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.
“The best writer of medieval fiction currently around."—Historical Novels Review
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"Audiobook - Excellent narration, though a very long book. Kind of a biography of Marshall, rather than a standard story of fiction, since this blends both. I loved the idea of a man of integrity, loyalty & honor in the days of selfish, fickle kings, and Marshall was a true hero. I'm interested to see what happens in the second half of his life (in the next book) to see if it's as adventurous as the first."
— Angela (4 out of 5 stars)
" This is a wonderful historical novel. Chadwick brings history to life without taking such liberties and making you say,"that is just too bizarre to believe". I normally get a bit bored with longer historical novels, but this is one I couldn't wait to read each night! "
— Jen, 2/17/2014" I love Elizabeth Chadwick but this book seemed a little off. The facts were right on but it didn't quite feel right. Almost like someone else wrote it. "
— Addie, 2/8/2014" couldn't stop researching additional information...People, places, events and such... the story really draws the reader in.. Can't wait to read more by this author and about the Marshall family. "
— Callie, 2/5/2014" This piece of historical fiction was well-researched & very interesting...particularly since William Marshall is apparently an ancestor of mine! "
— Nancy, 1/28/2014" what do you want ? "
— Renee, 1/20/2014" Well written historical novel about the life and times of William Marshal, advisor to Henry II, Richard the lionhearted and John. I particularly enjoyed the fact-based descriptions of daily life, major historical events, and the main characters, male and female. "
— Hannah, 1/16/2014" Loved it. What a great story. If only I could keep straight which of her books I've read/have and which I don't. Must read them all. "
— Chantelle, 1/11/2014" This is the first book by Chadwick that I've read, and I will definitely read more, starting with her novel that picks up where this one left off in William Marshal's life. She is a wonderful writer and includes incredible detail about life in the Middle Ages at court. "
— Tina, 12/26/2013" I just flat enjoyed this book. The history was tight, the characters interesting even past their notoriety, the writing competent and charismatic. I will read more of her work! "
— J, 12/12/2013" I had some knowledge of William Marshall through SKP's H2-Eleanor series of books. However, this book brought a more substantial of him to the fore. However, I do think this was a bit more "romance" that I would have liked. I'm looking forward to the others in the series. "
— Rosemary, 12/1/2013" Good story, well researched (like Chadwick's other books), but I didn't enjoy it as much as I wanted to. "
— Katrina, 7/30/2013