Simon de Montfort (British Lives)
"This is a compelling biography of an astonishing man. Simon de Montfort is one of those historical figures whose life defies belief, and J. R. Maddicott has done an excellent job of rendering it in all its diversity."   The Historian"It is a tribute to the quality of J.R. Maddicott's biography that neither its length and seriousness nor the unattractive personality of Simon de Montfort that looms over it detracts from it ability to hold the reader. Maddicott's interpretation can take its rightful place as our point of reference for its famous subject."   Joel Rosenthal, Speculum--A Journal of Medieval Studies[Maddicott's] splendid new biography of Simon is deeply rooted in the sources, both chronicle and record, and makes use of a whole new generation of scholarship in assessing an extremely problematic figure."   Times Literary Supplement"...the general reader [will] be impressed by what the author and his predecessors have teased out of the 700-year-old records.  Skilled warrior and politician, Montfort was simultaneously violent and introspective, greedy and idealistic.  This biography presents him to us in all his vitality and paradox."   Stephanie Martin, Wilson Library Bulletin"That Montfort was a major figure is hardly in dispute, and he has now been accorded a major modern study worthy of his importance."   Michael Altschul, American Historical Review