Product Review

"The period of English history which is covered by the present volume possesses a distinctive character and unity. With the Norman Conquest the nation passes at one bound from the Dark into the Middle Age; the death of Henry III. marks the moment of transition from the first to the second stage of our medieval history, from the inventive and experimental era to that of consolidation and completion. The years 1066-1272 witnessed the beginning and the end of some remarkable developments; the creation of English Feudalism, the rejuvenation of the English Church, the decisive conflicts of Church and Feudalism with the State. They also witnessed the trial and failure of autocracy at home, and in foreign policy of a premature imperialism. The common law and the royal courts of justice were created; the principle of representative government gained general recognition..." - H.W. Carless Davis

Contents: The Norman Conquest (1066-1072). The Reorganization of England. The Reign of Rufus. The Reign of Henry I. Stephen. The Old Order and the New. The Becket Controversy. The Conquest of Ireland. The Sons of Henry II. The Reforms of Henry II. The Crusade of Richard I. England during Richard's Reign. The Loss of Normandy. The Struggle with the Papacy. Bouvines. The Charter and the Struggle with the Foreigner. Minority and Misrule. The Provisions of Oxford. The Rule and Fall of De Montfort. England in De Montfort's Day. The Earls of the Norman Period. Local Justice under the Norman Kings. The Hereward Legend. Normandy before the Conquest. Cumberland and Scotland, 1092-1154. The Bull Laudabiliter. Criminous Clerks.