Books matching: 13th century
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A lively, accessible slice of medieval history that reads almost like fiction - perfect for anyone curious about the hidden power of women in royal Europe, but less ideal for those seeking heavyweight academic history.
'Four Queens: The Provencal Sisters Who Ruled Europe' by Nancy Goldstone tells the fascinating tale of Beatrice of Savoy and her daughters, Marguerite, Eleanor, Sanchia, and Beatrice of Provence, who all made brilliant marriages to the Kings of France, England, the future Holy Roman Emperor, and the powerful Count of Anjou. The book delves into the strategic marriages of these daughters, their roles in governing when their spouses were unable, and the power they held behind the scenes in the thirteenth century European power politics. Goldstone's writing style is described as engaging, carefully researched, and pure history that reads like a novel, providing a captivating insight into the lives of these strong women during a turbulent historical period.
Goldstone's 'Four Queens' is praised for its detailed storytelling that uncovers the lives and roles of these four medieval queens and their impact on shaping European history. The book is commended for providing an interwoven tale of alternating narratives, covering two crusades, a civil war, and showcasing the power and influence women held in governing nations during the thirteenth century. Readers appreciate the author's ability to make complex political situations accessible and straightforward, offering a unique perspective on the political wrangling, family dynamics, and intricacies of the period.
Anyone who argues that women did not really rule or wield power during the Middle Ages is obviously unfamiliar with the career of Blanche of Castile, queen of France, the widow of Louis VIII. For a qu...April 2007•341 pages- #2
Save:In 'Pilgrims' by Matthew Kneale, readers are taken on a journey with a group of pilgrims headed to Rome at the end of the 13th century. Each chapter is narrated by a different pilgrim, sharing their personal stories and reflections on the pilgrimage experience. The book expertly weaves together various voices, offering a sociologically and historically rich portrayal of the pilgrimage phenomenon. Kneale's writing style captures the essence of the medieval setting while making it accessible and engaging for modern readers.
The novel delves into the absurdity of the pilgrimage experience, highlighting both the timeless aspects of human behavior and the unique challenges faced by individuals in the 13th century. Through the diverse cast of characters and their motivations for embarking on the pilgrimage, 'Pilgrims' explores themes of faith, superstition, redemption, and human connection against the backdrop of a tumultuous historical period.
I should remember everything that happened that morning, every tiny jot, but I can’t. I’ll just have to imagine. My mother-in-law Licoricia would’ve been sat in her big green chair like usual, waving...January 2020•325 pages - #3
Save:A well-written, lively, and fact-filled trip to 13th century England - perfect for history buffs who want their nonfiction with a narrative punch (but not for scholarly purists).
The Magnificent Century by Thomas B. Costain is the second book in the Plantagenets series, focusing on the reign of Henry III in twelfth century England. Costain's writing style brings the historical characters and events alive, making the intricacies of the time period, including the intrigues, battles, and financial chaos, easily understandable and engaging for readers. Despite some challenges with similar names of important individuals, the book provides a smooth and continuous narrative, offering insights into the lives of key figures like Robert Grosseteste, Roger Bacon, and Simon de Montfort.
OCTOBER 19, 1216. King John was dead. The storm which roared about the towers of the Bishop of Lincoln’s castle at Newark and tore at the windows of the room where the royal body lay was sweeping over... - #4
Save:A light, fast-paced intro to Welsh historical fantasy - with time travel and romance - that’s perfect if you’re looking for an easy, escapist read, but may not satisfy if you crave gritty realism or deep character work.
"Daughter of Time" follows the journey of Meg Marged, a modern young American widow who, after a tragic accident, finds herself transported back to the 13th century in Wales with her young daughter, Anna. In this unfamiliar medieval world, she encounters Llewelyn, the Prince of Wales, who claims her as his own. The story explores themes of love, adaptation, and the challenges of navigating a historical context that Meg struggles to comprehend, particularly as she grapples with her new reality and the dangers that come with it. As Meg learns to adapt to her new life, she also discovers her ability to foresee events related to Welsh history, which adds a layer of intrigue to the plot.
