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Sunday Salon: Elizabeth Chadwick


Currently I’m reading The Greatest Knight, by Elizabeth Chadwick. It’s the first time I’ve ever read anything by her, and it was suggested to me because I love Sharon Kay Penman’s novels. The Greatest Knight certainly won’t be the last Elizabeth Chadwick book I read; I’m three-quarters of the way through and enjoying the novel immensely.

The novel is a fictionalization of the early part of William Marshal’s career, beginning at age 20 and continuing up until the time he marries at age 43, highlighting the major events of his life. In preparation for this week’s Sunday Salon, I thought I’d share with you a little bit about what I know of the Marshal's life. Born in 1146 or thereabouts, he was a younger son of John Marshal. John switched sides in the civil war between the Empress Maude and King Stephen, who asked John to surrender or watch as his young son was hanged. To which, John Marshal replied, “I still have the hammer and the anvil with which to forge still more and better sons!" King Stephen, however, couldn't bring himself to kill the boy.

William Marshal later was appointed tutor of chivalry to the Henry the Younger, and quickly became one of the wealthiest and most successful knights of the court. Later, William stood by Henry and his brothers during their rebellion against their father. Henry and William had a falling out in 1182 over rumored improprieties William had taken with Henry’s wife, Marguerite. On his deathbed, Henry asked William to go on a Crusade, which William then did, returning to marry Isabel de Clare, one of the richest heiresses in England. The title of the novel comes from Archbishop of Canterbury Stephen Langton (1150-1228), who described Marshal as being "the greatest knight that ever lived." The sequel to The Greatest Knight, The Scarlet Lion (which I've already ordered from Amazon UK!) covers the latter part of William Marshal’s life. The image below is from the Chronica Majora of Benedictine monk, cartographer, and historian Matthew Paris, of William Marshal vanquishing a rival in tournament (and when I read and review The Scarlet Lion, there's a great, snarky Matthew Paris quote about King John that I'll share with you).


For additional research, I went to Elizabeth Chadwick's website and blog, where she talks about the research she does for her books. She does her research via a wide variety of methods, including historical reenactment with the Regia Anglorum society, as well as what's called the Akashic Record, or spiritualism. And, apprently she's doing research for and writing a new novel about William Marshal's daughter, Mahelt!

Comments

Marg said…
Yay! I love reading about another new Chadwick fan!

Isn't William Marshal swoon worthy??
Linda said…
I'm another big Chadwick fan, and the two novels about William Marshall are two of my favorites, but even better, IMO is the novel about his father John Marshall - A Place Beyond Courage. I'm anxiously awaiting the book about Mahelt.
Michele said…
I'm a recent Chadwick convert, too. It's lovely to find a new-to-you author that you love, isn't it?
Literary Feline said…
This does sound good, Katherine! I will have to add this one to my wish list. Thank you for sharing your thoughts on the book with us. Have a great week!
nicchic said…
I own The Greatest Night...and The Scarlet Lion but have yet to be read. Looking forward to your final review!!
Daphne said…
This is one of my favorites! Glad you are enjoying it.
Sharon said…
I've never read Chadwick before, but I love Sharon Kay Penman, so this would be right up my alley. Thanks!
Amanda said…
Oh I haven't read anything by Chadwick but this sounds interesting. I loved "When Christ and His Saints Slept" by Penman about Stepehen and Maude which I loved (but it's a big book) so I will definitely have to check out this book. Thanks!
S. Krishna said…
I've heard a lot of great things about both Chadwick and Penman, though I haven't read anything by either of them

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