Henry II: Volume 5

This is not only the best biography of Henry II I've ever read, but it is one of the best non-fiction historical books I've ever read, too. The writing is lively, engaging, and often wryly amusing, though that may be in part because of the subject. Mr Warren does not in the least ignore or minimize the flaws of Henry II, but neither can he conceal a deep respect for this magnificent king. Too often, the tragedy of Thomas Becket and Henry II's relationship with the glamorous Eleanor of Aquitaine detract from this great king's important accomplishments, and influence, the precursors of which extend even to our American judicial system today. What impresses me most about this man is that he did not love power for power's sake alone, but for the sake of honestly trying to improve the affairs of the wide kingdoms he ruled. This book by Mr Warren should stand as THE definitive biography of Henry II.

W. L. Warren's excellent monograph on the first Plantagenet king displays a superb narrative style and an authoritative thoroughness of detail, which nonetheless remains surprisingly approachable for a work of this length and depth. This depth is remarkable: one can open the book to any chapter and read it independently without feeling that one is missing key details. Yet the book manages to steer free of a sense of drudgery or redundancy, even while effecting such an admirable encapsulated quality for its chapters. I can hardly wait to read his book on King John.

Cleveland, OH. I have read Many books on English History and W. L Warren's King Henry II is head and shoulders above the rest. His detail in painting a picture of 12th Century Europe with accurate and compelling facts is outstanding. I especially liked the many maps inserted thoughout the book that helped with place and time. For those of you interested in Genealogy of Midevil Europe and Contemporaries of King Henry II this is an excellent source.

In every historical atlas you will see a map of Henry II's dominions streteching from Scotland & Ireland across Normandy and Aquitaine down to the Pyrenees. Henry is also known for his friendship with St. Thomas Becket -- the story which was made into the classic movie "Becket" -- which was quite a good movie, but not very good history. (Henry II is also in "The Lion in Winter" which is an even better movie and much better in its history.) But aside from these notices he seems somewhat overlooked in comparison with other Kings in England's pantheon, especially in comparison with his son, Richard the Lionhearted.It is therefore very fortunate that Henry should have such an excellent biography. Warren's "Henry II" takes the whole reign topically -- it does a wonderful job of teaching not only about Henry II but also the general topics of Medieval Kingship, English law and government, church & state, etc.

Henry II is one of the few monarchs, English or otherwise to visit Ireland. He came to protect himself as some ambitious barons from the Marchs (borderlands) of Wales were trying to set up a rival kingdom here. Fair play to Henry for coming at all. The next English monarch to bother with a personal visit to Ireland was Richard III some two and a half centuries later ! Henry by all accounts was a fascinating person. He travelled all over the territories he ruled with what was said to be a restless energy. He threw himself into government with much energy and is credited with laying the foundations of common law. For example he introduced jury trial to prevent the practice of trial by duel. This helped to bring peace and fairness to judicial proceedings and leaves us with the legacy of jury trial and the O J Simpson case. (Bring back Henry to resolve that one I hear you say.) Still King Henry II was a serious player in his time. When the murder of his Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Beckett was partly said to be his resposibility, Henry had himself publicly whipped as a form of penance and redemption. He clearly believed his stock had to be backed up with real sacrifice, the kind todays politicians seem to think is practised by saying 'I'm sorry' or 'I did not sleep with that woman' whatever good they might be doing elsewhere. Henry had to battle his way to the throne. England was in civil war when he was growing up. It was only after many years in struggle during the period of the anarchy of Stephen, a king the English would like to forget about, did Henry eventually succeed to the English throne. However, Henry was Duke of Normandy as well and could lay claim to larger and richer areas of France than the King of France, who was his nominal overlord and Henry's wife's ex-husband. Hows that for a constitutional set-up. Henry II was surrounded by interesting people not least his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine, a high-born, strong willed woman with a rich daddy. His son Richard known as the Lionheart was as blood thirsty an "sob" as you'll ever find, notorious for his massacres in the Holy Land while on crusade. The English seem to think something of him, (check out the statue of him currently outside the English parliament at Westminster) despite his having only spent six months at home as king. Then theres John whose gone down in history as a scheming weiner, but his importance to us can't be dismissed as Magna Carta a legal document of much significance later was signed into law in his reign. Henry II worked hard and did much. He lived a long life, out living several of his offspring, slept with many women (John Kennedy eat your heart out) and was an all round mover and shaker of his time. This book tells the story of this man in great detail, shining a light in many areas of interest to people with little knowledge of this period. I would read this book again for a rundown on Henry II's antics and achievements al