The writing style has garnered mixed reviews; while some readers appreciate the author's ability to convey the emotional struggles of the characters, others criticize the lack of depth in the language and dialogue. The narrative features a blend of historical facts with fictional elements, though some readers feel that the historical accuracy is compromised by oversimplified and sometimes confusing portrayals of Welsh culture and language. The book ends on a cliffhanger, leaving readers eager yet uncertain about Meg's future, which has been a point of contention among those expecting a more conclusive ending.
My husband’s body lay cold on the table in front of me. A sheet covered all but his face, but that didn’t stop me from imagining the damage to his body—from the car accident and from wounds inflicted...2011•353 pages - #5
Save:A richly detailed, ambitious historical novel best suited for patient readers eager to dive deep into the intrigue, heartbreak, and high stakes of medieval politics.
Falls the Shadow, the second book in the Welsh Princes trilogy by Sharon Kay Penman, delves into the intricate historical events of 13th century England and Wales. The narrative follows the tumultuous relationships between key figures such as Simon de Montfort, King Henry III, and the Welsh Princes, portraying their political struggles and personal conflicts. Through vivid storytelling and meticulous research, Penman explores themes of loyalty, power dynamics, and the quest for political reform, offering readers a captivating insight into a pivotal era in English history.
The book intricately weaves together the lives of its characters, from the courageous Thomas Fitz Thomas to the uncompromising Simon de Montfort, showcasing their strengths, flaws, and the impact of their decisions on the course of history. As the narrative unfolds, Penman skillfully brings to life the historical backdrop of the 13th century, immersing readers in a world filled with rebellion, romance, battles, and political intrigue. Falls the Shadow is a compelling tale of ambition, betrayal, and the enduring legacy of those who shaped the destiny of nations.
As thunder echoed overhead, Llelo jerked upright on his pallet. Slowly his eyes adjusted to the darkness; the foreboding shadows took on familiar forms. His dream had been of his grandfather’s court,... - #6
Save:A charming, clean romance with a captivating historical and time travel twist - perfect for fans of feel-good love stories looking for a little magic and adventure.
"The Pocket Watch" by Ceci Giltenan follows the story of Maggie Mitchell, who is transported back to 13th century Scotland after accepting a pocket watch from an elderly lady named Gertrude. Maggie finds herself in the body of Margaret, a harsh and unkind woman betrothed to a highland warrior named Logan Carr. As she navigates this new life, Maggie has 60 days to decide whether to stay in the past or return to her own time. explores themes of time travel, romance, and self-discovery as Maggie grapples with her feelings for Logan and the choice she must make.
The plot of "The Pocket Watch" unfolds with a mix of historical romance and time travel elements, creating a captivating and immersive story. The writing style of Ceci Giltenan is praised for its ability to transport readers to different eras and evoke vivid imagery of medieval Scotland. The author's creative and imaginative storytelling, combined with historically accurate details, adds depth to the characters and the setting, making the reader feel as though they are part of Maggie and Logan's love story.
He had accomplished part of his primary objective. After getting back to his apartment late that morning, he fell into bed and slept the afternoon away. He’d only been awake long enough to shower and...2014•216 pages - #7
Save:A richly detailed, cerebral journey into the medieval mind - rewarding, but best suited to patient readers with a taste for history, ideas, and literary challenges.
Doctor Mirabilis by James Blish is a historical novel that delves into the life and work of Roger Bacon, a brilliant thinker of the 13th century who made significant contributions to modern science. The book presents Roger Bacon as a passionate researcher striving to understand the world through empirical verification, while also exploring his personal struggles and dialogues with his inner self. Set in the thirteenth century, the novel skillfully weaves historical context with themes of spiritual value and knowledge, creating a vivid portrayal of Bacon's life and his interactions with the world around him.
