent life. With her sharp, suspicious intellect ready to distinguish between a fatality and an unnatural death, Mathilde is confronted by a host of chilling murders. The source of these horrors is the fierce political rivalry between Philip of France and Edward of England. This manifests itself in a series of gruesome killings, one of which actually took place during Edward II's Coronation, when a knight of the Royal Household, Sir John Baquelle was crushed to death.

Book Synopsis The Cup of Ghosts by : Paul Doherty

Download or read book The Cup of Ghosts written by Paul Doherty and published by . This book was released on 2006 with total page 409 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: By 1322, Mathilde of Westminster was considered the finest physician in London. But in her years as lady-in-waiting to Princess Isabella, she was drawn into the murky politics of the English court, where sudden, mysterious death was part of the tapestry of life. Many years later, Mathilde looks back and chronicles her turbulent life. With her sharp, suspicious intellect ready to distinguish between a fatality and an unnatural death, Mathilde is confronted by a host of chilling murders. The source of these horrors is the fierce political rivalry between Philip of France and Edward of England. This manifests itself in a series of gruesome killings, one of which actually took place during Edward II's Coronation, when a knight of the Royal Household, Sir John Baquelle was crushed to death.

The Poison Maiden (Mathilde of Westminster Trilogy, Book 2)

Author: Paul Doherty

Publisher: Headline

Published: 2012-10-30

Total Pages: 190

ISBN-13: 0755350200

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Who can uncover the elusive identity of the Poison Maiden? The Poison Maiden is Paul Doherty's second compulsive novel set during the turbulent reign of Edward II, featuring Mathilde of Westminster.Perfect for fans of Ellis Peters and Robin Hobb. It's 1308 and England hovers on the brink of civil war. Edward II, his wife Isabella and the royal favourite Peter Gaveston, Earl of Cornwall, have been forced to retreat to the King's folly. Just an arrowshot away lay the Great Lords and Philip IV of France, who are demanding that the Earl of Cornwall be charged with high treason. Edward is trapped, and worse, he has learnt that Philip has the 'Poison Maiden' on his side, a formidable spy who did untold damage during his father's reign. As Edward tries in vain to unmask the identity of the spy, Mathilde, handmaiden to the Queen, also attempts to identify the source of this threat. Soon the crisis spills over into violence. The Lords attempt to take Gaveston by force and the King and his Court, including Mathilde, are forced to flee. As the enemy closes in, Mathilde finds herself embroiled in a life and death struggle for the English crown. What readers are saying about The Poison Maiden: 'This is medieval mystery at its very best' 'A fascinating and illuminating page-turner of a book' 'This is a really good adventure; an atmospheric read, a great story, and lots to think on as you close the last page'

Book Synopsis The Poison Maiden (Mathilde of Westminster Trilogy, Book 2) by : Paul Doherty

Download or read book The Poison Maiden (Mathilde of Westminster Trilogy, Book 2) written by Paul Doherty and published by Headline. This book was released on 2012-10-30 with total page 190 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Who can uncover the elusive identity of the Poison Maiden? The Poison Maiden is Paul Doherty's second compulsive novel set during the turbulent reign of Edward II, featuring Mathilde of Westminster.Perfect for fans of Ellis Peters and Robin Hobb. It's 1308 and England hovers on the brink of civil war. Edward II, his wife Isabella and the royal favourite Peter Gaveston, Earl of Cornwall, have been forced to retreat to the King's folly. Just an arrowshot away lay the Great Lords and Philip IV of France, who are demanding that the Earl of Cornwall be charged with high treason. Edward is trapped, and worse, he has learnt that Philip has the 'Poison Maiden' on his side, a formidable spy who did untold damage during his father's reign. As Edward tries in vain to unmask the identity of the spy, Mathilde, handmaiden to the Queen, also attempts to identify the source of this threat. Soon the crisis spills over into violence. The Lords attempt to take Gaveston by force and the King and his Court, including Mathilde, are forced to flee. As the enemy closes in, Mathilde finds herself embroiled in a life and death struggle for the English crown. What readers are saying about The Poison Maiden: 'This is medieval mystery at its very best' 'A fascinating and illuminating page-turner of a book' 'This is a really good adventure; an atmospheric read, a great story, and lots to think on as you close the last page'

The Time of Murder at Mayerling (Nicholas Segalla series, Book 3)

