The Greatest Traitor: The Secret Lives of Agent George Blake - Ebook written by Roger Hermiston. Ian Mortimer, who claims no relation to Roger Mortimer, brings great research and perspective to the players even though some of his writing, especially when it comes to motivation, must be conjecture. Mortimer managed to find plenty of sources for this man who 'lost. All except for the sub-lieutenant, young Gerard d’Alspaye who, strangely enough, has not had a drink. Of interest as well is that a one-time friend of mine once played a character in a historical simulation game that was part of the Mortimer family and whose claims to English leaders. From here Roger's fate takes a sharp turn when Gaveston and, later favorit. But lets be honest writing that badly about this kind of story would have taken too much effort. David Higham Literary, Film and TV Agents, Power, Sister! Roger Hermiston gives the impression of having set out to tell the story of one of the great Soviet intelligence agents without trying to wield any particular political axe. Well-written, interesting, and fair on both Mortimer and Edward II (whom I've always had a bit of a soft-spot for as a result of the Jarmen film) - until (spiller alert!) The Spy and The Traitor is touted in its subhead as "the greatest espionage story ever told." Ian Mortimer, who claims no relation to Roger Mortimer, brings great research and perspective to the players. In the intro, Hermiston – a former Today programme producer – attempts to incinerate our goodwill by praising Rod Liddle. Yet, as Roger Hermiston reveals in this thrilling new biography, his story touches not only the depths … Blake’s life would have been fascinating enough even if he had never become a Russian spy. Not enough Traitor studies are giving serious thought. Howeber his ultimate conclusion is that he did not die at Berkeley, but survived as an itinerant monk in Lombardy until sometime between 1339-1341. I find it revealing and more than a little bit of interesting that the author is at pains to mention that he is not a descendant of his subject, even though the fact that they have the same last name is likely to give some impetus to the author's efforts at somewhat clearing the name of a notorious English traitor. Ian Mortimer — 2013-08-20 in Biography & Autobiography . The Greatest Traitor: The Secret Lives of Agent George Blake by Hermiston, Roger at AbeBooks.co.uk - ISBN 10: 1781310467 - ISBN 13: 9781781310465 - Aurum Press Ltd - 2013 - Hardcover The REAL story has more intrigue than most fictions. An excellent book covering a major player in English politics. That isn't just publisher hype. The story picks up at the end with the detailed description of Blake’s daring escape from Wormwood Scrubs and his subsequent flight to Russia. The central thesis, that Roger Mortimer did not kill king Edward II as had been historical consensus for centuries, is introduced somewhat offhandedly and only substantiated in the last chapter. Believe it or not, a century prior, a similar indignity played out in medieval England but with a queen taking the lead. His subsequent work for British intelligence and then his two years of imprisonment in Korea during the war there. This edition was published in 2006 by Thomas Dunne Books in New York. Yet, as Roger Hermiston reveals in this thrilling new biography, his story touches not only the depths of treachery but also the heights of heroism. In this book, Professor Mortimer has done his usual excellent job of telling a medieval tale. To see what your friends thought of this book, When one thinks of a scandalous love affair in English monarchial history; the immediate response is Anne Boleyn and King Henry VIII. Yet, as Roger Hermiston reveals in this thrilling new biography, his story touches not only the depths of treachery, but also the heights of heroism. Excellent book. At the time few details of his crimes were made public. Almost as good as mystery as what happened to the princes in the tower! The greatest traitor : the secret lives of Agent George Blake. Roger Mortimer has always fascinated me as a leader, knight, Tower escapee, lover of Isabella "she-wolf", invader of England, ruler in Edward III's name when he was a minor and finally traitor. Seems to me from everything I’ve read that Blake probably wanted to leave his mark, he believed Communism was the most Christian system, and as he said himself, he didn’t betray. There’s his early cosmopolitan upbringing and education in numerous countries and his complex family history. Servicable biog of double-agent George Blake, the Dutch-born British spy flipped by the Russians in a Korean prisoner-of-war camp. There’s quite a party going on in the hall of the royal palace; the lieutenant in charge of the castle has passed out already—in fact, quite a few of the attendees are more drunk than their usual, as if they all suddenly forgot how to hold their wine. Author : Ian Mortimer File Size : 76.39 MB Format : PDF, ePub, Mobi Download : 326 Read : 1223 . Roger Hermiston has written this biography with flair that makes one forget that it's a true story and not fiction. The greatest traitor the life of sir Roger Mortimer, ruler of England, 1327-1330 1st ed. This book gives a pretty good impression of 14th century aristocratic England by following the life story of one extraordinary man. Mortimer's research is impressive - he takes the reader from Roger Mortimer's childhood, his hero-worship of his warrior ancestors, the closeness he felt to his uncle - also named Roger Mortimer - his loving marriage to wife Joan de Geneville, and his friendship to royal favorite Piers Gaveston. Goodreads helps you keep track of books you want to read. | Trouble in Terrorist Town - YouTube