Edward III

The Perfect King

By: Ian Mortimer

Narrated by: Alex Wyndham

Holding power for over 50 years starting in 1327, Edward III was one of England's most influential kings and one who shaped the course of English history. Revered as one of the country's most illustrious leaders for centuries, he was also a usurper and a warmonger who ordered his uncle beheaded. A brutal man, to be sure, but also a brilliant one.

Noted historian Ian Mortimer offers us the first comprehensive look at the life of Edward III. The Perfect King was often the instigator of his own drama but also overthrew tyrannous guardians as a teenager and ushered in a period of chivalric ideals. Mortimer traces how Edward's reforms made feudal England a thriving, sophisticated country and one of Europe's major military powers. Ideal for anyone fascinated by medieval history, this book provides new insight into Edward III's lasting influence on the justice system, artistic traditions, language, and architecture of the country.

©2014 Ian Mortimer (P)2016 Tantor

Critic reviews

"[This book] deserves to be widely read." ( Sunday Times)

Ian Mortimer never disappoints.

As always the historical detail was on point. Mortimer writes about history with such enthusiasm his love of the topic is evident. The narration was great. Loved it and would recommend.

Great listen

This was presented very well. The information was great and did not drag on. I really enjoyed this book

5 stars simple as that

Great book from start to finish, lots of detail and story. You can really see where Game of Thrones gets a lot of its material from.

Another brilliant work from Mortimer.

Biographies like these often stray off into tangential areas for the sake of context and padding out the narrative and end up losing it in the process. Not so here as Mortimer keeps you laser focused on Edward. It’s a different format than his Time Traveler series but manages the same trick of transporting you there to the King’s side. Outstanding.

Remarkable historiography

A brilliant look into the life, trials, military prowess and family of King Edward III. Ian Mortimer’s analyzation of the demise of Edward II, the calculated titular appointments and building allies had not been seen in England. Mortimer brought Edward III to life in this long narrative. Great for long trips. I will buy the book for my Library.

One of my favorites!

The composition was superb and the narration was masterful! It was very compelling and engaging. I would definitely listen again.

utterly compelling

Edward II alive!!?? My life is now changed. The best Eddy-Rex bio ever, well researched and evenly paced.

A Great Bio with an Odd Omission

Like Marc Morris’ life of Edward I, this biography seeks to understand how a king was shaped by the times in which he lived as well as how he shaped those times.

Refreshingly free of modern snark and condescension, Ian Mortimer challenges conventional wisdom, gives his considered take on the lingering controversies of Edward’s reign, and comes very near presenting a palpable portrait of the man. So it’s strange that, for all the attention to Edward’s times, Mortimer fails to explain the Avignon papacy. We’re told popes reside there, but never how they got there. (Hence only four story stars.)

Alex Wyndham proves to be the perfect narrator for the perfect king.

Edward iii

One of the ancestors on my family tree, so thank you for putting this book together.

A great king!

This book is a very detailed recitation on the life of Edward the third. When Edward the third was born, it was prophesies that he be the next king Arthur his life with its ups and downs. It’s greatness, and it’s tragedies certainly makes this prophecy seem true.