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    The Greatest Knight: The Unsung Story of the Queen's Champion
    The Greatest Knight: The Unsung Story of the Queen's Champion
    The Greatest Knight: The Unsung Story of the Queen's Champion
    Ebook602 pages11 hours

    The Greatest Knight: The Unsung Story of the Queen's Champion

    By Elizabeth Chadwick

    4/5

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    About this ebook

    THE NEW YORK TIMES AND USA TODAY BESTSELLER!

    "The best writer of medieval fiction currently around."—Historical Novels Review

    Royal protector. Loyal servant. Forgotten hero.

    12th century, England: A penniless young knight with few prospects, William Marshal is plucked from obscurity when he saves the life of Henry II's formidable queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine. In gratitude, she appoints him tutor to the heir to the throne, the volatile and fickle Prince Henry. But being a royal favorite brings its share of danger and jealousy as well as fame and reward.

    A writer of uncommon historical integrity and accuracy, Elizabeth Chadwick resurrects the true story of one of England's greatest forgotten heroes in a captivating blend of fact and fiction. The Greatest Knight restores William Marshal to his rightful place at the pinnacle of the British Middle Ages, reflecting through him the triumphs, scandals, and power struggles that haven't changed in eight hundred years.

    Fans of Phillipa Gregory, Susanna Kearsley, or Diana Gabaldon are sure to recognize The Greatest Knight as exceptional historical fiction, bringing medieval Britain to brilliant life.

    More Novels of Elizabeth Chadwick's William Marshal:

    The Greatest Knight

    The Scarlet Lion

    For the King's Favor

    Templar Silks

    To Defy a King

    LanguageEnglish
    PublisherSourcebooks
    Release dateSep 1, 2009
    ISBN9781402228643
    The Greatest Knight: The Unsung Story of the Queen's Champion
    Author

    Elizabeth Chadwick

    Elizabeth Chadwick lives in Nottingham with her husband and two sons. She is a member of Regia Anglorum, an early medieval reenactment society, and tutors in writing historical and romantic fiction. She won a Betty Trask Award for The Wild Hunt, her first novel, and was shortlisted for the Romantic Novelists' Award in 1998 for The Champion. Her novel Lords of the White Castle won the WordWeaving Award of Excellence, and The Falcons of Montabard, her thirteenth novel, was shortlisted for the U.K.'s Parker Romantic Novel of the Year Award for 2004.

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    Reviews for The Greatest Knight

    4/5

    56 ratings28 reviews

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    • 4/5
      Aptly named 'The Greatest Knight'. I listened to this as an abridged audiobook about 8 months ago, so I've forgotten some of the content. I know I enjoyed it and can still remember some of it, so, maybe that is a fairer accolade than something I might write when I'd just finished.We first meet William Marshall as a young boy. His father is in debt to King Henry II and is unable to pay, so he gives instead, his youngest son. Henry takes a liking to the young lad and even though his father is unable to redeem his son, Henry takes him on.William trains in the joust in King Henry's court and proves himself to be a fast learner. His skills eventually come into their own when his rescues Henry's Queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine, from her enemies, but he becomes injured and taken as hostage.When Eleanor pays the ransom, William enters her service as a knight and tutors her young sons in the skills of battle.William is not just braun, however, he also possesses considerable political skills and gradually takes on an advisory role within the court. Inevitably this attracts jealousies and he falls foul of scheming, becoming an outsider for a while.When he is welcomed back, the one prize he requests is the hand of the beautiful Isabelle. Although she is 18 to his middle age, it seems to have been a marriage made in heaven and they lived to have many children.As I listened to the abridged version of this book, I may well track down a hard copy (or Kindle one) and read the full version at some time in the future.Also read:Daughters of the Grail by Elizabeth Chadwick (2 stars)
    • 5/5
      Pretty great!