August first, 1323. There’s quite a party going on in the hall of the royal palace; the lieutenant in charge of the castle has passed out already—in fact, quite a few of the attendees are more drunk than their usual, as if they all suddenly forgot how to hold their wine. Refresh and try again. Sent from and sold by Amazon. On Today – among other things – he covered general elections at home, American presidential campaigns, war in Kosovo and civil war in Algeria. Refresh and try again. To the public, Blake was simply the greatest traitor of the Cold War. This item: The Greatest Traitor: The Life of Sir Roger Mortimer, 1st Earl of March by Ian Mortimer Paperback £9.01. The Life of Sir Roger Mortimer, 1st Earl of March, The Greatest Traitor, Ian Mortimer, Vintage digital. The Greatest Traitor: The Life of Sir Roger Mortimer, Ruler of England: 1327--1330 by Ian Mortimer. : Ian Mortimer. Tonight is the feast of St Peter ad Vincula, or Saint Peter in Chains, the patron saint of the Tower of London. He lives in Suffolk and is a season-ticket holder at Ipswich Town FC. In the intro, Hermiston – a former Today programme producer – attempts to incinerate our goodwill by praising Rod Lid. Maybe I have inherited my Mum's taste? PUBLISHERS WEEKLY JAN 23, 2006 The Greatest Traitor: The Life of Sir Roger Mortimer, 1st Earl of March, Ruler of England, 1327-1330. we get to the conspiracy theory about Edward II surviving as a pilgrim in Italy. A good account based on previous books by Blake and Bourke and a good deal of research. With Isabella, Roger led the rebellion that resulted in Edward II’s deposition and shockingly vile murder (at least, that’s how the story goes), and though he may be characterised as a dashing romantic hero who rescued Isabella from her unhappy marriage, he is frequently is blamed for the ills and tyranny that characterised their rule of England during Edward III’s minority. I was surprised by how good a servant Mortimer had been to Edward II up until the rise of Hugh Despenser, after which all bets were off. Be the first to ask a question about The Greatest Traitor. The book takes us from Blakes early years growing up in pre war Netherlands, his role in the anti-Nazi resistence, recruitment into the British intelligence services, and the war in Korea. If you are into detailed accounts of medieval history, this is excellent! This first biography, The Greatest Traitor by Ian Mortimer, reveals not only Mortimer's career as a feudal lord, a governor of Ireland, a rebel leader, and a dictator of England, but also the truth of what happened that night in Berkeley Castle. I thoroughly enjoyed this book, as did my mother, after borrowing it on my recommendation. Who knows? This book transformed my perception of Blake. Since beginning my journey into Plantagenet history, I have been continually amazed by the magnitude of the individuals, their passions, their follies, and ultimately their undoings. Roger Mortimer has always fascinated me as a leader, knight, Tower escapee, lover of Isabella "she-wolf", invader of England, ruler in Edward III's name when he was a minor and finally traitor. The Perfect King: The Life of Edward III, Father of the English Nation by Ian Mortimer Paperback £10.35. There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Des milliers de livres avec la livraison chez vous en 1 jour ou en magasin avec -5% de réduction . Ian Mortimer is one of my favourite historians and writers. Be the first to ask a question about The Greatest Traitor. He then spent three years as reporter and feature writer on the Yorkshire Post, before joining the BBC in the early 1990s. This is as good an attempt as any, and he brings out Blake's ideological commitment to a system that can only work with the moral perfection of humankind - but offers no mechanism for bringing this about. Is it all true? Retrouvez The Greatest Traitor: The Secret Lives of Agent George Blake et des millions de livres en stock sur Amazon.fr. The Greatest Traitor The Secret Lives of Agent George Blake On 3 May 1961, after a trial conducted largely in secret, a man named George Blake was sentenced to an unprecedented forty-two years in jail. A fantastic story, well written by Mr Hermiston. Start by marking “The Greatest Traitor: The Secret Lives of Agent George Blake” as Want to Read: Error rating book. What a story! His thought processes are considered based on both Blakes own words and that of friends and colleagues. When I first read about Edward II, his "favorites" and his downfall, I couldn't understand why Hollywood hasn't made a major movie about his life & times. The tale has some gruesome moments, and provides plenty of evidence for the old adage 'absolute power corrupts absolutely'. To the public, Blake was simply the greatest traitor of the Cold War. But, he did not as he formed an attachment with another young man who grew very powerful with the king's favor and oppressed the people and grew his and the king's wealth substant. Of interest as well is that a one-time friend of mine once played a character in a historical simulation game that was part of the Mortimer family and whose claims to English leadership he wholeheartedly supported. Just a moment while we sign you in to your Goodreads account. So I've gone against the chronology of history and the authors work. He was a much more interesting man than I realised. The Greatest Traitor by Ian Mortimer, 9780099552222, available at Book Depository with free delivery worldwide. Benedict Arnold, the American general during the Revolutionary War who betrayed his country and became synonymous with the word “traitor,” was born on January 14, 1741. From here Roger's fate takes a sharp turn when Gaveston and, later favorite Hugh Despenser, are murdered, Edward II becomes a tyrant, and Roger is forced to flee to France. Ian Mortimer provides a thoroughly exhaustive study of Roger Mortimer in "The Greatest Traitor: The Life of Sir Roger Mortimer." Ian Mortimer’s analysis of the life of Roger Mortimer, the youthful companion of Edward 11 who becomes his nemesis is exhaustively researched, as detailed as any biography of a 14th century figure can realistically be and is a very entertaining read. ISBN: 9781466851399. The real events and the story of Oleg Gordievsky, KGB officer and diplomat reads like something from a John LeCarre or Robert Ludlum story...except it's true and marvelously documented. 