THE GREATEST KNIGHT - Elizabeth Chadwick
The Unsung Story of the Queen's Champion
A Perfect 10
Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN: 978-1-4022-2518-5
September 2009
Historical Fiction

England and France - 1167 to 1194

At long last, William Marshall is having his magnificent story told. And there is no one better than Elizabeth Chadwick to bring Marshall to life for readers.

William Marshall was the fourth born son of John Marshall. He begins his life’s adventure at age five when he is given to King Stephen as a hostage, but when William’s father betrays the bargain, Stephen does not have the heart to kill the boy. This may have been young William’s first lesson in honor, something that he would become known for throughout his long life.

As a young knight, William earns money fighting in tourneys, where he gains a reputation for skill and fairness. It isn’t until he saves the life of Eleanor of Aquitaine that his fortunes take a new turn. Appointed as the heir to the throne’s tutor, William finds himself involved in the dramas of Europe’s most powerful family. William makes some enemies among the jealous courtiers who resent his position, and when he is caught up in a court scandal, he is banished. Wandering Europe and the Holy Land, William’s status as a warrior precedes him, and upon his return home, he is again welcomed back into the lives of the Angevin ruling family.

Marshall is deeply enmeshed with Queen Eleanor‘s sons for the rest of his life, making difficult decisions when he must, choosing sides, even when it goes against his own brother’s loyalty, and always putting honor before everything. He is highly regarded by both friends and enemies, and his participation in many historic events shows how much he is respected.

It’s difficult to summarize a story as magnificent as William Marshall’s, and this is only the first book! Marshall was a hero, a gentleman, a warrior, and someone who was able to assess a situation and quickly manage it. Elizabeth Chadwick’s beautiful prose and meticulous research bring Marshall’s story alive for history buffs and for readers who love great writing. I’ve read this book twice now, and it still leaves me wanting to go back and read it again.

Marshall’s life is well documented, and world leaders today could learn a few things from him. It gives me great pleasure to give THE GREATEST KNIGHT a Perfect 10, and I hope that Ms. Chadwick’s excellent novels continue to be published in the States.

Jani Brooks