
The Magnificent Century
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Narrated by:
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David Case
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By:
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Thomas Costain
About this listen
During his lifetime, Henry was frequently unpopular, unreliable, and inconsistent. Yet his reign saw spectacular advancement in the arts, sciences, and theology, as well as in government. Despite all, it was truly a magnificent century.
©1993 Thomas Costain (P)2008 Random House AudioListeners also enjoyed...
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By 1120, Henry was perhaps the most formidable ruler in Europe, with an enviable record on the battlefield, immense lands and wealth and unprecedented authority in his kingdoms. Everything he had worked so hard for was finally achieved, and he was ready to hand it on to his beloved son and heir, William Ætheling. Henry I and his retinue set out first. The White Ship - considered the fastest afloat - would follow, carrying the young prince. Spoilt and arrogant, William had plied his comrades and crew with drink from the minute he stepped aboard....
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The Time Traveller's Guide to Medieval England
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Overall
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Performance
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The Viking Age - from 750 to 1050 saw an unprecedented expansion of the Scandinavian peoples into the wider world. As traders and raiders, explorers and colonists, they ranged from eastern North America to the Asian steppe. But for centuries, the Vikings have been seen through the eyes of others, distorted to suit the tastes of medieval clerics and Elizabethan playwrights, Victorian imperialists, Nazis, and more. None of these appropriations capture the real Vikings, or the richness and sophistication of their culture.
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Outstanding
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Ride with Me
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Overall
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Performance
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Ride With Me tells the story of an unusual soldier who has been allowed to drop out of sight.
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Couldn’t finish it
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In Search of the Dark Ages
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- Unabridged
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In Search of the Dark Ages is an unrivalled exploration of the origins of English identity, and the best-selling book that established Michael Wood as one of Britain's leading historians. Now, on the book's 40th anniversary, this fully revised and expanded edition illuminates further the fascinating and mysterious centuries between the Romans and the Norman Conquest.
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Brilliant!
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What listeners say about The Magnificent Century
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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- Gordon Gray
- 06-12-23
Tremendous History
Series continues brilliantly. David Case is just right for this narrative. Diving into book 3!
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- Mark C.
- 10-12-19
Superb Writing and Narration
I’ve read and listened to this book and the series of Costain’s writings on this subject for many years. David Case, the narrator, makes this continuously fascinating. His voice alone is so wonderful that I’ve sought out many other audible recordings just to listen to him. And, Costain was a legend. There will never be another like him and what he did for these historical times.
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2 people found this helpful
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- tef1303
- 02-01-15
Oldie and Goody
An old but still relevant series on a critical time in the development of the English political tradition which influenced our development 500 years later in the US. You will rarely hear an author say anything good about Simon de Montfort.
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2 people found this helpful
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- Mary Elizabeth Reynolds
- 04-13-13
They don't write histories like this anymore....
And they should, this first installment focuses on the difficult and contemplated times of Henry the second and Eleanor of Aquitane and of course, Thomas Becket. It continues on through Richard and focuses around the conditions and people that led to the Magna Charta a well rounded and entertaining explanation of complex legalities not to mention the arrogance of the evil King John....
I cannot say enough good about this series, and I do recommend the whole thing. The fact that this hisory was written in the fties and early sixties shouldnt dissuade a lover of British history. I was worried since they were written before my birth,but I adore Briish hisoty and shouldnt have worried.It's written in a modern language and a wit that
few writers or historians of any time ever achieve. Costain doesnt overlook the ridiculous or the incredible falsity of myth. It is not the story of only royalty but of people and a age. It has the cadence of that rare professor one would rather listen to than take notes. The narrator has perfect inflection to the words written. It is a true combination of talented equals. I knew of Thomas Costain's fiction but not his non-fiction. They are a much loved part of my mother's library, sadly I think that he may have been out of print of years, these works must be the last of his life. Truly a commendment to a life well-lived. My thanks to Audible for putting this out and choosing the best narration of a book I've ever heard and I am an audio addict.
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6 people found this helpful
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- Bfrog
- 09-01-18
Great history lesson.
Well written, great narrator, totally enjoyable. I will listen to these again and again. Thank Thomas B. Costain for your devotion to your craft.
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