Sharon Kay Penman - Press Room

Research Recommendations

I am often asked to recommend books about various aspects of the Middle Ages, so I think this might be a useful addition to my website. Eventually I hope to add sections for all of my books, one for 13th century England, one for the Wars of the Roses, etc. For now, though, I have to content myself with the 12th century and my current novel, Devil’s Brood. The following books would be a good starting point for those interested in learning more about the improbable lives of the first Plantagenets.

The definitive biography of Henry II is W.L. Warren’s Henry II, and it is one I recommend highly. Another excellent study of Henry was written by John Schlight, Henry II Plantagenet; this is sadly out of print, but well worth the search. Kate Norgate’s England Under The Angevin Kings was originally printed in the 19th century, but much of it has stood the test of time.

There are books beyond counting about Eleanor of Aquitaine. I think one of the best is Eleanor of Aqutaine; Lord and Lady, edited by Bonnie Wheeler and John Carmi Parsons. This is a collection of essays by various historians, covering most aspects of Eleanor’s life.

Like Eleanor, Thomas Becket has attracted more than his share of biographers. In my opinion, the best one is Frank Barlow’s Thomas Becket. A dramatic, riveting, detailed account of his murder was written by William Urry in Thomas Becket; His Last Days.

The most recent and the best biography of William Marshal is William Marshal by David Crouch.

An excellent account of daily life, politics, religion, and culture in the 12th century is Robert Bartlett’s England Under The Norman and Angevin Kings 1075-1225.

More to come.