Overview

Hailed as ""entertaining"" and ""nuanced"" by The Economist, Martyrs and Murderers tells the story of three generations of treacherous, bloodthirsty power-brokers. One of the richest and most powerful families in sixteenth-century France, the House of Guise played a pivotal role in the history of Europe. Among the staunchest opponents of the Reformation, they whipped up religious bigotry throughout France. They overthrew the king, ruled Scotland for nearly 20 years through Mary Queen of Scots, plotted to invade England and overthrow Elizabeth I, and ended the century by unleashing the bloody Wars of Religion, before succumbing in a counter-revolution that made them martyrs for the Catholic cause. The history of the Guise family is sensational but true. Though parts of the story are familiar--such as their crucial role in the murder of 4,000 Protestants in the infamous Massacre of Saint Bartholomew--the full scope of their influence has never before been told. Stuart Carroll unravels the legends about this cultivated, charismatic, and violent dynasty, and challenges traditional assumptions about one of Europe's most turbulent eras.

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9780199229079

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Reviews

Lucid and comprehensive. Lisa Hilton, Times Literary Supplement This is a courageous and innovative book, in both its scholarship and its methods. Stuart Carroll, Times Literary Supplement It is a perfect balance between academic and popular history writing. The Independent on Sunday 'Martyrs and Murderers' - about the Guise in 16th century France - is fine scholarship but as exciting as a Mafia thriller. Simon Sebag Montefiore, Evening Standard What more can one ask of a history book. Peter Gwyn, Times Higher Education Carroll guides readers through its twists and turns with aplomb. Nick Rennison, Sunday Times Entertaining. The Economist This book is a fascinating read for all those gripped by historical tales of derring-do. Penny Roberts, BBC History Magazine Carroll recreates a world of intrigue, loyalty and betrayal...A fascinating read for all gripped by historical tales of derring-do. Penny Roberts, BBC History Magazine The wider international context of the Guise family is expertly presented alongside the minutiae of their daily lives. Penny Roberts, BBC History Magazine 'Martyrs and Murderers' is an inspiring demonstration of how good history can also be splendid entertainment. Peter Marshall, Literary Review Its characters are convincingly and empathetically drawn, its battle scenes wonderfully evocative. Peter Marshall, Literary Review

Lucid and comprehensive. Lisa Hilton, Times Literary Supplement This is a courageous and innovative book, in both its scholarship and its methods. Lisa Hilton, Times Literary Supplement It is a perfect balance between academic and popular history writing. The Independent on Sunday 'Martyrs and Murderers' - about the Guise in 16th century France - is fine scholarship but as exciting as a Mafia thriller. Simon Sebag Montefiore, Evening Standard What more can one ask of a history book. Peter Gwyn, Times Higher Education Carroll guides readers through its twists and turns with aplomb. Nick Rennison, Sunday Times Entertaining. The Economist This book is a fascinating read for all those gripped by historical tales of derring-do. Penny Roberts, BBC History Magazine Carroll recreates a world of intrigue, loyalty and betrayal...A fascinating read for all gripped by historical tales of derring-do. Penny Roberts, BBC History Magazine The wider international context of the Guise family is expertly presented alongside the minutiae of their daily lives. Penny Roberts, BBC History Magazine 'Martyrs and Murderers' is an inspiring demonstration of how good history can also be splendid entertainment. Peter Marshall, Literary Review Its characters are convincingly and empathetically drawn, its battle scenes wonderfully evocative. Peter Marshall, Literary Review

Author Information

Stuart Carroll is Professor of History at the University of York.

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