Nemesis - by Catherine Hanley (Hardcover)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

The extraordinary tale of Philip Augustus, one of medieval Europe's greatest monarchs, and the part he played in the downfall of four Plantagenet kings of England.

Philip II ruled France with an iron fist for over 40 years, expanding its borders and increasing its power. For his entire reign his counterpart on the English throne was a member of the Plantagenet dynasty, and Philip took on them all: Henry II, Richard the Lionheart, John and Henry III. And yet we know so little about medieval England's greatest enemy.

Historian Catherine Hanley, author of the critically acclaimed 1217, redresses this imbalance, bringing Philip out of the shadows in this fascinating new history. Delving into French medieval archives, Nemesis explores Philip's motives for attacking England and in doing so we learn not only about him but discover so much more about England's most colourful and controversial of rulers - the Plantagenets.

When Philip first succeeded to the throne in 1180, Henry II of England, thanks to his Angevin and Norman ancestry as well as his wife's inheritance of Aquitaine, ruled more of France than Philip himself. By the end of Philip's reign in 1223, the pendulum of power had swung the other way. Nemesis reveals how Philip exploited the constant familiar squabbles of the Plantagenets to secure his grip on France, his wily political manoeuvring combined with a mastery of the medieval battlefield turning France into a powerhouse of Europe.

Review Quotes

"This book is long overdue, and is a compelling portrait of Philip Augustus. Dr Catherine Hanley writes with great subtlety, clarity and precision, capturing the essence of Philip's kingship in an engaging, dynamic and well-paced narrative. A must-read." --Caroline Burt, co-author of 'Arise, England: Six Kings and the Making of the English State'

"Catherine Hanley's excellent account of King Philip Augustus's struggle against - and ultimate destruction of - Plantagenet England's continental empire is both lively and learned. A must read for lovers of medieval history." --Justine Firnhaber-Baker, author of 'House of Lilies: The Dynasty that made Medieval France'

"A lively expose of power, ambition, and betrayal, this insight is for lovers of history. Hanley draws on new research and fascinating medieval French archives to show how artfully one man led his country to become the powerhouse of Europe." --Unseen Histories

"It's a rare thing for any author to offend the shades of literally all their principal characters, but Hanley has surely done it... the story is peppered along with Hanley's frequent footnotes, enlivening things and keeping them refreshingly grounded..." --Open Letter Review

"Hanley has done wonderful research and as a book which zips by and clearly tells a story, it is a good one. I really enjoyed Hanley's previous book, 1217, and those who enjoyed that one will be happy here as well...A good read." --History Nerds United

"What a fascinating political book about England vs France as told through a biography of French King Philip Augustus...the book is generally well written...Enjoyed it." --HMGS

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