Henry I: King of England and Duke of Normandy

This first comprehensive biography of Henry I, the youngest son of William the Conqueror and an elusive figure for historians, offers a rich and compelling account of his tumultuous life and reign. 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 and ruthless personality included some fundamentally important developments in governance. She also sheds light on Henry's court, suggesting that it made an important contribution to the flowering of court culture throughout twelfth-century Europe.

Table of Contents:
Introduction: a surfeit of lampreys; 1. 'Born in the purple'; 2. 'By the grace of God, king of the English'; 3. Testing times, 1101–3; 4. The conquest of Normandy, 1104–7; 5. Reform and reconstruction, 1107–8; 6. Defence of his dominions, 1108–15; 7. Triumph and disaster, 1116–20; 8. Surviving the wreck, 1120–4; 9. Matilda and the succession, 1125–8; 10. Rescuing the marriage, 1129–35; 11. The ruler; 12. 'Guardian of the church'; 13. The court and court culture; Conclusion: 'once the peace and glory of the world'.

About the Author :
Judith A. Green is Professor of Medieval History at the University of Edinburgh. 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.

Review :
'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.' The 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 'Beautifully written, this is a book that is accessible to all, and deserves to become the standard work on Henry I. War, sex, violence, tragedy, political intrigue, paranoia: it is the stuff of fiction. Henry I lived it.' The Medieval Review 'Henry I King of England and Duke of Normandy is a masterful and engrossing biography of one of England's most fascinating and perhaps least known monarchs. The author uses primary sources to excellent effect, enlivening and enriching the text with fascinating contemporary facts. There is a comprehensive biography, a set of family trees and even a diagram of the harbour of Barfleur, where the White Ship sank.' Rachel Bellerby, Suite101.com