3.5 stars. Perhaps due to his more proletarian up bringing he did not suffer the same self destructiveness which marked some of the Cambridge ring. King Edward had a favorite man he showered with gifts and power upsetting the balance of power in the kingdom. Originally published: London : J. Cape, 2003. Interesting chap to say the least. She loved books on espionage and this is right up there among the best you'll find. Raised by a father and older brother who both served devotedly and unquestioningly in … 2 Reviews. He delighted the prince, and more importantly gave him confidence, and in his company the prince grew to discover his own character. Happy Women's History Month! Although Queen Isabella has received plenty of attention (dubbed the She-Wolf , she is either loved or hated); Mortimer has failed to be the focus of a full volume. A quarter century on from its end the Cold War seems at first very remote, Roger Hermiston's definitive biography of one of its most enigmatic figures brings the period brilliantly back to life. Sir Roger Mortimer made King Edward II give up his throne. One night in August 1323, a captive rebel baron, Sir Roger Mortimer, drugged his guards and escaped from the Tower of London. In World War II the teenage Blake performed sterling deeds for the Dutch resistance, before making a dramatic bid for freedom across Nazi-occupied Europe. The lords forced the King to banish this person and one would have thought perhaps King Edward II would have learned his lesson after this experience. Blake’s life would have been fascinating enough even if he had never become a Russian spy. We’d love your help. Fascinating story. Together with Blakes autobiography "No Other Choice" and Randal and Pottles "The Blake Escape" these are essential for anyone with an interest in the subject. He concludes that if Edward did die at Berkeley is wasn't by the poker. It’s USP, that Edward wasn’t actually murdered in Berkeley Castle in some theatrical unpleasant fashion but in fact kept secretly alive by Mortimer as some kind of hostage to hold over Edward 111 is interesting but unconvincing and thus becomes the book’s weakest section. There’s his struggle to survive and escape the Nazis in war torn Europe. Thomas Dunne Books. History writing for the leisure reader. Recommended for any enthusiast of English (or Welsh, Irish, or Scottish) history. 400 Pages. This book is not yet featured on Listopia. In looking at the life of Roger Mortimer, the author tells us how Edward II turned probably his ablest military commander into his greatest enemy who ultimately became Edward’s wife's, Isabella, lover and consort. On 3 May 1961, after a trial conducted largely in secret, a man named George Blake was sentenced to an unprecedented forty-two years in jail. Although Queen Isabella has received plenty of attention (dubbed the She-Wolf , she is either loved or hated); Mortimer has failed to be the f. When one thinks of a scandalous love affair in English monarchial history; the immediate response is Anne Boleyn and King Henry VIII. The author uses the book as a vehicle for sometimes very daring theses. Suffice to say that Gaveston was Edward’s best friend, the love of his life, and, in many respects, his hero.”, Mortimer now thinks he needs to rewrite this book to firstly deal with Edward II's death and because he no longer believes Roger and Isabella were lovers, 33 Sweeping Multigenerational Family Dramas. Servicable biog of double-agent George Blake, the Dutch-born British spy flipped by the Russians in a Korean prisoner-of-war camp. Later, filled … Start by marking “The Greatest Traitor: The Life of Sir Roger Mortimer, Ruler of England 1327-1330” as Want to Read: Error rating book. Servicable biog of double-agent George Blake, the Dutch-born British spy flipped by the Russians in a Korean prisoner-of-war camp. Another 5 star biography from Ian Mortimer. Gaveston was witty, rude and enormously entertaining, with a Gascon accent and moreover a healthy disregard for all things old-fashioned, English and traditional. Having finished Alison Weir's biography of Isabella, I immediately turned to that of her love Roger Mortimer. Roger Mortimer often features as something of the boogie man in the narratives about Edward II and Isabella of France. But, he did not as he formed an attachment with another young man who grew very powerful with the king's favor and oppressed the people and grew his and the king's wealth substantially as a result. He then led them to Jesus in the garden, and betrayed him to the soldiers with a kiss. Thomas Dunne Books. The Spy and the Traitor: The Greatest Espionage Story of the Cold War de Macintyre, Ben sur AbeBooks.fr - ISBN 10 : 1101904194 - ISBN 13 : 9781101904190 - Crown - 2018 - Couverture rigide He's a reputable historian as far as I know, and not a kook, but I just don't see why Mortimer would have kept him alive. Judas Iscariot is definitely one of the worst traitors ever. Edition Notes Includes bibliographical references and index. What a story! 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