Medieval Intrigue

Examines controversial questions in 14th-century English history, focusing on royal conspiracies and succession disputes. Mortimer challenges traditional narratives, particularly the murder of Edward II in 1327, arguing through the Fieschi letter that Edward likely survived in exile in Italy, possibly meeting his son Edward III in 1338. The book also explores Richard II’s rumored survival after 1400, the shaky Lancastrian claim to the throne in 1399, and the concept of royal pretenders.

Central to Mortimer’s approach is his "information-based method," which prioritizes analyzing historical "information streams" over conventional consensus-building. He critiques established historical methods and dedicates chapters to topics like Edward II’s reputation, Edward III’s financial dealings, and succession rules from 1199 to 1399. The book includes previously published articles, notably a contentious piece on Edward II’s death, and addresses scholarly criticism in a chapter titled "Twelve Angry Scholars."

While academically rigorous, the text’s thesis format and dense methodology make it less accessible to casual readers, unlike Mortimer’s more narrative-driven works. It offers a compelling, evidence-based rethinking of medieval history, though some of Mortimer’s conclusions, like Edward II’s survival, remain debated among historians due to entrenched narratives.