I don't think it will be a problem to catch up on my reading at Pennsic and make up the difference.
Book Number 10:
"The Plantagenets" Dan Jones
While it took me a while to get through the book (at least in comparison to my reading speed with fiction of a similar length,) it felt like a concise overview of the Plantagenet dynasty.
I did find the title a bit misleading, as the inclusion of the word "Queens" led me to believe the author might have given some weight and importance to the few female figures in the period, but even such interesting and wonderful figures as Eleanor of Aquitaine weren't given much consideration. I understand that, in the scheme of things, the political realms that this book focused on were a man's world, but, again, the title indicated that this book might have a bit of a different perspective. Alas, I read 500 pages devoted to the male figures.
Still, it's a period of history I knew little about before reading this book, and Jones managed to keep the various plots and allegiances and exchanges of power compelling and accessible. I believe all historical figures were treated justly, as Jones was able to construct or relate reasonable theories for even the most atrocious and seemingly insane actions of typically vilified kings and also tempered his sections on the typically revered kings with the areas in which they fell short.
I would not recommend this book to people who are unaccustomed to reading non-fiction, because even though Jones fleshes out most of the main players, he moves quite quickly through time and keeping track of all the exchanges of titles and land can be exhausting. If, on the other hand, you have an interest in history and don't already have a good knowledge of the politics of the period and the early history of England, I think this would be an excellent place to start. Of particular note is the section at the end of the book where Jones has recommended reading to flesh out each era and some of the people he discusses in his book. I'll be adding several of these titles to my list of books to read.