The writing style of Doctor Mirabilis is a blend of modern English with Middle Englishisms, creating an immersive experience for readers. James Blish's portrayal of Bacon as a high-functioning individual on the autism spectrum adds depth to the character, making him a tragic hero driven by curiosity and ambition. The book follows the episodic nature of a biography, covering the entirety of Roger Bacon's adult life and his interactions with other characters, particularly Adam Marsh. Through detailed descriptions and historical accuracy, Blish paints a compelling picture of Bacon's journey as a scientist and thinker in a medieval setting.
It was called the fever, or the plague, or the blue-lips, or the cough, but most often simply the death. It had come north across Folly Bridge into Oxford with the first snow, and at first had shown a...1964•312 pages - #8
Save:Historical romance at its lusty, dramatic best - if you’re in the mood for passionate characters and soapy intrigue, Henley delivers. Not for the faint of heart, but a treat for seasoned romance fans!
In "The Dragon and the Jewel" by Virginia Henley, readers are transported to 13th century England where they follow the story of Princess Eleanor and her second husband, Simon de Montfort, the Earl of Leicester. The book intricately weaves historical events with fictional romance, depicting the struggles of a weak King Henry III and his conflicts with the nobles. Through meticulous attention to detail in dress, food, and environment, Henley brings to life a complex and lusty tale with splendid characters, a strong heroine, and drool-worthy heroes. The plot revolves around the passionate love stories of Eleanor Plantagenet and her two true loves, one of whom serves as a father figure, set against the backdrop of political intrigue and personal ambitions.
As Princess Eleanor was led toward the altar in the chapel at Westminster, she was almost dizzy from happiness. She was gowned in pristine white velvet, her tiny train trimmed with ermine; upon her cl...November 1991•497 pages - #9
Save:Essential for mythology fans and cultural explorers, but not exactly a page-turner - think of it as the ultimate Norse sourcebook more than a bedtime story.
The Prose Edda by Snorri Sturluson is a compilation of Norse myths and poems, providing insights into the mythology and cultural heritage of the Norse people. The book serves as a crash course in Norse mythology, presenting stories of gods, heroes, and monsters in a concise and approachable manner. Snorri Sturluson's writing style is described as readable and immediate, making the myths feel as if they are being spoken directly to the reader, creating a connection to the cultural storytelling tradition. The book also includes sections on skaldic poetry, offering a glimpse into the linguistic and literary traditions of the Norse.
1220•201 pages - #10
Save:A sweeping, deeply researched historical epic perfect for history buffs and lovers of intricate royal drama - just be ready for a long, character-rich journey through medieval Wales and England.
'Here Be Dragons' is a historical fiction novel set in the late 1100s to early 1200s, focusing on the lives of Prince Llewelyn of Wales and Joanna, the illegitimate daughter of King John of England. The narrative intricately weaves political allegiances, complex family dynamics, and the tumultuous relationship between England and Wales. Through Joanna's perspective, the story explores themes of loyalty, love, and the struggles faced by the Welsh against the backdrop of English dominion. The author, Sharon Kay Penman, immerses readers in a richly detailed historical setting, bringing to life the characters and their motivations while depicting the socio-political landscape of medieval times.
Penman's writing style is characterized by its vivid character development and meticulous attention to historical accuracy. Readers have noted her ability to create a compelling narrative that balances romance and political intrigue, making the historical events both engaging and relatable. The novel's pacing allows for a deep exploration of its characters, particularly Joanna and Llewelyn, capturing their emotional journeys amidst the larger historical context. Despite the book's considerable length, many readers found it to be a captivating read that drew them into the lives of its characters and the complexities of their world.
He was ten years old and an alien in an unfriendly land, made an unwilling exile by his mother’s marriage to a Marcher border lord. His new stepfather seemed a kindly man, but he was not of Llewelyn’s...1985•756 pages
