A review by sophronisba
The Greatest Traitor: The Life of Sir Roger Mortimer, Ruler of England 1327-1330 by Ian Mortimer

informative reflective medium-paced

3.25

This is in many ways an accomplished biography of an important figure in medieval history, who has been less written about than he should have been. So far, so good. Ian Mortimer is an excellent writer and in general he does a good job of both narrating Mortimer's life and actions, and analyzing various historical controversies. But there is one huge exception, which spoiled the book for me: Mortimer is the primary supporter of the theory that Edward II escaped, survived, and wandered about the earth as a hermit for a few years. I'm sorry, I cannot get behind this idea. It sounds like a legend or a cautionary tale, but Mortimer takes it absolutely seriously, and that makes me take this book less seriously. Sorry, Professor Mortimer, but for this I was forced to dock you an entire star.