      "The Greatest Knight" gives us the David Beckham of his time - William Marshal, also called "The Marshal." Once again Chadwick's writing delivers and I learned more about the medieval tournament during its heyday than I've read before - and I loved it. Marshal served three volatile kings and was a champion in the tournament world of his time. Marshal is known to most people as the elder knight in "A Lion in Winter," yet at the time Goldman's play opens in 1183, Marshal was actually 41 - okay, old for that period. But I digress. I'm intrigued by Marshal now and will hit the bookshelves to read Ms. Chadwick's recommendations from her bibliography. I would have liked more about Marshal's journey to Jerusalem and a bit more on the tourney circuit, but it was again yet another entertaining and well-written book by Elizabeth Chadwick.

      1 person found this helpful

    • 3/5
      It isn’t easy to be at once both historically accurate and fictionally interesting, much less to be literary on top of that. Chadwick manages to do all three in creating William Masters, knight, first of the hearth, then servant of the Plantagenet kings. . . and Queen Eleanor.Masters is as upright as they come, loyal, honorable, savvy about court, a dynamo of the battlefield, and the best knight since Lancelot on the tourney circuit. How Masters remains likable while embodying all this perfection is due to the author’s talent. Masters weaves among the conspiracies and intrigues of court with increasing agility as he ages. He is falsely accused while serving Young King Henry, but clears himself, the only blot on his escutcheon.But there are faults in this novel: William Masters is a rather dull personality, emotionally flat and frankly unappealing because he’s not intellectual (in fact, he's illiterate) or devious himself. He is too transparent to the reader and his contemporaries.Chadwick sends him to Jerusalem for a year to carry out a death wish of Young King Henry, but she doesn’t spend any real or meaningful novel time with him there: he went, he saw, he returned.By the end of the novel, when Masters acquires the well-heeled heiress, Lady Isobel for his wife, it takes no time at all for her character to upstage that of her husband. She is intellectual, she is livelier, she is more unpredictable, and therefore, more exciting. The sequel to this novel only promises to be interesting if she figures into it.
    • 5/5
      This is the first Elizabeth Chadwick book I have read and definitely not the last. It was fantastic! The details and descriptions made me feel I was really there and I didn't want to leave this fascinating time in history. King Henry and his sons fighting over power and the crown and in the middle is William Marshall, a loyal knght being pulled between them. Chadwick certainly knows her history. Wow is all I can say!
    • 4/5
      Not bad, not amazing... A good historical fiction for the late 12th century. She stayed very true to the known events of William Marshall's life and those around him so this earns a large thumbs up in my book.
    • 3/5
      As others state this book is an interesting read but to long. I found some of the sporting stories or activities of the Knights just to redundant for me. However, I found William Marshal's medieval successes with Kings and Queen's fascinating.
    • 4/5
      The Greatest Knight details the life of William Marshal from his early childhood through the reign of Richard the Lionheart at around 1195. The story of William Marshal is continued in The Scarlet Lion which I have yet to read.I was immediately drawn into the story as it opens with 5 year old William being given as hostage to King Stephen to ensure his father's promise to surrender Newberry Castle. His father refuses to keep his word and this is where the story of William Marshal's life really takes hold. The author manages to make history a page turner and does and excellent job bringing William back to life in the pages of this book. As the reader you will be transported back into a time of chivalry, honor, and loyalty that are truly the epitome of William Marshal. He manages to stay loyal to his word while Henry II's children battle for the throne of England and their piece of the pie. This is a great read for lovers of historical fiction and I highly recommend.
    • 3/5
      This is a biographic novel of William Marshall, one of the great knights of England, a man who served four English Kings, including Richard the Lionhearted, who was involved with the Magna Carta and served as regent to Henry III. So, a fascinating figure, but I'm afraid a less than fascinating book. The problem may be that the book tried to cover too much ground--despite being over 500 pages and covering only about half his life. Years would pass between chapters that seemed to skim over Marshall's life in a superficial way without a sense of a thematic unity. I never got a sense of inner life or conflict in Marshall. The novel seems accurate and well-researched from what I know, without giving me a sense of the very different mindset of an age over eight centuries in the past. The style was decent--workmanlike--but not striking and with no lines to linger over. It says a lot that when a new book by a favorite author came out while I was a hundred pages in, I immediately dropped this novel without hesitation to read the other book and didn't resume until finished. Chadwick is supposed to be a very respected novelist in historical fiction. A blurb on the back of this novel says she's "to Medieval English history what Philipa Gregory is to the Tudors and Stuarts." That was meant as a compliment, I'm sure, and indicated Chadwick's popularity, even if personally I think Gregory a truly awful writer (and abuser of history.) I liked Chadwick a lot more than Gregory--which isn't high praise. I finally dropped this midway when I realized rather than continue trudging on, this book only made me want to look up and read Sharon Kay Penman's Devil's Brood, where Marshall is a major character, given I know from Here Be Dragons Penman has the ability to move and captivate me--something completely missing from my experience with Chadwick.

