The Fears of Henry IV - Book Review
The Life of England’s Self-Made King, by Ian Mortimer
The Fears of Henry IVis a fascinating in-depth study of the life of England’s King Henry IV.
In the book’s introduction, Ian Mortimer explains that historians have often shied away from attempting biographies of medieval personalities, claiming that a comparative lack of records for the period makes such studies impossible.
However, Mortimer believes that medieval biographies are achievable, even if personal letters for the subject of the study are not available. He advises his readers that through the use of household records, the accounts and letters of contemporary and later sources and the actions of Henry IV and those around him, he will provide a full and rounded portrait of one of the least-known English kings of the period.
The Rivalry Between Richard II and Henry IV
One of this book’s great strengths is the way in which the author presents a full study of Henry IV, from birth to death. In doing so, he allows the reader to make his own judgements on the events which would have influenced the king at various points in his life.
Mortimer argues that one of the driving forces behind many of Henry IV’s actions was his longtime rivalry with Richard II, his royal cousin of the same age. The two boys grew up all too aware of each other and of their respective claims to the throne of England.
There is still debate over whether Richard II was murdered and if so, if this was at the hand of King Henry. Whatever the truth, Henry deposed an anointed king from his throne and from that day, found his grasp on power was forever threatened. If one king had been ousted, the same thing could now happen to any other monarch, including Henry himself.
The Reign of Henry IV
Henry IV was the only English king, according to the author, to authorise the killing of both a king and an archbishop. As such, his position with his subjects and advisors was never a steady one. The king was constantly afraid for both his throne and his life, being subjected to dozens of assassination attempts and insurrections.
Mortimer presents a lively and vivid picture of the reign of Henry IV, using contemporary sources and a fast-paced narrative. He describes the sights and sounds of medieval England in an engrossing and engaging manner, with the effect of the reader feeling almost present at the events described. His descriptions of the build up to medieval battles are particularly exciting.
Although the author obviously has sympathy for King Henry, he is careful to present a balanced account throughout. He gives full accounts of military, political and personal errors which the king made during his reign and adds interest by speculating on how Henry’s own personality influenced many of his decisions as a ruler.
The Death of Henry IV
The final section of the narrative concentrates on the events surrounding the final illness and death of Henry IV. Mortimer carefully examines the last will and testament of the King, studying the language used in this document for clues to the king’s state of mind when he was close to death and his views on the people around him.
At the time of his death, Henry had many enemies and had left the Crown in a state of financial crisis. Time and time again, the king had been forced to request loans from Parliament and towards the end of his reign, the balance of power shifted away from the king and Parliament had become stronger.
Henry was 45 years old when he died. He breathed his last surrounded by his wife, family and friends. His death seems on the surface to have been peaceful, but in reality, it was anything but. Henry’s struggle to prove his superiority had continued to his last days and the crown was in no better position than when he had wrested it from Richard II.
Summary
The Fears of Henry IV is an exciting and engrossing biography of a fascinating medieval personality. Mortimer’s book is medieval history at its best. The reader is drawn into the narrative from the start and thanks to the author’s arresting writing style, every page makes fascinating reading.
Publication Details
Mortimer, Ian The Fears of Henry IV. The Life of England’s Self-Made King [Vintage, £8.99]
ISBN 9781844135295, 480 pages
