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I was not expecting to get sucked into this story. There are a lot of names and most of them are William, Henry, Mathilde and Robert or Richard don't forget Eleanor... I didn't know I was so fascinated by their dynastic struggles, but it has me curious, what were these people doing between battles and coronations besides eating and drinking? How did the average person deal with all of this turmoil? I may need to read some more of this stuff!

A fascinating look at twelfth century politics in England, culminating in the White Ship disaster that completely changed the trajectory of the Royal dynasty at the time. Fair warning, though: there are so many Henry‘s and William‘s and Matilda‘s that, unless you‘re well-versed in this history, it could get a tad confusing. But, this is also a time of upheaval, and Spencer lays it out well. Great history! #Booked2022 #AboutARealOrFictionalRoyal

A so-so for me that is likely more due to personal circumstances than the book itself. The writing was fine, and I liked the visible endnoting of the direct quotes, but I put it down and didn‘t feel any interest in picking it up again. I blame pandemic brain.

4⭐️ I really liked the book. I had wanted to read this book for quite some time and when Chris from The Book Cougars mentioned it on a recent episode, I knew I had to read it. The book recounts the build up to the disaster, the disaster itself and the dynastic repercussions of the disaster.#2021 #nonfiction #history #disasters #bookreview #bookstagram #englishhistory #mistletoemaniacs #wintergames2021 +16pts

#firstlinefridays @ShyBookOwl

Looking back on this, a night whose repercussions would change Europe‘s history for ever, some claimed to remember nothing more than a distant noise.

#firstlinefridays

‘To think that such a brilliantly effective and strategic king- one of the great Monarchs of British history- most likely rests for eternity under ....a school building in Reading, rather than in the monumental pomp that he planned, is - to me- as sad as it is wrong.‘
Couldn‘t agree more with the author 😁
Only read if you love detailed English history with many Henry‘s, Williams and Richards.
Great read ❤️

Tonight‘s #motherdaughterread
Daughter wants to finish Shadow and Bone as there is a series starting in Netflix at the end of the month and she wants to read the book first (that‘s my girl!).

Our late Christmas celebration last week meant more books! My in-laws in Reading, UK sent me this one! I‘m thrilled! The museum in Reading has a replica of the Bayoux Tapestry (the replica was embroidered in the late 1800s by an army of women), and they must have remembered how taken I was with it when we were there a few years ago.

I enjoyed this. It was interesting, accessible, and lively. I learned more about the sinking of the White Ship and its devastation, as well as more about the reign of Henry I. It is a time period I am interested in and this book will go on my re-read shelf. 4/5

Wondering what‘s the best way to report an error in a book. This image, intended to be the coronation of Henry I, is actually the coronation of Edward the Confessor.

Him: what do you want for our anniversary?
Me: just buy me a book.