The Greatest Knight
A gripping novel about William Marshal - one of England's forgotten heroes
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4.4 • 38 Ratings
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- £5.49
Publisher Description
'An author who makes history come gloriously alive' The Times
'Stunning' Barbara Erskine
***Elizabeth's new novel TEMPLAR SILKS is OUT NOW in hardback, ebook and audio, and available to pre-order in paperback.***
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Normandy, 1167
A penniless young knight with few prospects, William Marshal is plucked from obscurity when he saves the life of Henry II's formidable queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine. In gratitude, she appoints him tutor to the heir to the throne.
However, being a royal favourite brings its share of conflict and envy as well as fame and reward. William's influence over the volatile, fickle Prince Henry and his young wife is resented by less favoured courtiers who set about engineering his downfall.
In a captivating blend of fact and fiction, Elizabeth Chadwick resurrects one of England's greatest forgotten heroes, restoring him to his rightful place at the apex of the Middle Ages.
Praise for Elizabeth Chadwick
'Enjoyable and sensuous' Daily Mail
'Stunning grasp of historical details... Her characters are beguiling and the story is intriguing and very enjoyable' Barbara Erskine
'Meticulous research and strong storytelling' Woman & Home
'A sumptuous ride' Daily Telegraph
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
William Marshal, the younger son of a wealthy family, shows early prowess with a sword and uncommon chivalry, which he puts to good use saving the life of Eleanor of Aquitaine. Afterward, she makes him arms tutor to her sons, the young princes. Marshal pledges his service to heir Henry and stays with the prince, out of loyalty to Eleanor, throughout Henry's turbulent manhood and rebellion against his father. When Henry dies, Marshal swears loyalty to Henry's brother Richard, putting him at odds with his own brother, who is loyal to Prince John. When Richard leaves on crusade and John conspires to take the crown, Marshal must decide between family and honor. A true historical hero, if little known, William Marshal served under some of England's most famous kings and proved himself again and again throughout the troubled 12th century; Chadwick's novel immerses readers in Marshal's life and times, which should prove intriguing to any fan of historical fiction. The royals, and especially Eleanor, are particularly fascinating characters whom Chadwick employs to great effect.
Customer Reviews
Loved it!
I absolutely loved this book, it was the second Elizabeth Chadwick book I read and certainly not the last, but remains my favourite. The story of Isabel and William Marshal is one of romance, royal intrigue and bravery, all together in this beautifully written book - all the more worthwhile as it is based on some historical fact - indeed the tomb of William Marshal is in the Temple Church in London.
A pure object of escapism and one with a true life hero!
The Greatest Knight
Loved the book, Chadwicks ability to tell the story with such colour and detail makes you want to not stop reading and to research that era further. Now for the next in the series
A fantastic read
This book is brilliantly well written, and the detail in historical research is excellent. In my opinion this is easily Chadwick's best book. She brings the life of William Marshal, the greatest knight there ever was, to the pages in a way that no history book ever could. His fascinating tale is written in such a beautiful way that you just won't be able to put the book down!