BBC History Magazine

PAPERBACKS

- Miles Russelll is senior lecturer in archaeolog­y at Bournemout­h University Sean McGlynn is the author

downright disturbing trivia, gathered from the civilisati­ons of Egypt, Greece and Rome. Each chapter covers a different aspect of the past, from art and literature to magic, entertainm­ent and language.

This is a wonderfull­y diverting tome and Hood writes in a lively and entertaini­ng way, guiding the reader through some of the more bizarre and lurid aspects of the past. So, if you ever wanted to know what Alexander the Great really did in India, which Roman emperor was the most debauched, how the Greeks practised contracept­ion, how Lord Elgin lost both his marbles and his nose, or the damaging effect that a sex strike can have on society (both ancient and modern), then this is the book for you. reputation has been living off this tribute ever since.

Thomas Asbridge charts William’s spectacula­r rise to supremacy in vivid detail. His subject offers no shortage of exciting stories: surviving an imminent execution at the age of five at the hands of King Stephen (from whom William learned much about chivalry); making his fame and fortune on the knightly tournament circuit; allegedly sparing Richard the Lionheart’s life after besting him in combat; and driving the French invaders out of England in 1217 when aged 70. William’s life is one that deserves telling once again.

Marshal has a reputation for being the ultimate loyal servant, never abandoning the losing side. But that did not mean that he refused to dirty his hands in the squalid business of politics: he hedged his bets with the French in 1204 after the loss of Normandy, and did so again in 1216 when the French invaded. Asbridge is too careful a historian to let this pass without comment, detecting hubris in his subject.

But was Marshal, as the subtitle of Asbridge’s book claims, really “the power behind five English thrones”? He was increasing­ly a prominent power, but only the single most important force when he acted as regent for the boy-king Henry III after John’s death in October 1216.

That his was a “remarkable life” is beyond contention, however, and Asbridge does it full justice in this colourful and exciting biography that shows popular but assured history at its best.

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