Richard W. Barber Libros

Henry II (1154-89) through a series of astonishing dynastic coups became the ruler of an enormous European empire. One of the most dynamic, restless and clever men ever to rule England, he was brought down both by his catastrophic relationship with his archbishop Thomas Becket and his debilitating arguments with his sons, most importantly the future Richard I and King John. His empire may have ultimately collapsed, but in Richard Barber's vivid and sympathetic account the reader can see why Henry II left such a compelling impression on his contemporaries.

Includes material on King Lear, Hamlet, Merlin, Taliesin, King Arthur, Beowulf, Cuchulain, the Mabinogi, the voyage of St. Brendan, St. Joseph of Arimathea and Glastonbury, St. George, Helena and the true cross, King Harold, Hereward the Wake, Richard the Lionheart, Havelok the Dane, Guy of Warwick, Robin Hood, Macbeth, and Lady Godiva, among others

This anthology shows the diversity of the Arthurian legends and their many sources by presenting contrasting versions of the stories of Arthur, Gawain, Tristan and other medieval Arthurian heroes - and heroines.