Free Kindle If All The Swords In England: A Story Of Thomas Becket (Living History Library) ebooks Download
Young Simon, recently and tragically orphaned, becomes a scribe in the following of the exiled Archbishop of Canterbury, Thomas Becket. The uncertainty of the tumultuous years leading to the infamous cathedral slaying is heightened by Simon's separation from his twin Edmund, who is in the service of King Henry II.
Series: Living History Library
Paperback: 194 pages
Publisher: Bethlehem Books (May 1, 2000)
Language: English
ISBN-10: 1883937493
ISBN-13: 978-1883937492
Product Dimensions: 8.5 x 5.6 x 0.6 inches
Shipping Weight: 8.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
Average Customer Review: 4.3 out of 5 stars See all reviews (6 customer reviews)
Best Sellers Rank: #73,926 in Books (See Top 100 in Books) #35 in Books > Children's Books > Literature & Fiction > Historical Fiction > Medieval #16787 in Books > Religion & Spirituality #20763 in Books > Reference
Age Range: 10 and up
Grade Level: 5 and up
Barbara Willard's If All the Swords in England, first published in 1961, makes a happy comeback in this quality paperback edition by Bethlehem Books.The drama unfolds during the turbulent years of the argument between King Henry II Plantagenet and Thomas Becket, Archbishop of Canterbury, concerning juridical authority in church matters.After the tragic deaths of their parents, brothers Simon and Edmund Audemer are separated. Edmund becomes a page in the court of King Henry II, while Simon becomes a scribe in the household of Thomas Becket.Willard's use of the literary device of the two brothers allows the reader a "first-hand" glimpse into both the characters of Thomas Becket and Henry II as well as into the climate of the times.The book is full of exciting episodes (including a miracle), and interesting characters. Barbara Willard's If All the Swords in England presents a timeless story of courage and conscience. It is also an excellent introduction to the heavier Becket by Anouilh and T.S. Eliot's Murder in the Cathedral. Grades 5-7.
If All the Swords in England tells the well-known tale of St. Thomas Becket and King Henry II through the eyes of two twin brothers, Simon and Edmund. Separated in their youth by the death of their parents, Simon, who is lame in one hand, becomes a servant to Becket the exiled Archbishop of Canterbury. He witnesses the sufferings of the Archbishop's household in France and the numerous attempts to bring about a reconciliation between the estranged churchman and his sovereign.Meanwhile, Edmund comes of age in the royal court. He sees first hand the rages of a king obsessed with protecting his royal power and extending it even into the realm of the Church. The King will not reconcile with his former friend due to Thomas's insistence on standing up for the honor of God.This book starts off slow but the climax is exceptionally well done--even if you know what's coming. In St. Thomas Becket, one can see a reflection of Christ, who fearlessly stood face-to-face with brutal, murderous men having nothing to defend himself with but the cross. All in all, this book is a fine introduction to the life of a very admirable man, and is easily read by young folks 12 and up.
I have enjoyed reading about Thomas Beckett, but my sons have been less enthusiastic about this book. It offers a view of what was going on in 1170 in England and France, but is a little hard to follow.
If All the Swords in England: A Story of Thomas Becket (Living History Library) Thomas Becket: Warrior, Priest, Rebel Frugal Living: 55 Tips to Save Money! Enjoy Living on a Budget, Become Debt Free, and Have Complete Financial Independence (Frugal Living Books, frugal living for dummies, frugal living made simple) Tudors: The History of England From Henry VIII to Elizabeth I: History of England, Book 2 Foundation: The History of England from Its Earliest Beginnings to the Tudors: The History of England, Book 1 Tudors: The History of England from Henry VIII to Elizabeth I (History of England series, Book 2) Jasmine Becket-Griffith Halloween Coloring Book: A Spine-Tingling Fantasy Art Adventure Jasmine Becket-Griffith Coloring Book: A Fantasy Art Adventure The Gospel of Thomas, with The Acts of Thomas, and The Book of Thomas the Contender New England Open-House Cookbook: 300 Recipes Inspired by the Bounty of New England Dream Homes New England: Showcasing New England's Finest Architects, Designers and Builders Thomas & Friends Little Golden Book Library (Thomas & Friends) Thomas & Friends Story Time Collection (Thomas & Friends) The Two Swords: Legend of Drizzt: Hunter's Blade Trilogy, Book 3 A Storm of Swords: A Song of Ice and Fire, Book 3 Queen of Swords Swords: An Artist's Devotion Theft of Swords: Riyria Revelations, Volume 1 Changeling Swords at Dawn*OP (Changeling: The Lost) Sir Quinlan and the Swords of Valor (The Knights of Arrethtrae)
