52 - The Perfect King, by Ian Mortimer, 402 pages, Random House, 2006
WHY I PICKED IT: Recommended by my friend Monika C.
ELAPSED TIME: 3-weeks
RATING: Good
This biography of Edward III of England is an intense read... but easily 200 pages too long. The first 150 pages, describing his family, his childhood, and his upbringing were painful... I was worried it would be another Alexander of Macedon (looong boring look at what should be an interesting character); but like Peter Green's work, Mortimer writes the wars extremely well.
Edward's strategic view of war and his expansion into France was gripping. Edward was courageous, leading his men into battle rather than directing them into it... his tactical view was phenomenal, but it was his strength and confidence is what inspired his men and enabled them to successfully take on armies many times their size.
That he outlived almost all of his friends and most of his family is really sad and an end un-befitting ... and reaffirmed my view that a long life is not to be desired. Better to burn out than to fade away... right?
This blog is a simple review of every book that I read... For all books I’ll tell you why I picked it, how long it took me to read it, and give it a rating (burn it, not good, meh, good, very good, and required reading). I ask (encourage?) all readers of my blog to post their thoughts of any of the books in my comments :). Thanks!
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