Author: Paul Doherty

Publisher: Headline

Published: 2013-06-11

Total Pages: 164

ISBN-13: 0755395700

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A shocking shooting hides long-buried secrets... The Time of Murder at Mayerling is the third novel in Paul Doherty's Nicholas Segalla series. Perfect for fans of Anne Perry and C.J. Sansom. Vienna, 1889. Glittering entertainments hide a world of sinister political intrigue at the court of the Hapsburgs. But this protected bubble explodes when horrifying news comes to light that the heir to the throne, the handsome Archduke Rudolph, shot his mistress before turning the gun on himself at the imperial hunting lodge at Mayerling. Is there more to the story than meets the eye? Rumours of foul play soon began to surface as Vetsera's body is hurriedly buried in secrecy and the government suppress any inquiry. Scholar Nicholas Segalla is forced to risk his own life and uncover the truth behind the spectacular cover-up as he attempts to expose a murderer with a very surprising connection to the doomed prince. What readers are saying about Paul Doherty: 'Riveting story' 'Paul Doherty's books are a joy to read' 'The sounds and smells of the period seem to waft from the pages of [Paul Doherty's] books'

Book Synopsis The Time of Murder at Mayerling (Nicholas Segalla series, Book 3) by : Paul Doherty

Download or read book The Time of Murder at Mayerling (Nicholas Segalla series, Book 3) written by Paul Doherty and published by Headline. This book was released on 2013-06-11 with total page 164 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A shocking shooting hides long-buried secrets... The Time of Murder at Mayerling is the third novel in Paul Doherty's Nicholas Segalla series. Perfect for fans of Anne Perry and C.J. Sansom. Vienna, 1889. Glittering entertainments hide a world of sinister political intrigue at the court of the Hapsburgs. But this protected bubble explodes when horrifying news comes to light that the heir to the throne, the handsome Archduke Rudolph, shot his mistress before turning the gun on himself at the imperial hunting lodge at Mayerling. Is there more to the story than meets the eye? Rumours of foul play soon began to surface as Vetsera's body is hurriedly buried in secrecy and the government suppress any inquiry. Scholar Nicholas Segalla is forced to risk his own life and uncover the truth behind the spectacular cover-up as he attempts to expose a murderer with a very surprising connection to the doomed prince. What readers are saying about Paul Doherty: 'Riveting story' 'Paul Doherty's books are a joy to read' 'The sounds and smells of the period seem to waft from the pages of [Paul Doherty's] books'

The Year of the Cobra (Akhenaten Trilogy, Book 3)

Author: Paul Doherty

Publisher: Headline

Published: 2012-09-25

Total Pages: 202

ISBN-13: 0755350456

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Egypt's enemies are massing in the North. But could the nation's deadliest threat lie within? The Year of the Cobra is the third and final book in Paul Doherty's Egyptian trilogy. Perfect for fans of Lauren Haney and Wilbur Smith. Egypt is in danger. The barbarous Hittites are rumoured to be massing their armies. Pharaoh Tutankhamen is seriously ill and the country appears powerless against its enemies. Scheming minister Lord Ay sends Mahu, Overseer of the House of Scribes, to uncover the Hittites' plan. But what Mahu discovers could be more devastating than any attack... When the Masked messengers emerge to guide Mahu many unanswered questions reveal themselves; the truth about Pharaoh Akenhaten's disappearance; the identity of the 'Watchers' and secret knowledge about the Aten; the one God and the coming of the Messiah. Mahu knows that Egypt's future rests on this knowledge, but he also knows that knowledge is power... What readers are saying about The Year of the Cobra: 'Very fresh and extremely well researched' 'From page one the reader is hooked... Paul Doherty creates a vivid, colourful and lively picture of the time' 'It is a mark of the author if he can capture the spirit of the time he is writing about and of course make the characters come alive... Paul Doherty does all of this with ease'

Book Synopsis The Year of the Cobra (Akhenaten Trilogy, Book 3) by : Paul Doherty

Download or read book The Year of the Cobra (Akhenaten Trilogy, Book 3) written by Paul Doherty and published by Headline. This book was released on 2012-09-25 with total page 202 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: Egypt's enemies are massing in the North. But could the nation's deadliest threat lie within? The Year of the Cobra is the third and final book in Paul Doherty's Egyptian trilogy. Perfect for fans of Lauren Haney and Wilbur Smith. Egypt is in danger. The barbarous Hittites are rumoured to be massing their armies. Pharaoh Tutankhamen is seriously ill and the country appears powerless against its enemies. Scheming minister Lord Ay sends Mahu, Overseer of the House of Scribes, to uncover the Hittites' plan. But what Mahu discovers could be more devastating than any attack... When the Masked messengers emerge to guide Mahu many unanswered questions reveal themselves; the truth about Pharaoh Akenhaten's disappearance; the identity of the 'Watchers' and secret knowledge about the Aten; the one God and the coming of the Messiah. Mahu knows that Egypt's future rests on this knowledge, but he also knows that knowledge is power... What readers are saying about The Year of the Cobra: 'Very fresh and extremely well researched' 'From page one the reader is hooked... Paul Doherty creates a vivid, colourful and lively picture of the time' 'It is a mark of the author if he can capture the spirit of the time he is writing about and of course make the characters come alive... Paul Doherty does all of this with ease'

