BJ RN WEILER is Senior Lecturer in History at the University of Wales, Aberystwyth, UK. Previous publications include England and Europe in the Reign of Henry iii (1216-1272), edited with Ifor Rowlands; Representations of Power in Medieval Germany, edited with Simon MacLean; and King Henry iii of England and the Staufen Empire, 1216-1272.

'Weiler has...written a highly original and very readable book, one which is as important for the questions it asks as for the precise answers given to them. For that reason alone it has a significance beyond the period in which it is set. In terms of engaging with Weiler's ideas and the detailed evidence on which they are based, some readers will doubtless find themselves handicapped by being unable to match his command of the German background and its sources; in itself a reason why the book is so valuable.' - D.A. Carpenter, English Historical Review 'Tremendously useful for anyone interested in thinking about how historians have conceptualized the political structures of the medieval period.' - Jonathan R. Lyon, German History 'Bjorn Weiler continues to lead the way in comparative studies of medieval European politics, especially in the area of the role of practical symbolism in monarchical government...a thoroughly absorbing and stimulating book full of important insights and scholarly discussion.' - Sean McGlynn, History

• Introduction PART I: KINGDOMS IN TURMOIL: THE STRUCTURES AND FRAMEWORK OF REVOLT To be king in name as well as deed: the revolt of Henry (VII) in Germany The Marshal rebellion in England (1233-4) Rebellion in Context PART II: THE IDEALS AND NORMS OF POLITICS Loyalty, justice, and honour: Henry (VII) and Frederick II Justice, loyalty and the absence of honour: Frederick II and Henry (VII) as seen by their contemporaries Loyalties true and false: political values in England PART III: THE WAYS AND MEANS OF POLITICS Creating a Public Addressing the public: rituals, gestures and charters Townsmen, clergy, and knights: the public in politics Conclusion