      1 person found this helpful

    • 4/5
      The days of loyalty for one's king is delightfully told. The story reminds me of Forever Queen only it focuses on a knight at the time of the quarreling King's sons: Henry, Richard, and John. As per the day, the common man suffers most by fighting their wars.
    • 4/5
      When I was a boy, my parents subscribed for me to Children's Digest, a kiddie version of Readers Digest. I remember a graphic story about William Marshal - actually, I remember only one panel, a lance striking his helmet, temporarily blinding Marshal during a tournament. That episode is in Chadwick's The Greatest Knight. This is a rousing tale of medieval times, of training, tourneys, intrigue, battles, romance, and chivalry. Although the book is rich in detail and memorable characters, the most indistinct character is William Marshal. His externality is on ready display, but I never felt I got to know much of him other than his devotion to loyalty and duty. Yes, he was calm, yes he was thoughtful, yes he loved his wife and children. I just never felt that Chadwick spent enough time in his head. I liked the book, but I'd wanted to love it.
    • 4/5
      I've been reading a lot of historical fiction but this novel is set further back than most as it takes place in 12th century Europe. It follows the rise of a knight who serves Henry II, his wife Eleanor of Aquitaine, and his sons Young Henry and Richard (the Lionhearted). I was thoroughly engrossed throughout. The author did a great job of making William Marshal, the protagonist, seem like a real man and not a mythical perfect knight.
    • 4/5
      If you're a history junkie, like me, then Elizabeth Chadwick's novels were made for you. Yeah, I just said that.Though it may seem strange to some readers, I've been a fan of historical fiction novels for a few years now, but have never popped open an Elizabeth Chadwick novel. I guess in the adult HF community that makes me a little crazy. So, to see what all the hype was about, I finally grabbed one of Chadwick's best known novels, The Greatest Knight. The Greatest Knight began her popular William Marshal saga, which still continues today. From the opening scene, I was hooked. Chadwick effortlessly weaves a fascinating tale of history and legend with strong prose and a well-researched world that makes it a completely worthwhile read.The Greatest Knight takes place in 12th-century England, around the time of the infamous reign of Eleanor of Aquitaine. From a young age, William has been dedicated to protecting and promoted the king's interests, whether it be through diplomacy or, more frequently, war. William willingly puts his blade out for the crown, and is rewarded for it with the hand of a lovely young heiress in marriage, which elevates his standing. Set in a backdrop of a dramatic, war-torn England, The Greatest Knight follows the action-packed adventures of a knight you've never heard of.The biggest thing that shine through is Chadwick's unrelenting attention to historical accuracy and detail. Though at times this made it feel like I was reading a history textbook instead of a novel, it was easy to overlook because of the pure skill that was used here. Though some may find Chadwick's writing to be difficult to dive into, it's written in a way that's more indicative of the period, which is a really enjoyable approach for history lovers and makes the characters and plot leap off the page just that much more.Okay, at this point I'm hooked. It's time to check out the rest of the "William Marshal" books and see what other amazing adventures Chadwick can take me on.
    • 3/5
      William Marshall is perhaps the most fascinating figure in English history, but not in Chadwick's version. I slogged my way through, but the first 2/3 was especially soporific.
    • 3/5
      Elizabeth tells the tale of William Marshall the greatest knight in England's history and an unsung hero in her history as well. This one tells the first half of Marshall's life from early days in the tourney circuit to his mentoring princes and kings. This man truly lived a charmed life, but he must have exemplified what it means to be chivalrous because all royalty want him on their side. Elizabeth does a 5 star job of telling his tale until he gets married then it side tracks into a Harlequin romance, which brought it down to a 3. Marshall was truly a man among men.
    • 4/5
      The story of legendary knight William the Marshal comes vividly to life in this engaging historical novel, in print for the first time in the US. After a dramatic brush with death, young William goes on to become one of the most famous knights in his day, known for his prowess on the battlefield and uncompromising chivalry. Chronicling William's life from a penniless knight to one of the most powerful barons in England, The Greatest Knight is filled with action, adventure, romance, and intrigue.
