William Marshal

<p>David Crouch’s <i>William Marshal </i>now in its third edition depicts this intriguing medieval figure as a ruthless opportunist astute courtier manipulative politician and a brutal but efficient soldier. Born the fourth son of a minor baron he ended his days as Earl of Pembroke and Regent of England and was the only medieval knight to have a contemporary biography written about him. Using this biography in addition to the many other primary sources dedicated to him the author provides a narrative of William Marshal and a survey of the times in which he lived and also considers the problems and questions posed by the <i>History</i>. </p><p>The third edition has been extensively updated and revised and now includes: </p><ul> <p> </p> <li>expanded sections on the reality of medieval tournaments and warfare as it is described in the biography</li> <p> </p> <li>an in-depth study of Marshal’s family life and children based on the latest research including material from the new edition of the Marshal family acts and letters</li> <p> </p> <li>more on Marshal’s royal patrons and contemporaries in particular the relationship between Marshal and his nemesis King John. </li> </ul><p>William Marshal explores the world of medieval knighthood and the the aristocratic life of the times in engaging readable prose and is a unique resource for students of medieval history. </p>