Hammer of the Scots

Jean Plaidy does a great job introducing factual details into a novel, but as a reader of history, this book is too simplistic. While his family life may well have been fine (and there is really not much written about this so it is mainly conjecture) his treatment of the Scots was deplorable - hence the name "Hammer of the Scots". I remember reading Jean's novels as a 20 year old and being totally enthralled, but in my sixties and with a great deal more reading under my belt, I can only say that these novels are a great intro to history, but are often sanitised.

Biggest problem I’m having with the Plantagenet series so far is the excessive amount of repetition. Not only are themes within each book repeated, but they all hark back to the previous novels, going over events and past rulers that the author has already covered.

The main focus of this instalment is the reign of Edward I, one of England’s greatest kings. We do get a section that follows William Wallace’s life in Scotland, which eventually links back into Edward’s story.

Some good scenes and character exchanges are scattered here and there but I feel this could’ve been a much stronger offering. Wish Ms Plaidy had put as much effort into revising and improving her novels as she did with her historical research.

Edward Longshanks also known as the Hammer of the Scots, was a lovely page turner. I simply enjoyed reading it as the history of England under the ruler of Edward I came alive. I found it most interesting that that he was a family man besides being a warrior. I simply didn't expect it - although I should have if I had read something on his history. It was quite fascinating and rather extraordinary, in a way, to read about a monarch who adored his children, especially his daughters, and loved his wife. He must be one of the few monarchs, if not the only one, to have ever been faithful to his wife! On reading the previous paragraph I realise that I sound like the book was only about Edward's family life. I can assure, it was really all show more about a king whose ambition is to do as much as he can for England unlike the two kings who preceded him - Henry III who was indolent and ruled by his extravagant wife and John, the cruel younger brother of Richard the Lion Heart. We find, in King Edward, someone who is intelligent and clever, knowing exactly how to win the hearts and the loyalty of his subject. We also see an excellent warrior and general who inspires his soldiers to fight to win no matter how bad the odds. Featured in this novel is also William Wallace of Braveheart fame. But, unlike in the movie - which portrays Wallace as a savage celt - we see a man who belongs to a wealthy family and has had the best of education. However, he does have a temper that match Mel Gibson's Wallace. While this novel was a real treat, presenting facts within a fictitious guise, it fell short of something. I cannot quite describe it. It was perhaps the fact that I couldn't quite immerse myself into the book. Or maybe, my having had to read this book in fits and starts so has to carry out my chores prevented me from getting too involved in the tale. Nevertheless, this is what is responsible for my giving Edward Longshanks merely 4 stars on goodreads, although, I would have given it 4-1/2 starts if that were possible. I would definitely recommend this book to anyone who enjoys history and a good story told. show less

Enjoyed this book on King Edward I. Edward I was truly an interesting King as he tried so hard to please everyone and rule well. He loved/adored his wife Queen Eleanore and she loved him back. They had a wonderful family and he had to deal with William Wallace (Braveheart) as well as the troublesome son Edward II. Although he was weak when dealing with his somewhat demanding daughters he was an admirable King none-the-less. I adore Jean Plaidy's writing and am on to Book 8!

Enrique III había muerto y su hijo Eduardo, llamado `piernas largas`, a causa de su esbelto físico y largas extremidades, viajaba desde Tierra Santa a tomar la corona. Algunos decían que Leonor, su esposa, le había salvado la vida, chupándole el veneno de una herida causada por un asesino.
Eduardo era un hombre de fuerte voluntad y trabajador infatigable. Era el rey que necesitaba el país. Su debilidad era su amor por su familia, en particular, por sus hijas, Leonor, la mayor y su preferida, gozaría de una fugaz felicidad antes de la tragedia, Juana se casaría contra la voluntad de su padre, Margarita se vería obligada a aceptar los hijos bastardos de su marido libertino, María fue obligada a entrar en un convento e Isabel show more aceptaría un primer matrimonio por razones de Estado, después haría su voluntad.
Sin duda la fuente de mayor ansiedad para el rey era su hijo y heredero: el joven Eduardo. El príncipe vivía rodeado de compañeros de dudosa moralidad, en especial Piers Gaveson que lo dominaba por completo.
Eran tiempos difíciles y la mayor ambición del rey era unir bajo su cetro los reinos de Inglaterra Escocia y Gales. Eduardo dominó su época. Fue un gran gobernante, fuerte, justo, cruel cuan él lo consideraba necesario, vulnerable sólo frente a su familia. El surge en la historia como uno de los más grandes reyes de Inglaterra. Su tragedia fue morir sabiendo que su obra quedaba inconclusa y que la corona debía pasar a un hijo disoluto. show less