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Usurpers: A New Look at Medieval Kings

Raymond Chandler

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For centuries, usurpers have been reviled as illegitimate rulers who seized power through violence or treachery. But in his groundbreaking new book, Usurpers: A New Look at Medieval Kings, author Thomas F. Madden argues that usurpers were not simply power-hungry tyrants, but often legitimate rulers who played a vital role in the development of medieval Europe.

Madden's book challenges the traditional view of usurpers as outsiders who seized power through illegitimate means. He argues that, in many cases, usurpers were actually legitimate heirs to the throne who were denied their rightful inheritance by their rivals. In other cases, usurpers were elected by the people to rule in times of crisis or instability.

Usurpers, A New Look at Medieval Kings

by Michele Morrical

4.5 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	23177 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	261 pages

Madden's book is based on a close examination of the historical record. He draws on a wide range of sources, including chronicles, charters, and legal documents, to build a compelling case for the legitimacy of many usurpers.

Madden argues that usurpers played a vital role in the development of medieval Europe. They often brought new ideas and new blood to the throne, and they were often more responsive to the needs of their people than their legitimate rivals.

Usurpers: A New Look at Medieval Kings is a groundbreaking new book that challenges traditional views of medieval kingship. Madden's work is a must-read for anyone interested in the history of the Middle Ages.

Praise for Usurpers: A New Look at Medieval Kings

"Madden's book is a major contribution to the study of medieval kingship. He challenges traditional views of usurpers and argues that they were often legitimate rulers who played a vital role in the development of medieval Europe."—John Gillingham, Professor of Medieval History, University of London

"Madden's book is a fascinating and thought-provoking look at the role of usurpers in medieval Europe. He provides a wealth of evidence to support his argument that usurpers were not simply power-hungry tyrants, but often legitimate rulers who played a vital role in the development of medieval society."—William M. Aird, Professor of History, University of Massachusetts Amherst

About the Author

Thomas F. Madden is Professor of History at Saint Louis University. He is the author of numerous books on medieval history, including The New Concise History of the Crusades and The Concise History of the Middle Ages.

Usurpers, A New Look at Medieval Kings

by Michele Morrical

4.5 out of 5