The Perfect King Av Ian Mortimer

<p><b>From the bestselling author of <i>The Time Traveller''s Guide to Medieval England</i>, comes the story of King Edward III, who - like Elizabeth and Victoria after him - embodied the values of his age, forged a nation out of war and re-made England.</b><br><br>He ordered his uncle to be beheaded; he usurped his father''s throne; he started a war which lasted for more than a hundred years, and taxed his people more than any other previous king.<br><br>Nineteenth century historians saw in Edward the opportunity to decry a warmonger, and painted him as a self-seeking, rapacious, tax-gathering conqueror. Yet, in this first full study of the King''s character and life, Dr Ian Mortimer unveils that behind the strong warrior king was a compassionate, conscientious and often merciful man - resolute yet devoted to his wife, friends and family, and the father of both the English nation and the English people.<br><br><b>''A fascinating portrait. At times, the reader seems almost able to reac