The perfect king : the life of Edward III, father of the English nation

This is without doubt, a paean to someone Mortimer regards as a national and personal hero. I have read his book on Henry IV and own the earlier book on Roger Mortimer. I am impressed with his ability to both research and dissect complex political, military and economic documents that trace who did what, where, when and to or with whom without losing the reader in the complexity. As a student of this period, I'm familiar with a great deal of the subject matter, but I confess to being enlightened on more than a few matters. I'm a bit concerned however about his assertion that Edward II, this Edward's father did NOT die as traditionally thought, murdered, but rather later as a private gentleman living in Europe. He makes a convincing case, but I am planning to research other historians' opinions on the validity of his claim. In any event, there is much to recommend in this and other works by this author. Childhood A treasonable youth The devil for wrath Absolute royalty Warrior of God The vow of the heron Sluys and tournai Chivalry and shame The advent of the golden age Edward the conqueror An unassailable enemy At the court of the Sun King Lawmaker The pride of England Outliving victory A tattered coat upon a stick Edward the gracious Philippa of Hainault's date of birth The fake death of Edward II A note on the later life of Edward II Royal charter witnesses in Regnal Years 4 -5 The intended destination of the 1346 invasion The date of the foundation of the order of the garter Edward III's physicians and surgeons The descendants of Edward III The English Royal Family before 1330 The English Royal Family after 1330 The French Royal Family. Studying his character and life, Ian Mortimer shows how King Edward III personally provided the impetus for much of the drama of his 50-year reign.