Edward II: The Terrors of Kingship (Penguin Monarchs)

The reign of Edward II (1307-27) was a series of total disasters, making him unsuccessful to an extent almost without equal. He failed to be kingly, preferring ditching and cart-racing to jousting and falconry. His reign was convulsed by rebellion and attempts to reform the king's behavior. In an attempt to throw off the specter of his regal father, Edward I, he invaded Scotland and suffered catastrophic defeat. After 20 ruinous years, betrayed and abandoned by most of his nobles and by his wife and her lover, Edward was imprisoned in Berkeley Castle where he was murdered. Christopher Given-Wilson's remarkable book gives a glimpse into the abyss: the terrors of kingship.