Arise, England: Six Kings and the Making of the English State

Arise, England: Six Kings and the Making of the English State cover
Good Books rating 4.0
Technical
  • ID: 3078
  • Added: 2025-10-16
  • Updated: 2025-10-16
  • Formats: 3
  • Reviews: 3
Reviews
Instagram · 2025-10-16
enthusiastic 4.00

The book is highly recommended for medieval history enthusiasts and undergraduates, praised for its detailed high political analysis. The reviewer finds the content engaging and informative, making it a valuable read.

This Instagram review enthusiastically recommends the book to medieval history nerds and history undergraduates. The reviewer finds the detailed high political analysis particularly engaging and informative. They appreciate the depth of the content and the way it brings the historical period to life. The book is seen as a must-read for those interested in the intricacies of medieval governance and the lives of the Plantagenet kings. The reviewer's enthusiasm is palpable, making it clear that they found the book to be a valuable addition to their reading list.


Quick quotes

    If you are in the target demographic of medieval history nerd and / or history undergrad I can easily recommend this book.

    I found the detailed high political analysis to be particularly engaging and informative.

    This book is a must-read for anyone interested in the intricacies of medieval governance.

London Review of Books · Tom Johnson · 2025-02-20
detailed 3.50

The book is described as being bedazzled by the figure of the monarch, with a focus on the personalities and actions of the six kings. The reviewer appreciates the authors' historical insights but finds the narrative somewhat overwhelming.

Tom Johnson notes that the book is deeply focused on the monarchs, providing a rich tapestry of their lives and reigns. While he appreciates the historical depth and the authors' expertise, he finds the sheer amount of detail can be overwhelming at times. The reviewer suggests that the book might be better suited for those with a strong interest in medieval history, as it requires a significant investment of time and attention. Despite this, the book is seen as a valuable contribution to the understanding of the Plantagenet era.


Quick quotes

    Arise, England is a book bedazzled by the figure of the monarch.

    The authors, Caroline Burt and Richard Partington, historians at Cambridge, have done a remarkable job in their research.

    The narrative is rich and detailed, but at times it feels like the authors are trying to fit too much into a single volume.

intriguing 4.50

The book offers a meticulous examination of the reigns of six Plantagenet kings, praised for its deep dive into historical archives. The authors' detailed analysis provides a nuanced understanding of the political and judicial landscape of the time.

This review highlights the authors' thorough research and their ability to bring the past to life through their detailed analysis. The reviewer appreciates the depth of the historical context provided, making it a valuable read for history enthusiasts. The book is commended for its comprehensive exploration of each king's reign, offering insights into the complexities of medieval governance. The reviewer finds the narrative engaging and informative, making it a standout work in the field of medieval history.


Quick quotes

    Caroline Burt and Richard Partington have combed the archives to do a deep dive into each reign of these Plantagenet kings, examining the political and judicial developments of the time.

    The book offers a fascinating look at how these six kings shaped the English state, with each chapter providing a detailed account of their reigns.

    This is a must-read for anyone interested in medieval history, offering a comprehensive and engaging exploration of a pivotal period.