    • 5/5
      Elizabeth Chadwick, how I do enjoy your writing. This is only the second of Chadwick's books that I've read but she is fast becoming a favorite author of mine.In The Greatest Knight, we meet William Marshal. A young knight without much experience and a sometimes lazy attitude. Due to infighting among the royal family, he gets his chance to prove himself in battle rather soon though. Over the coming years, he learns not only the value of hard work, but he gets the chance to excel not only at his knightly skills but also sharpen his diplomacy skills while wading through the shark infested waters of the court.A deeply honorable man, his loyalty is sought by many, as well as, his skills in battle. Fortunately, and unfortunately, he serves under both a King and a Price and witnesses both of their deaths. Thrown back into the fray when more fighting breaks out among the royal family, he wants only to retire to his lands with his new wife and lead a quite life with his growing family. What he gets is more pain and suffering and a test of his loyalty once more.Chadwick has a way of bringing Medieval England alive. Somewhere along the way I fell for William and really did sympathize with him. I wanted to see him live a quiet life without the court intrigue but then again, the court intrigue is what really brings the book alive. Henry II and his Queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine, rule over a divisive time in English history --- sons and fathers are literally looking to murder each other and love is not something you attribute to this family but it proves a wonderful backdrop for this story.I don't know much about this particular time period, but Chadwick has made me want to read more. I believe The Scarlet Lion is a continuation of the story of William Marshal and I have to admit that I am be interested to see how this one turns out.If you like historical fiction, I recommend this one.
    • 3/5
      William Marshall was a real person; born in relative obscurity he rose through the ranks to become “the greatest knight that ever lived” as well as Earl of Pembroke. He served under four kings of England, although this book only covers his exploits under two, Henry II and Richard I. He married Isabel de Clare, who was the daughter of Strongbow. And through her gained the rights to Leinster.This could so easily have been I book I loved. Knights! Jousting! A decent story. Entertaining characters. It could have been brilliant. Unfortunately it wasn’t. It was entertaining and a solid bit of entertainment, but it wasn’t great enough to be loved. Everything about it is good. But nothing is great, which is a huge pity, but there you go.The one main problem I had with the book was the dates in the chapter headings. On occasion Chadwick skips a few years in William’s story, understandable as you can’t write about everything, that’d just be boring and ridiculous, but because I don’t pay attention to chapter headings I found that I was constantly flipping back just to be sure what year we were supposed to be in. This happens a lot more at the start, and later on you can tell from the story that a few months or a year have passed so you don’t really need to know the exact date. But in the beginning it irritated me.As I said there is a lot to like in this book, although as the facts are based in a biography commissioned by William’s son, there really isn’t a whole lot of negativity about William. I know he is the hero, but it would have been nice to see him as more than the “noble and true” knight. A little bit more shading would have made him more real to me.Before I finish I should say that I really did enjoy this book. I know this review seems a little negative, but that’s because I know that with a little more something I could’ve really loved it. As it is I found it highly entertaining, very readable, full of details, and well worth reading if you like historical fiction.
    • 5/5
      I can't say enough good about this book or its sequel [The Scarlet Lion]. I love historical fiction and am fascinated by Eleanor of Acquitane, Henry II and their sons. Can't believe anyone could have survived them all . . . .
    • 5/5
