Chapters in this book

1. Frontmatter i
2. Contents v
3. Illustrations vii
4. Acknowledgements ix
5. A Note on Money x
6. Prologue: A Diabolical Dynasty xix
7. Part One: The Birth of an Empire
8. 1. The Prince’s Tale: William Atheling and the White Ship Disaster 3
9. 2. The Earl’s Tale: Hugh Bigod, Civil War and Royal Recovery 22
10. Part Two: The Growth of an Empire
11. 3. The Disciple’s Tale: Herbert of Bosham and the Becket Dispute 53
12. 4. The Warrior’s Tale: Strongbow and the Invasion of Ireland 84
13. 5. The Young King’s Tale: Henry Fitzroy and his Troublesome Family 107
14. 6. The Princess’s Tale: Joan, the Crusade and the Politics of Europe 134
15. Part Three: The Death of an Empire
16. 7. The Nephew’s Tale: Arthur of Brittany and the Collapse of Angevin Power 171
17. 8. The Friend’s Tale: William de Briouze and the Tyranny of King John 197
18. 9. The Exile’s Tale: Stephen Langton and the Road to Magna Carta 218
19. 10. The Matron’s Tale: Nicola de la Haye and the Defence of England 244
20. Epilogue: Dreams and Fortune 261
21. Abbreviations 265
22. Notes 270
23. Suggestions for Further Reading 278
24. Index 285