The Grail Murders (Tudor Mysteries, Book 3)

Author: Paul Doherty

Publisher: Headline

Published: 2012-11-27

Total Pages: 300

ISBN-13: 0755397770

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The search for hidden treasure brings Rodger Shallot face to face with murder... In Paul Doherty's The Grail Murder, Richard Shallot's third journal, he must pit his wits against the terrifying and mysterious Templars. Perfect for fans of Ellis Peters and C.J. Sansom. In 1522 the rogue Roger Shallot and his sober-sided master Benjamin Daunbey are sent for by Cardinal Wolsey. Stafford, Duke of Buckingham, has been arrested for treason and Benjamin and Roger are made to witness his bloody execution. The true reason for Buckingham's downfall soon becomes apparent: he was searching at Templecombe Manor and Glastonbury Abbey in Somerset for two precious relics - the Holy Grail and Excalibur, the sword of King Arthur. Benjamin and Shallot are ordered to Templecombe, accompanied by the leaders of King Henry VIII's dreaded secret service, the Agentes in Rebus, to find these relics for the King. They must pit their wits against the Templars, a secret organisation plotting against the Tudors, of which Buckingham may have been a part and who may still have a member of their society close to the crown. The difficulties that wily Shallot - running true to his boast of possessing the fastest legs and quickest wits in Christendom - has to face soon make their presence felt: a duel, blackmail, the curses of a witch, the grisly hand of glory, decapitated heads, mysterious fires - and silent murder in the eerie Templar chapel. What readers are saying about The Grail Murders: 'This book had it all, locked room murders, a mysterious country manor house, an abbey, Templar conspiracy and Arthurian folklore - excellent!' 'Fascinating... historical mysteries brought to life with lots of accurate historical facts' 'Excellent story. Always enjoyed the Shallot stories, he is a lovable rogue'

Book Synopsis The Grail Murders (Tudor Mysteries, Book 3) by : Paul Doherty

Download or read book The Grail Murders (Tudor Mysteries, Book 3) written by Paul Doherty and published by Headline. This book was released on 2012-11-27 with total page 300 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: The search for hidden treasure brings Rodger Shallot face to face with murder... In Paul Doherty's The Grail Murder, Richard Shallot's third journal, he must pit his wits against the terrifying and mysterious Templars. Perfect for fans of Ellis Peters and C.J. Sansom. In 1522 the rogue Roger Shallot and his sober-sided master Benjamin Daunbey are sent for by Cardinal Wolsey. Stafford, Duke of Buckingham, has been arrested for treason and Benjamin and Roger are made to witness his bloody execution. The true reason for Buckingham's downfall soon becomes apparent: he was searching at Templecombe Manor and Glastonbury Abbey in Somerset for two precious relics - the Holy Grail and Excalibur, the sword of King Arthur. Benjamin and Shallot are ordered to Templecombe, accompanied by the leaders of King Henry VIII's dreaded secret service, the Agentes in Rebus, to find these relics for the King. They must pit their wits against the Templars, a secret organisation plotting against the Tudors, of which Buckingham may have been a part and who may still have a member of their society close to the crown. The difficulties that wily Shallot - running true to his boast of possessing the fastest legs and quickest wits in Christendom - has to face soon make their presence felt: a duel, blackmail, the curses of a witch, the grisly hand of glory, decapitated heads, mysterious fires - and silent murder in the eerie Templar chapel. What readers are saying about The Grail Murders: 'This book had it all, locked room murders, a mysterious country manor house, an abbey, Templar conspiracy and Arthurian folklore - excellent!' 'Fascinating... historical mysteries brought to life with lots of accurate historical facts' 'Excellent story. Always enjoyed the Shallot stories, he is a lovable rogue'

The Anubis Slayings (Amerotke Mysteries, Book 3)

