Richard and John: Kings at War

Wonderfully done without going over the top on far-a-field information. Easy read and a well-done index. A great source for a research project.

The battle between church and monarchy for control of England in the 12th and 13th centuries is a fascinating look at greed, power, some chivalry and life during hard times. Throw in Robin Hood, Magna Carta and beautiful ambitious women for a great story.

I must say that I am very disheartened by some of the other reviews here that chide author McLynn for using big words or for going into excessive detail in Richard and John: Kings at War. For me, McLynn's prose was the highlight of this experience, his colorful and extremely engaging writing made exploring the often confusing and complicated world of medieval European politics and culture compelling. I'm the kind of reader who likes a challenge, who enjoys coming across words that I need to look up in a dictionary, and relishes the opportunity to immerse myself in a vast, unfamiliar world like that of Richard the Lionheart and the Angevin dynasty. When I come across a word like "uxorious" or "gallimaufry," I don't resent the author for obfuscating his thoughts in the arcane or obscure, I'm thankful to be introduced to new methods of expression. Richard and John is a challenging read, without a doubt, but McLynn's approach is not condescending to the reader. Quite the contrary, by not dumbing down his text he reveals a level of respect to the reader, and puts his faith in our ability as learned adults to not merely allow the book to wash over us passively, but to actively engage the text, and include ourselves in the rich dialogue he has set-up. I enthusiastically recommend Richard and John as an excellent and exciting narrative which sheds light on the distant yet in many ways familiar world of medieval Europe and as an example of well-tuned writing that should invigorate readers, not discourage them.

Its nice to learn that "King John was not a good man", and that Richard actualy earned his reputation. Well written, exciting as a good detective story, history the way it used to be written and the way it should be written. Besides its fun to see the revisionists revised. A good read as well as good history.

This was a well researched and well written book. It gives a concise telling of history from Henry II to John, ending with the Magna Carta. Although it does get boggled down with the numerous personalities and regions of the Middle Ages, it gives a readable view of that period of history. It also goes into the gossip of the period, which makes for a lighter read. I did not find the book overly academic, in fact, I thought it was bit of a page turner since it covers several major personalities in a relatively short space. It also fits well with out current time, the war on terror. The one shortcoming of the book is that it is very pro-Richard and very anti-John. Not knowing anything of John other than what I have read in wikipedia, it may have more of bias than needed. However, John did give rise to the Magna Carta, so the bias is probably justified. Well done, long live the Lion Heart.