William Rufus (ENGLISH MONARCHS)
$ 19.77
Description
William Rufus (ENGLISH MONARCHS). His generosity and courage were well-known, and he was generally recognized as homosexual, adding layers to his complex character. William II, more commonly known as William Rufus, was the third son of William the Conqueror and reigned as England's king for a brief yet impactful 13 years from 1087 to 1100. William II, more commonly known as William Rufus, was the third son of William the Conqueror and reigned as England's king for a brief yet impactful 13 years from 1087 to 1100. His reign ended abruptly with his mysterious assassination, a topic that continues to intrigue historians. In this vivid biography, now updated and reissued with a new preface, author Frank Barlow presents an unconventional and flamboyant portrait of William Rufus, challenging previous perceptions and revealing him as a far more attractive and interesting monarch than once believed. Barlow intricately weaves the intimate details of William's life with the broader history of Anglo-Norman governance. He illustrates how William Rufus confirmed royal power in England, restored ducal rights in France, and consolidated the Norman conquest. Known for his boisterous personality, William was surrounded by many friends and was devoid of the cold cruelty typical of many medieval monarchs. His generosity and courage were well-known, and he was generally recognized as homosexual, adding layers to his complex character. William's court was marked by licentiousness, eccentricity, and outrageousness, drawing criticism from contemporaries like Anselm, the Archbishop of Canterbury, and later from censorious historians. Despite these critiques, Barlow's account remains highly readable and offers a compelling exploration of William Rufus's brief but significant reign. This biography is an essential read for those interested in Anglo-Saxon and medieval history or the lives of extraordinary monarchs. Author : Frank Barlow Binding : Hardcover Language : English Publication Date : 1983 Edition : New Edition Series Title : English Monarchs Pages : 484 Subject Keyword : Biography/Autobiography