      Elizabeth Chadwick really outdid herself with this novel about William Marshal, son of the infamous John Marshal, the man behind the “the hammer and anvil” speech. When William was 6 years old his father pledged him as a hostage to King Stephen during a siege. When his father turned sides and broke his word, William’s death was a foregone conclusion. Fortunately for William, King Stephen had no intention of murdering a child and he was spared. Marshal is penniless and with no land to call his own when he enters the service of King Henry II. He is desperate to earn his rank among the others in King Henry’s retinue – to be more than just the son of John Marshal. Brilliant in the tourney field and loyal to a fault, he quickly wins the attention of Eleanor of Aquitaine. After William gallantly saves her life, she asks him to join her son’s household – to train and teach the heir to the throne of England. Perhaps William’s job would’ve been a bit easier had he served another family – they didn’t call Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine’s children the Devil’s Brood for nothing!William is the very definition of chivalry and if you’re like me, you’ll fall completely in love with him! I first met William in Sharon Kay Penman’s Devil’s Brood and was intrigued - I was dying to know more about him and see experiences through his eyes. Well, Chadwick has scratched my itch so to speak and I LOVED EVERY PAGE! There’s a little bit for everyone in this novel – fighting, loving, hating, betrayal, loyalty – it’s all there!!!But wait! There’s more! The Greatest Knight has a sequel…YEAH, more William!!! It’s called The Scarlet Lion and will be released in the US on March 1, 2010. I, for one will be waiting at the doors of my local bookstore that day!My Rating: 5/5
    • 4/5
      This is only the second book set in medieval times that I've read, so I'm still easing into it. It takes me a bit longer to read these books because while I'm interested in the period, I'm not ecstatic about it.In The Greatest Knight I'm again learning about events I never knew about and reading about someone whose name I never heard of before I heard of this novel: William Marshal.Chadwick has made this forgotten hero come alive. In The Greatest Knight we're introduced to a brave, loyal, headstrong, morally conscious man. It was clear that this was a man who was going to stick to what he believed in rather than what benefited him.The attention to detail is insanely good. During the action sequences, I felt like I was there. The research that went into this novel brightly shows. And with the way it ends, there's no way I'm not going to continue with Marshal's story with The Scarlet Lion. I can't wait to get my hands on it
    • 4/5
      I was familiar enough with William Marshal to know he was a major medieval knight of great esteem, but little else. This book covers most of his life and creates him as a complex and comprehensive character from his youth as a tournament champion to his older years as a devoted husband and magistrate. I have a great deal of respect for the man, especially as he was known for regarding women with respect at a time when that was not regarded as prudent.Very good, solid historical fiction, and I will be seeking out more of Chadwick's work.
    • 5/5
      This wonderful novel covers the life of William Marshal from when he was a newly-minted knight, up until King Richard returns from crusade and capture in 1194. The title of the novel comes from Archbishop of Canterbury Stephen Langton (1150-1228), who described William Marshal as being "the greatest knight that ever lived." Even if you don't believe Langton's statement, Marshal definitely had a reputation for being courtly, acquired while in the service of Eleanor of Aquitaine and her sons, Henry the Younger, Richard, and John. He also acquired a reputation for his political prowess. What can I say? I loved this book! Elizabeth Chadwick bit off a lot in telling William Marshal's story, because she could have gotten mired in the details of the complicated politics of the period. Instead, she focused on Marshal's story as it related to those events, which I thought was fantastic. Chadwick's research is meticulous, and her eye for small details makes you fell as though you're actually there experiencing things with William. With regards to the man himself, may I just say that I have not just the slightest crush on him? Chadwick portrays him as courteous, loyal, charismatic, and intelligent (hmmm, maybe the author has a bit of a crush on him herself?). I had to force myself to read The Greatest Knight slowly, because I wanted to take it all in one bit at a time. I enjoyed this book so much that I've already ordered and am anticipating reading the sequel, The Scarlet Lion.
    • 4/5
