Review of The Greatest Traitor: The Life of Sir Roger Mortimer, Ruler of England 1327-1330

This is an excellent non-fiction title that I cannot recommend highly enough. It is the first biography that reveals not only Sir Roger Mortimer's career as a feudal lord, a governor of Ireland, a rebel leader and a dictator of England but goes into the truth of what may have happened to the deposed King of England (King Edward II).

To say this is just a biography may give the wrong impression, implying that its just boring historical facts and dates, it isn’t. Although historically accurate, the story of Sir Roger Mortimer is suitable for a blockbuster movie, with a great rise to power, the loss of everything, an escape from the Tower of London, becoming the lover of the King’s wife, invading England and removing Edward II in the first deposition of a monarch in British history.

Even when ruling England for three years the tale doesn’t loose pace with absolute power clearly corrupting absolutely. I won’t ruin the ending, but if you know your English history you already may know it. It is also important to point out that with such a life, this book could also easily become some romanticised Hollywood version of history in which knights wear shining armour and the smell of old sweat and urine isn’t present, but all credit to the author he keeps it real and ensures a historical context is provided, so you don’t need to know your history to really enjoy this book or get a true sense of actually witnessing events.

This isn’t a quick read book however with over four hundred pages and small print used throughout to cram in one very interesting life story, but equally it isn’t a book you’ll put down until entirely read either. Anyone interested in non-fiction, history or just a thumping good tale will enjoy this book - I certainly did.

10/10