so-soI don't really care for Ian Mortimer's writing -- I dislike it when biographies try to reproduce conversations that the biographer could not possibly vouch for -- but I do think Mortimer has some interesting insights here. I don't entirely buy his argument about a longstanding enmity between Henry and Richard II but do think Mortimer is probably onto something there even if he does get out a bit over his skis.
Halfway through this biography, Henry IV has just survived the sixth attempted coup in four years. This book makes medieval kingship seems so stressful -- constantly fighting with Parliament about money and trying to keep from being dethroned by rival nobles -- that you have to wonder why anyone wanted the crown in the first place.
Usually you think of Henry IV as the guy in the Shakespeare play who overthrew Richard II, but apparently he also was an accomplished musician (and possibly a composer) and the first English king to appoint a royal librarian. Who knew?
Halfway through this bio of Henry IV, I can't help but think that Prince Hal (the future Henry V) would be furious at his portrayal as a drunken dilettante palling around with Falstaff. He wasn't really like that at all.
pickHenry IV is one of the least documented monarchs in English history since William the Conqueror, so the author had to make a meal from thin gruel. But if your only understanding of H4 is from Shakespeare, this is an excellent way to get a fuller, truer picture.
The audiobook narrator sounded stilted and uninterested— which made for a grueling listen some days— so I would definitely recommend the print version!
Starting this in audio— Sadly, James Cameron Stewart lacks the enthusiasm of Alex Wyndham; but he nonetheless has one of those nice old-fashioned British voices.
Henry IV is the English King who basically proves, “Might equals Right” in usurping the God-ordained Richard II. Now to hear what unconventional thing the author has to say about all this!
See Hank, the supernatural will get you when you do unnatural things. 😏
#EdWest #MyKingdomForAHorse #history #englishhistory #snarkyhistory #henryiv #shakespearskings #haunted #richardii
pickI actually finished the #audiobook yesterday, but I listened to all the appendices, too, which I didn‘t finish until this morning. Henry IV of England is an enigmatic person. His legacy has been much maligned by subsequent rulers (because he had the audacity to overthrow God‘s ordained monarch). Mortimer is a thorough researcher so be prepared for A LOT of history. One major lesson is that you don‘t have anything without your good health! ⚔️ 👑😷
Not sure who the little boy is supposed to be (he looks rather young to be a squire, but it may be for effect), but this is really cute.
#shakespearereadalong #Shakespeare #henryIVpart2 #HenryIV #shakespeareskings
