Margaret Kekewich - Böcker

This clear and concise book focuses on the history of the major realms in Northern Europe during a period in which the relatively stable society of the High Middle Ages was shaken by wars, plague and depopulation. Taking into account, and challenging, the findings of recent research, Margaret L. Kekewich and Susan Rose present their own distinctive interpretations.Britain, France and the Empire, 1350-1500- Contrasts the structure of rural society with the growing importance of towns and traders- Examines the development of the political structures within the various realms- Pays particular attention to the way in which ideals of kingship were or were not fulfilled in practice- Discusses warfare and logistics- Considers the enormous significance of religion alongside the evolution of a distinctive court society and the growth of intellectual interestsAdopting a thematic approach, and illustrated throughout, this is the ideal introductory guide to a transitional period in European history.

This clear and concise book focuses on the history of the major realms in Northern Europe during a period in which the relatively stable society of the High Middle Ages was shaken by wars, plague and depopulation. Taking into account, and challenging, the findings of recent research, Margaret L. Kekewich and Susan Rose present their own distinctive interpretations.Britain, France and the Empire, 1350-1500- Contrasts the structure of rural society with the growing importance of towns and traders- Examines the development of the political structures within the various realms- Pays particular attention to the way in which ideals of kingship were or were not fulfilled in practice- Discusses warfare and logistics- Considers the enormous significance of religion alongside the evolution of a distinctive court society and the growth of intellectual interestsAdopting a thematic approach, and illustrated throughout, this is the ideal introductory guide to a transitional period in European history.

This anthology focuses on Britain and France in a period critical to their development as great powers. Its emphasis is on the regions and nations of which these two states were composed, rather than on the monolithic states. The documents illustrate many facets of their history, from the personal to the constitutional and, in particular, reflect the development of absolutism in France and of limited monarchy in England and other parts of the British Isles. Additionally, the documents indicate the social, religious and political trends that influenced the direction of change. Some of the documents have been drawn from unpublished 17th- and early 18th-century sources, and a number are translated from French for the first time.

The blow to British pride and confidence caused by the crushing defeat of their army in Afghanistan during the winter of 1841/2 compares in its impact to the disaster in New York on 11 September 2001. The British had replaced a popular and effective monarch with a weak one in the mistaken belief that he would keep the Russians at bay. Two years later, nearly all the British and Indian soldiers in the region were killed in a popular uprising. Margaret Kekewichs perceptive new study of the conflict describes the British defeat, their re-occupation of Afghanistan in the spring of 1842, then their final withdrawal at the end of the year. Her account, which is based on the graphic diaries written by two British eyewitnesses, gives a fascinating insight into the conflict in Afghanistan 150 years ago. The story is told by, first, Lady Sale who together with over 100 women, children and soldiers was captured and imprisoned by the Afghans. The second account comes from the Reverend Allen, a young chaplain to the army that invaded Afghanistan in April 1842 to avenge British humiliation and rescue the prisoners. Both these eyewitnesses deplored the follies that had led to war and defeat and also the suffering that was inflicted on many innocent Afghans.At a time when British forces are deeply engaged in another war in Afghanistan, Margaret Kekewich offers a balanced and thought-provoking new perspective on a previous conflict in the region.