Author: Paul Doherty

Publisher: Headline

Published: 2012-09-25

Total Pages: 256

ISBN-13: 075535026X

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A double murder and a robbery threaten the tentative peace of Ancient Egypt... The third mystery to feature Paul Doherty's engaging Judge Amerotke, The Anubis Slayings is a thrilling novel of murder, intrigue and sleuthing. Perfect for fans of Christian Jacqs and Wilbur Smith. 'Doherty evokes atmospherically the sounds, smells and texture of ancient Egypt. But he does not simply rely on an apparently encyclopaedic familiarity with life along the Nile; he also creates a fiendish locked-room mystery and a solution as clever as the puzzle' - Scotsman Hatusu, the remarkable young widow of Pharaoh Tuthmosis II, has forced Egyptian society to acknowledge her as Pharaoh, and her success in battle is spreading Egypt's glory well beyond its frontiers. In the Temple of Anubis, negotiations are taking place between Hatusu and the defeated King Tushratta of Mitanni for a peace treaty that will seal her greatest victory. But in one night, two hideous murders in the temple and the theft of the Glory of Anubis threaten the tentative truce. The respected Judge Amerotke must find the truth or Egypt's fragile peace could be destroyed for ever. What readers are saying about The Anubis Slayings: 'I couldn't put this book down, it was fantastic' 'He [paints] a vivid and colourful setting for the events of the book' 'Paul Doherty always manages to gives us thrillers that keep us turning the pages'

Book Synopsis The Anubis Slayings (Amerotke Mysteries, Book 3) by : Paul Doherty

Download or read book The Anubis Slayings (Amerotke Mysteries, Book 3) written by Paul Doherty and published by Headline. This book was released on 2012-09-25 with total page 256 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A double murder and a robbery threaten the tentative peace of Ancient Egypt... The third mystery to feature Paul Doherty's engaging Judge Amerotke, The Anubis Slayings is a thrilling novel of murder, intrigue and sleuthing. Perfect for fans of Christian Jacqs and Wilbur Smith. 'Doherty evokes atmospherically the sounds, smells and texture of ancient Egypt. But he does not simply rely on an apparently encyclopaedic familiarity with life along the Nile; he also creates a fiendish locked-room mystery and a solution as clever as the puzzle' - Scotsman Hatusu, the remarkable young widow of Pharaoh Tuthmosis II, has forced Egyptian society to acknowledge her as Pharaoh, and her success in battle is spreading Egypt's glory well beyond its frontiers. In the Temple of Anubis, negotiations are taking place between Hatusu and the defeated King Tushratta of Mitanni for a peace treaty that will seal her greatest victory. But in one night, two hideous murders in the temple and the theft of the Glory of Anubis threaten the tentative truce. The respected Judge Amerotke must find the truth or Egypt's fragile peace could be destroyed for ever. What readers are saying about The Anubis Slayings: 'I couldn't put this book down, it was fantastic' 'He [paints] a vivid and colourful setting for the events of the book' 'Paul Doherty always manages to gives us thrillers that keep us turning the pages'

The Revolt of The Public and the Crisis of Authority in the New Millennium

Author: Martin Gurri

Publisher: Stripe Press

Published: 2018-12-04

Total Pages: 465

ISBN-13: 1953953344

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How insurgencies—enabled by digital devices and a vast information sphere—have mobilized millions of ordinary people around the world. In the words of economist and scholar Arnold Kling, Martin Gurri saw it coming. Technology has categorically reversed the information balance of power between the public and the elites who manage the great hierarchical institutions of the industrial age: government, political parties, the media. The Revolt of the Public tells the story of how insurgencies, enabled by digital devices and a vast information sphere, have mobilized millions of ordinary people around the world. Originally published in 2014, The Revolt of the Public is now available in an updated edition, which includes an extensive analysis of Donald Trump’s improbable rise to the presidency and the electoral triumphs of Brexit. The book concludes with a speculative look forward, pondering whether the current elite class can bring about a reformation of the democratic process and whether new organizing principles, adapted to a digital world, can arise out of the present political turbulence.

Book Synopsis The Revolt of The Public and the Crisis of Authority in the New Millennium by : Martin Gurri

Download or read book The Revolt of The Public and the Crisis of Authority in the New Millennium written by Martin Gurri and published by Stripe Press. This book was released on 2018-12-04 with total page 465 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: How insurgencies—enabled by digital devices and a vast information sphere—have mobilized millions of ordinary people around the world. In the words of economist and scholar Arnold Kling, Martin Gurri saw it coming. Technology has categorically reversed the information balance of power between the public and the elites who manage the great hierarchical institutions of the industrial age: government, political parties, the media. The Revolt of the Public tells the story of how insurgencies, enabled by digital devices and a vast information sphere, have mobilized millions of ordinary people around the world. Originally published in 2014, The Revolt of the Public is now available in an updated edition, which includes an extensive analysis of Donald Trump’s improbable rise to the presidency and the electoral triumphs of Brexit. The book concludes with a speculative look forward, pondering whether the current elite class can bring about a reformation of the democratic process and whether new organizing principles, adapted to a digital world, can arise out of the present political turbulence.

