Following in the Footsteps of Edward II is an insightful look into the life of an controversial English king and his role in medieval history.

NetGalley, Melisa Safchinsky

This was a fascinating and enjoyable read. I always enjoy reading about English History especially her Kings and Queens and this wonderful book is a great place to start.

NetGalley, Veronica Lynne

While not a massive read – under 150 pages, it is jam packed with info. Like most books of this period, trying to keep everyone straight in my head is always the hard thing. I was lucky I attended an event by Tobias Capwell earlier in the year on the War of the Roses that setup some of this stuff.

The author does a great job and I found it a flowing read. I can highly recommend this book to anyone studying the period.

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Medieval Sword School

Literally tells you of the footsteps of Edward II where he went when and why. Who else is associated with those places and their connection to Edward. A book full of facts that would suit anyone interested in history and like facts.

NetGalley, Gordon Jefrries

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

This book is a worthy addition to any history enthusiast, such as myself. The book had a great layout and I really enjoyed the author’s writing style. The author really does know her subject and has quite clearly done a lot of research and it showed in the book.

I was really surprised have visited quite a few of the places mentioned in the book in England, Wales and Scotland. It was great to be able to visualise the places in the book that were mentioned. We went to Caernarfon Castle in October 2019 and we went to Kenilworth Castle early in 2020 so it was great to be able to look back at some of the photos I had taken which were discussed in the book (although there have been quite a few changes to some of the sites). I definitely have a few more places added to my list now that I want to visit!

I thought that the chapter length was perfect and it was spot on to keep me fully engaged and this would be an ideal introduction too to people who want to learn more about how Edward II and how he eventually came to be deposed.

It is 5 stars from me for this one, I really enjoyed the layout and the length of the chapters in the book. For me this is the perfect introduction to Edward II and I loved how it dispelled some of the common myths that surround his death.

It is a must read for anyone interested in medieval England. Very highly recommended!!

NetGalley, Donna Maguire

Informed and informative, exceptional in presentation, a meticulous example of outstanding scholarship, and an inherently fascinating read, "Following in the Footsteps of Edward II: A Historical Guide to the Medieval King" is an especially recommended addition to both community and academic library English History collections in general, and Edward II supplemental studies reading lists in particular.

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Midwest Book Review

Beautifully compact knowledge of England's unsuccessful king.

NetGalley, Nureeni Lem

This is a worthy addition to any history enthusiast's bookshelf. This book is the newest offering from Kathryn Warner, who is a specialist in the field of 14th century England, and has written extensively about this period. I have nearly all of her books related to Edward II, and she's my no 1 source of knowledge about this king. "Following in the Footsteps of Edward II" offers a glimpse into Edward's world and allows us to follow him through the places he knew from the day he was born until the day he died (although the day of his death and his alleged murder are disputed). I enjoyed it and highly recommend it for anyone interested in medieval England.

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GoodReads, ConstantReader

What a great read bringing Edward II reign to life and illustrating it with a guided tour through the places in his eventful life. A man who really neglected his country to suit his favourites and how in the end his Queen, Isabelle of France took her revenge by uniting with Mortimer to have his son put on the throne and have him deposed. A well research journey through his life that gave the reader insight into the man.

NetGalley, Ann Gough

This was an easy but interesting read. My knowledge of Edward II and the Plantagenet period is fairly strong, but I did learn a fair amount from reading this. Although it may sound like you are simply following the places where he lived, you learn so much more about his life. And of course, the terrifying Isabella of France who created some particularly... interesting... royal situations.

NetGalley, Jessica Storoschuk

The latest volume in Pen and Sword's "Following in the Footsteps of..." series sees us following in the footsteps of King Edward II. Kathryn Warner's history is almost like a novel, and the better for it. I have learned more about Edward II than from any other more formal history book on the subject. Brilliant.

Books Monthly

Click here to listen to author interview

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BBC Radio Cumbria with presenter Val Armstrong, 27th July 2019

This is a wonderful little look at Edward II. Whether you are already well versed in the kings life and reign or know very little, you will definitely glean something from this excellent work by Warner.

NetGalley, Sara Marsden

I enjoyed it and as a introduction to the places associated with Edward II it is a welcome addition to any bookshelf.

NetGalley, Rebecca B

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

An immensely interesting book, recounting the existence of Edward II and his bad choices as king. We can see that the human being is never far behind the titles, whether they are kings or popes.

NetGalley, Marie-Emilia Hamel

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

As I read this book I found myself becoming fascinated by the way the author brought the time to life.

I would not have expected what is essentially a guidebook to be as readable as a narrative as this one but Katherine Warner did a great job in organizing the sites to fit the historic timeline of Edward's life. I am sure that in her more standard works on Edward she pads out what at times is a basic outline but the story here is intact and compelling from page to page, filled with a wealth of characters and events.

This book certainly made me interested in other titles by Warner, which I am eager to explore. I can't think of a better compliment for an author or for a book.

NetGalley, Robert Eliason

If you want to learn much more about one of England's least successful and possibly most eccentric of monarchs, Edward II, and the world he inhabited, this extensive history is just what you are looking for.

Following in the Footsteps does just that, recounting Edward's story from Caernarfon Castle where he was born in 1284, to Gloucestershire where he officially met his death in 1327 - although there is some suggestion he lived out his days in an Italian hermitage.. In between, we travel Wales, Scotland and England, learning about his favoured residences, which, along with illustrations, builds a complete picture of how he lived his incredible life.

Edward II was undoubtedly an unusual, one of a kind king, and this fascinating book really digs into his history and brings his story to life.

NetGalley, Carolyn Farrell

Rating: 5 out of 5 stars

Following in the Footsteps of Edward II by Kathryn Warner is a fabulous historical account of the life and reign of Edward II (reigned 1307-1327). Very interesting to learn more about a King that continued to make bad choices, continued to surround himself with “favorites” that did not help his cause, as well as the inevitable decline that was sped forth by his wife, Isabella of France, and her coupe with Roger Mortimer to instill his son Edward III. A quick read in 2 days.

NetGalley, Rachel Fox