Magnificent Century: A History of the Plantagenets

Original red cloth hardcover binding with gold lettering & design, decorative endpapers. "The Magnificent Century, the second volume of Costain's A History of the Plantagenets, covers Henry III's long and turbulent reign, from 1216 to 1272. During his lifetime Henry was frequently unpopular, unreliable and inconsistent. Yet his reign saw spectacular advancement in the arts, sciences and theology, as well as in government. Despite all, it was truly a magnificent century. 'Combines a love of the subject with factual history. . .a great story.' (San Francisco Chronicle) A History of the Plantagenets includes The Conquering Family, The Magnificent Century, The Three Edwards and The Last Plantagenets." CONTENTS: A Boy is Crowned King; The War against the Invaders; The Start of Sea Power; Peace Comes to the Land and Death Comes to the Marshal; The Minority and the Rise of Hubert de Burgh; The Faith of the Century; The Decline and Fall of Hubert de Burgh; The Passing of a Great Man; The Poitevins Rule England; The Five Sons of the Good Knight; The Royal Weathercock; England's Most Unpopular Queen; Queen's Men, King's Men, and the Villain of the Piece; The Home Life of the Royal Family -- Richard of Cornwall; Simon de Montfort; The King Quarrels with Simon de Montfort; Simon de Montfort as the Seneschal of Gascony; Edward Marries the Infanta -- A Trio of Great Kings; The Sicilian Absurdity; The Provisions of Oxford; War Becomes Inevitable; The First Moves of the Civil War; The Battle of Lewes; Simon de Montfort, the Statesman; The Great Parliament; Tales of Fair Ladies; The Battle of Evesham; The Disinherited; The Magnificent Century; Merrie England; Roger Bacon; The Death of Henry; Index.