Thomas Becket

Author: John Guy

Publisher: Random House

Published: 2012-07-03

Total Pages: 448

ISBN-13: 0679603417

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A revisionist new biography reintroducing readers to one of the most subversive figures in English history—the man who sought to reform a nation, dared to defy his king, and laid down his life to defend his sacred honor NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY KANSAS CITY STAR AND BLOOMBERG Becket’s life story has been often told but never so incisively reexamined and vividly rendered as it is in John Guy’s hands. The son of middle-class Norman parents, Becket rose against all odds to become the second most powerful man in England. As King Henry II’s chancellor, Becket charmed potentates and popes, tamed overmighty barons, and even personally led knights into battle. After his royal patron elevated him to archbishop of Canterbury in 1162, however, Becket clashed with the King. Forced to choose between fealty to the crown and the values of his faith, he repeatedly challenged Henry’s authority to bring the church to heel. Drawing on the full panoply of medieval sources, Guy sheds new light on the relationship between the two men, separates truth from centuries of mythmaking, and casts doubt on the long-held assumption that the headstrong rivals were once close friends. He also provides the fullest accounting yet for Becket’s seemingly radical transformation from worldly bureaucrat to devout man of God. Here is a Becket seldom glimpsed in any previous biography, a man of many facets and faces: the skilled warrior as comfortable unhorsing an opponent in single combat as he was negotiating terms of surrender; the canny diplomat “with the appetite of a wolf” who unexpectedly became the spiritual paragon of the English church; and the ascetic rebel who waged a high-stakes contest of wills with one of the most volcanic monarchs of the Middle Ages. Driven into exile, derided by his enemies as an ungrateful upstart, Becket returned to Canterbury in the unlikeliest guise of all: as an avenging angel of God, wielding his power of excommunication like a sword. It is this last apparition, the one for which history remembers him best, that will lead to his martyrdom at the hands of the king’s minions—a grisly episode that Guy recounts in chilling and dramatic detail. An uncommonly intimate portrait of one of the medieval world’s most magnetic figures, Thomas Becket breathes new life into its subject—cementing for all time his place as an enduring icon of resistance to the abuse of power.

Book Synopsis Thomas Becket by : John Guy

Download or read book Thomas Becket written by John Guy and published by Random House. This book was released on 2012-07-03 with total page 448 pages. Available in PDF, EPUB and Kindle. Book excerpt: A revisionist new biography reintroducing readers to one of the most subversive figures in English history—the man who sought to reform a nation, dared to defy his king, and laid down his life to defend his sacred honor NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • NAMED ONE OF THE BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR BY KANSAS CITY STAR AND BLOOMBERG Becket’s life story has been often told but never so incisively reexamined and vividly rendered as it is in John Guy’s hands. The son of middle-class Norman parents, Becket rose against all odds to become the second most powerful man in England. As King Henry II’s chancellor, Becket charmed potentates and popes, tamed overmighty barons, and even personally led knights into battle. After his royal patron elevated him to archbishop of Canterbury in 1162, however, Becket clashed with the King. Forced to choose between fealty to the crown and the values of his faith, he repeatedly challenged Henry’s authority to bring the church to heel. Drawing on the full panoply of medieval sources, Guy sheds new light on the relationship between the two men, separates truth from centuries of mythmaking, and casts doubt on the long-held assumption that the headstrong rivals were once close friends. He also provides the fullest accounting yet for Becket’s seemingly radical transformation from worldly bureaucrat to devout man of God. Here is a Becket seldom glimpsed in any previous biography, a man of many facets and faces: the skilled warrior as comfortable unhorsing an opponent in single combat as he was negotiating terms of surrender; the canny diplomat “with the appetite of a wolf” who unexpectedly became the spiritual paragon of the English church; and the ascetic rebel who waged a high-stakes contest of wills with one of the most volcanic monarchs of the Middle Ages. Driven into exile, derided by his enemies as an ungrateful upstart, Becket returned to Canterbury in the unlikeliest guise of all: as an avenging angel of God, wielding his power of excommunication like a sword. It is this last apparition, the one for which history remembers him best, that will lead to his martyrdom at the hands of the king’s minions—a grisly episode that Guy recounts in chilling and dramatic detail. An uncommonly intimate portrait of one of the medieval world’s most magnetic figures, Thomas Becket breathes new life into its subject—cementing for all time his place as an enduring icon of resistance to the abuse of power.