Natalie Fryde Book order

Fortifications on the scale of these walls are unique in that they are (apart from individual castles) the only known military measure with long-term aims. The military aims sometimes proved of extremely long-term value, the most extreme example being the erection of the Great Wall of China. The aim of this volume is to find out the common denominator (if any) behind the creation of such fortifications, their effectiveness and their influence on a long and short-term basis. Contents: W. Moschek, The Limes; K. Brodersen, Hadrians Wall and the Antonine Wall; A. Williams, Offas Dyke; N. Lund, The „Danewerk“; F. Corral; The Frontera: Spanish Defences against the Moors; A. Scobell, The Great Wall of China; D. Reitz, The French Eastern Border; H. Bröckermann, The Berlin Wall; M. van Creveld, The Jerusalem Wall;

Focusing on the turbulent reign of Edward II and the Despenser family from 1321 to 1326, the book delves into the political and social turmoil of the period. It examines the factors that contributed to the violent nature of their rule, exploring themes of power, conflict, and the dynamics of loyalty and betrayal. Through a detailed analysis, it offers new insights into a significant yet often overlooked chapter of English history.

This book suggests that Magna Carta was not simply the product of the evil rule of King John but the culmination of unease with the Angevin government dating back to the reign of Henry II. It analyzes the reasons for this unease, the expressions of discontent and the ways which the Angevins dealt with them. Fryde also discusses Royal opponents who, early on, looked favorably upon the Capetian court.