      'Loyalty, integrity, necessity'. William Marshal is a little known historical figure: chivalrous knight, tourney champion and adviser to a baffling array of Norman kings - or, as author Elizabeth Chadwick explains his appeal, 'the David Beckham of his day'! The bones of history are expertly fleshed out in this novel, without airbrushing the less appealing or politically incorrect behaviour of courtly life (girls married off at a young age to secure money and connections for their families). The author obviously fell in love with William Marshal, but mine was a growing affection - his perfection is rather galling to begin with (handsome, brawn and brain, a good singer and a natural affinity with children!), but his character develops as the pages turn, and his honest personality is appealing. The romance of his arranged but mutually compatible marriage is tender and enduring, leaving modern women to mourn the death of chivalry, and the more intimate scenes are tastefully approached.Elizabeth Chadwick is a marvel, once again making accessible an unfamiliar chapter of history. This novel covers the first half of William's life, through King Stephen to Richard the Lionheart (Robin Hood's era), and condenses the history books into the personal journey of one man. Packing 40 years into one novel requires some neat editing, but Chadwick selects the highlights - no lengthy battles or political wrangles - and cheats neither history or drama in the end. Followed by The Scarlet Lion.
    • 5/5
      This novel is based on the early part of the life of William Marshall, who served five kings: Henry the young king, his father Henry II, Richard Lion Heart, King John, and John's son Henry III. This novel spans the reigns of the first 3. William was the young child/hostage of King Stephen, spared by Stephen in spite of the child's father refusal to surrender a castle. William followed the tourney circuit in Normandy, never defeated, making a name for himself - for bravery, competance, and chivalry. Queen Eleanor of Acquitaine enlisted his service, and ultimately his life-long loyalty, to tutor her sons in swordsmanship, chivalry, etc. William Marshall is the epitome of a chivalrous knight, all a medieval hero could and should be. He defines honor, courage, integrity! What a great, great book.
    • 5/5
      Though overall I still prefer Sharon Penman's Medieval historical novels, this is the best of this author's that I have read. This is probably because it is the closest to major historical events and the real life William Marshal is a more interesting character than some of the more stereotypical heroes/heroines of other of her novels like Shadows and Strongholds. Plus the Angevins are just so wonderful to read about in both fiction and non-fictional forms, who can resist?
    • 5/5
      This was a wonderful story and much different from Chadwick's previous books, but as to be somewhat expected as Marshal's early life was one of duty to his lord(s) and not leaving much room for romance. A fascinating look at a true, honorable and loyal man, who in the end was well rewarded for his loyalty by marriage to a wealthy heiress who became his life's soul mate. Much of the book is involved with the treachery and intrigue of the Plantagenet court and their lives -- you won't see as much heart stopping page turning excitement as you might have found some of the author's previous works, but still excellent reading just the same. It was also wonderful getting a closer look at those Plantagenets, Henry II, young Henry, Eleanor, Richard I and the always evil Prince John. It's going to be even harder now to wait for Sharon Kay Penman's third novel in her own trilogy of this family, The Devil's Brood. I am always amazed as to how this author can effortlessly transport me to another time and place. Highly recommeded, and the sequel to this book, The Scarlet Lion is worth checking out as well.
    • 4/5
      The story rings pretty true, and is written in a way that brings you through the story without too much modern jarring or too much detail which would detract from the story, although I really would have like to know more about some aspects of the story, I found that in fact there is little known about that period. Any historical novel that comes with a bibliography and some explination of they why of changing certain aspects of characters is a blessing.William Marshal is the fourth son and as such is expected to make his own way in the world, but in a world where conflict defines things he has to fight for his place in the world. He also has to ensure that although he is caught up in the politics that he keeps himself safe from some of the side-effects.I enjoyed it and liked the characters enough to want more.
    • 5/5
      I really loved this book. Despite have read numerous biographies of Eleanor of Aquitaine I have never really heard about William Marshall.He is a fascinating character and Elizabeth Chadwick brings both him and the period to vivid life. The details are fantastic and gave me plenty of food for thought.I can't recommend this book highly enough - READ IT!!

    Book preview

    The Greatest Knight - Elizabeth Chadwick

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