Back in 1977 I was writing another book, a fantasy about fairies actually, with episodes that took place in England in 1258, the year of the consecration of Salisbury Cathedral. I thought I should know what was happening then so I hauled out my Britannica. The encyclopedia's article told of The Barons' War, led by Simon de Montfort. I looked up the article on Montfort -- and was rather stunned by what I took to be curiously bitter negativity. I was surprised by my reaction for I knew nothing of this person -- who was I to criticize the Britannica? A couple of weeks later, attending the reopening of my local public library, my very nearsighted gaze was drawn to a distant set of books in green bindings. Without looking at the title I took one of the books off the shelf and let it fall open where it would. The book was Greene's History of England, and the open page described Simon's death at Evesham -- from the point of view of a writer who thought well of him. I shut the book, determined that exploring the truth of Simon's life would be my next project. I had no idea that project would span 34 years.
Montfort The Early Years: Ashe
presents a jousting first installment of a four-volume fiction on the deeply
contentious founder of parliament, Simon de Montfort… If the novel is
thoroughly researched as Ashe’s is—from descriptions of medieval latrines and
houseboys called “Garbage” to the decadence of Europe’s emperors—it is all the
more thoroughly imagined. Kirkus
In a tale crammed with romance, deceit,rampant ambition, failures and triumphs galore, readers will get all they hoped for in this deeply researched and well-told historical narrative. Jane Geniesse, author, Passionate Nomad
“A marvelous work of literature and a great story you have here.” Bill Jaker, “Off the Page” WSKG Public Radio
“A great read… an marvelous, almost cinematic epic.” Erika Funke, “Art Scene” WVIA Public Radio
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