Vita Edwardi Secundi

The Vita Edwardi Secundi is the best and most readable of the chronicles for the dramatic reign of Edward II. Its author was close to the political centre and provides extensive, and sometimes abrasive, comment on the king, his favourites, his opponents, and the church. He also records the disastrous English defeat at the battle of Bannockburn. This new edition revises the Latin text and English translation, and provides a new introduction and historical notes to take. account of recent scholarship. - ;The Vita Edwardi Secundi is the best and most readable of the chronicles of the reign of Edward II, and throws a fascinating light on the world of high politics. The anonymous author was close to the centre of politics, probably a royal clerk, and possibly John Walwayn (or someone with a similar career). His focus is largely on domestic politics and the relationship of the king and his barons, and he records the clashes and reconciliations of the period 1311-22 in valuable. detail. He also has much to say on the Scottish war, the appointment of bishops, and the outbreak of the French war. The work ends in the winter of 1325/6 with Queen Isabella's refusal to return from France while Despenser remained with the king. The work is much more than a simple chronicle. The author consciously wrote history and so commented extensively on personalities, and also on causation, motivation, and the vices of his age. He was generous to Gaveston despite his pride, more condemning of the Despensers' greed, and lamented Lancaster's wasted gifts. His reports on the arguments of both sides in the clashes between the king and his opponents are particularly enlightening, and show how serious were the threats to the king's. authority, especially those voiced in 1321. The author's fear of civil war and attempts to define the fine line dividing resistance and treason probably reflect the concerns of many close to the court at that time. Recent research has emphasized tha