Henry I: King of England and Duke of Normandy

Description

The first biography to offer a fully rounded treatment of the life of Henry I, the youngest son of William the Conqueror, this book presents a major new interpretation of the man and his methods. Judith Green argues that although Henry's primary concern was defence of his inheritance this did not preclude expansion where circumstances were propitious, notably into Welsh territory. His skilful dealings with the Scots permitted consolidation of Norman rule in the northern counties of England, while in Normandy every sinew was strained to defend frontiers through political alliances and stone castles. Green argues that although Henry's own outlook was essentially traditional, the legacy of this fascinating but repellent personality included some hugely significant developments in governance. The book also offers a fresh perspective on Henry's court, which, it is suggested, made an important contribution to the flowering of court culture throughout twelfth-century Europe.

Judith Green is Professor of Medieval History, Queen's University Belfast. She is the author of The Government of England under Henry I (1986) and The Aristocracy of Norman England (1997) and is a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society.

'Judith Green provides us with the best available biography of Henry I ... Green's biography ... shows the richness derived from having lived with study of the king for decades, and it skilfully provides an account of the reign and his kingship that is both detailed and accessible.' BBC History Magazine 'It is a work of sustained scholarship and balanced judgement ... a remarkable tour de force ... Professor Green adds new facts and modifies existing narratives. ... This fine biography does him justice.' Times Literary Supplement 'Green's is the first work to provide a comprehensive and integrated examination of Henry's reign not only as king of England but also as Duke of Normandy.' Sixteenth Century Journal