Welsh Journals

virtues of successful medieval kingship. He also showed a pragmatic approach to politics and administration in a period of considerable social and economic change, hinging on the effects of the Black Death and associated with those of protracted warfare. The king could act decisively. He also learnt from his own mistakes and was prepared to compromise. Consulting with the politically important in his Council, in Parliament, and in a variety of assemblies (which do not receive as much attention as they deserve), Edward raised the resources to lead his nation in arms to resounding success against the major western European power. The war with France stimulated nationalism, especially apparent in the contemporary growth of the English language (the use of which in administration is exaggerated) and of a native style of architecture. These developments helped to cut England free from the continental traditions which had largely governed artistic expression since the Conquest. The royal court is described, emerging as an important centre of cultural influence. Mr. Johnson has little to say about Wales, apart from its value as a source of troops. The relationship of the king to his eldest son merits greater attention. There are inaccuracies of detail and interpretation (particularly with regard to naval warfare and events in France). More contemporary illustrations of warfare rather than well-known and inaccurate fifteenth-century illuminations of Froissart's Chronicle would have been valuable. A photograph of the sculpted head from Edward 11's tomb at Gloucester would be a useful addition to the book's royal portrait gallery. But the author has, in general, read his limited range of chronicle and secondary sources diligently and produced a balanced summary which can usefully serve as an introduction to a long and enigmatic reign. MICHAEL JONES Nottingham. ENGLAND IN THE LATER MIDDLE AGES: A POLITICAL HISTORY. By M. H. Keen. Methuen, London, 1973. Pp. 581. £ 3.95. This heavy volume has every appearance of being of another age. It is not one of those attractive (if expensive) slim studies of this or that aspect of this or that topic; it is, in fact, a bold, brave narrative of England between 1290 and 1485. 'Tell them a story as you would tell it to a man of wit,' said Thomas Gray. Mr. Keen has done that: for a good scholar he is exceptional in being a good storyteller. To be reminded that one thing follows another is wonderfully reviving. This is mainly a book for students, men of wit no less. They surely could not have a better introduction. Mr. Keen's happy phrase (and there are many such in these pages) to describe the relationship of king and commons in Henry IV's reign, 'so much plain speaking', aptly sums up his own style. Nor has he only clarity; he has the ability to write shortly and with insight. Take this one instance (he is speaking of Edward II and patronage): 'the leading men of the kingdom felt that they could not trust