The Three Edwards

By: Thomas B. Costain

Narrated by: David Case

Length: 17 hrs and 30 mins

Publisher's summary

The Three Edwards, third in Thomas B. Costain's survey of Britain under the Plantagenets, covers the years between 1272 and 1377 when three Edwards ruled England. Edward I brought England out of the Middle Ages. Edward II had a tragic reign but gave his country Edward III, who ruled gloriously, if violently.

©1983 Thomas B. Costain (P)2009 Books on Tape

Maybe the best of the series

Where does The Three Edwards rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This is one of the best audiobooks I have listened to and in fact may be the best of the Costain series on the Plantagenets of England.

Costain as author and Davidson as reader = great read

Detailed review of Plantagenet Edwards that is completely listenable due in part to Costain’s clever inclusion of personal anecdotes for the main characters.

Audibly Difficult

Would you recommend this book to a friend? Why or why not?

I think if I were to have this as a physical book I'd have enjoyed it more. While the narrator was very articulate and it was a good listen, it was very difficult to hear the details and follow along without giving pause and researching specifics.

Any additional comments?

I really enjoyed the details that the author included, some more obscure facts were brought to light and expounded on.

Stunning, and entertaining

I can't believe how much data is compiled in this book!
The narrator is good, nothing to write home about, but he doesn't detract from anything.
The background feels alive. One can almost hear the peasants singing.....and dying in the fields.

Superb history

This is a superbly written account of a turbulent time in European history

A Well Done, History of Englands 3 Edwards, Great for History Lovers

This book is so entertaining I’ve listened to it half a dozen times. The reader add so much to the experience. Anyone who like this genre should add this to your collection.

An Incredible History

This is a witty but measured narration of a complicated time in British History. Edward the First is represented as a great ruler BUT his failures and cruelties over treason, the Scots and other aspects of the other not so nice part of the middle ages. Chivalry is represented as the true absurdity and hypocrisy it was, Costain emphasizes the growth of the common man despite a royal family convinced of their greatness. Even Edward the second and the she-wolf of France, Isabella are treated with equanimity. Phillip the UNfair as Costain calls him, and the Templar's don't come off so well, but it does seem appropriate.

I cannot say enough good about this series, and I do recommend the whole thing. The fact that this history was written in the fties and early sixties shouldn't dissuade a lover of British history. I was worried since they were written before my birth,but I adore British history and shouldn't have worried.It's written in a modern language and a wit that
few writers or historians of any time ever achieve. Costain doesn't overlook the ridiculous or the incredible falsity of myth. It is not the story of only royalty but of people and a age. It has the cadence of that rare professor one would rather listen to than take notes. The narrator has perfect inflection to the words written. It is a true combination of talented equals. I knew of Thomas Costain's fiction but not his non-fiction. They are a much loved part of my mother's library, sadly I think that he may have been out of print of years, these works must be the last of his life. Truly a commandment to a life well-lived. My thanks to Audible for putting this out and choosing the best narration of a book I've ever heard and I am an audio addict.

What a story! A tale well told.

Well, it wasn't "the best of times," but it WAS pretty close to the "worst of times." This book brings it all alive. It doesn't pull punches much, a lot of terrible things were being done. When people say how bad things are getting now and the awful things they do, I know they don't know history. Some of these "heroes" did things that would have curled Genghis Khan's hair. Then he would have gone right out and done them first chance he got. Sometimes people were brutalized by their times, but that's a reason, not an excuse. After a while I'm pretty sure they had slipped a cog.
It is history, no getting around that, and it is well told here, and with just the right amount of discretion. The narrator was an excellent choice, his voice is rich and knowledgeable.

extremely good on all counts!!

I had some knowledge of this subject going in, i think that may matter, but i must say im well pleased. It was smooth, thorough, easy to follow and understand. it was told and read with excellent purnunceaction that some parts were just exciting to listen too. im so pleased to learn of history with books like this available. NOTE: he even added a few side storys prompted by a connection in this story and i found those a wonderful addition. Its mentions like that, that help me decide where in history to branch i wouldn't have known myself. also. this is part3 of the whole Plantaginets but i didn't know that yet this book holds its own as a stand alone.

Brilliant book with wonderful reading..

What made the experience of listening to The Three Edwards the most enjoyable?

I've read all the series of Costain's English Histories, from the Conquering Family to the Last of the Plantagenets, and done so many times. This is the first book of his I've heard read. David Case was/is the perfect choice for Costain. He understands Costain's clever flow of writing and brings to life the beauty of all of these works by a great, great artist. I don't think there will ever be better writing of this type and Audible really found the right person to read it. Love it! Will listen to them all.

What did you like best about this story?

The writing style and interpretation.

Have you listened to any of David Case’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No