The Follies of the King (Plantaganets 8)

Here, Ms. Plaidy tells the story of King Edward II who, as did his ancestor Richard the Lionhearted, preferred the company and affections of men over that of women. Unlike his ancestor, who was married to the complaisant and submissive, Berengaria, who did not make waves about Richard's lack of attention, Edward II had a wife that was secretly infuriated by her husband's predilection for young men. Interestingly enough, nowhere in this work of historical fiction does the author make use of the word homosexual, though that is really the only inference a reader may draw about the romantic proclivities of Edward II.

The book focuses heavily upon the attachment had to Piers Gaveston, a young man, son of a Gascon knight, who had grown up with Edward, and the young and handsome Hugh the Dispenser, the courtier who, after Gaveston was murdered, eventually took Gaveston's place in the king's affections. The book also chronicles the unfortunate relationship that Edward II had with his wife, the beautiful and strong-willed Isabella, daughter to Philip, King of France. Edward II did his duty, however, while Isabella suppressed her hatred and contempt of him, and together they managed to produce an heir, a son who would one day be crowned Edward III under unusual circumstances, as well as three other children.

Edward II, as foolish and weak as his father Edward I was wise and strong, allowed Robert the Bruce of Scotland to flourish. Scotland, which had been crushed into submission by Edward I, who had been known as the Hammer of the Scots, now became a force with which to be reckoned under the strong leadership of Robert the Bruce. Meanwhile, England, under the reign of Edward II, became weaker and vulnerable, losing its Scottish castles and strongholds one by one. At the battle of Bannockburn, Edward II would receive a stunning defeat at the hands of Robert the Bruce, losing forever that for which his father, Edward I, had fought so hard.

Eventually, Queen Isabella, who was disgusted by her husband's proclivities and weakness, took a lover, Roger de Mortimer. Together, Isabella and Roger plotted and schemed against Edward II, who was a inept ruler whose kingdom always seemed to be on the cusp of civil war. Their schemes came to fruition when Edward III was crowned King while his father, now a prisoner of Isabella and Roger, still lived. This untenable situation would not last long, as Edward II would meet a most cruel and ignominious death while held captive at Berkeley Castle.

The author brings to life these royal personages, political intrigues, and historical events, weaving them into a well-written tapestry of historical fiction. Set amidst the political turmoil of fourteenth century England, peppered with names of those who would have lasting historical impact, it is an entertaining, as well as informative, treasure trove of historical facts that are melded together into a most enjoyable book.