1300 - 1400
Edward I to Richard II

1456 The Age of Chivalry, by Sir Arthur Bryant (read 9 July 1977) This is volume two in Bryant's survey of English history, and, in contrast to my reaction to volume one (Makers of England), I enjoyed it greatly. It covers the reigns of the three Edwards, and up to the end of the Peasants' Revolt in June 1381. Edward I did much for law, but in his dotage things went badly, and he died July 7, 1307, within sight of the Scottish border. The battle of Bannockburn was fought June 24, 1314, and was the greatest military disaster in English history. Edward II was deposed Jan 25, 1327 and died September 1327. Edward III started off great, won the battle of Crecy on Aug. 26, 1346, and reveled in his son's (the Back Prince's) triumph at Poitiers in September 1356, but the aftereffects of the Black Death (1348-1352) changed all. The account of the Wat Tyler Revolt is excellent--I don't know I had realized how serious it was: reminded me of the French Revolution. A great book. ( )