Montfort: The Early Years; The Viceroy; The Revolutionary; The Angel with the Sword
When reading through the ample “historical context” notes that follow each volume of Katherine Ashe’s utterly remarkable tetralogy of novels based on the life of 13th-century warrior-statesman Simon de Montfort, one thing becomes obvious: she could easily have produced the most authoritative English-language biography of her subject ever written.
– The Historical Novel Society Reviews (Click HERE to read the complete review)
MONTFORT
Volume IV: The Angel with the Sword 1260-1265
Ashe brings her expansive, intricately worked saga on Simon de Montfort to a tragic, juddering close. …A deeply sketched, thoroughly researched, wildly imagined labor of love that is hugely enjoyable.
– Kirkus Indie Reviews (Click HERE to read the complete review)
MONTFORT
Volume III: The Revolutionary 1253 to 1260
An expertly told tale in which the star role is played by democracy, a poisoned chalice to be won only at the cost of treason.
– Kirkus Indie Reviews (Click HERE to read the complete review)
MONTFORT THE FOUNDER OF PARLIAMENT
Volume II: The Viceroy 1243-1253
A full-blooded second installment of Ashe’s historical fiction, in which the seeds of rebellion against Henry III’s economic tyranny are sown in the mind of Simon de Montfort, the founder of Parliament. Ashe charges ahead…taking the reader along on a largely gripping ride.
– Kirkus Indie Reviews (Click HERE to read the complete review)
MONTFORT THE FOUNDER OF PARLIAMENT
Volume I: The Early Years: 1229 to 1243
Ashe presents a jousting first installment of a four-volume fiction on the deeply contentious founder of parliament, Simon de Montfort… If the novel is thoroughly researched as Ashe’s is—from descriptions of medieval latrines and houseboys called “Garbage” to the decadence of Europe’s emperors—it is all the more thoroughly imagined.
– Kirkus Indie Reviews (Click HERE to read the complete review)
A marvelous work of literature, and a great story you have here…
— Bill Jaker, Off the Page, WSKG Public Radio
A great read… a marvelous, almost cinematic epic. A real Lancelot.
— Erika Funke, Art Scene, WVIA Public Radio
Katherine Ashe is adept at weaving a tale that brings the reader into the distant past – realistically. Her story of Simon De Monfort is a rare find. I highly recommend it.
— D. Joseph Jacques, author of Chivalry Now
This is the first in a four-volume work based on the life of Simon de Montfort and sets the stage for his later accomplishments. Volume one begins with Montfort’s first attempt to reclaim his father’s English holdings and title from King Henry III. Suspected of spying for King Louis of France, he must overcome the objections of the Court. Montfort returns to France to renounce his French holdings and then returns to England to pledge his liege to Henry.
Montfort earns the recognition and trust of King Henry over several years. Granted his lands, titles, and the hand of Eleanor, the king’s sister, he eventually comes to serve Henry as Steward of England. Later, however, he has a falling out with Henry supposedly over money and flees to the continent with his wife and children. After many trials and tribulations, Montfort goes on Crusade. While in Palestine, he becomes known as a great warrior and strategist. In time he returns to France where he reconciles with Henry and joins him in his war against Louis for his French holdings.
This volume only covers the very early years of Montfort’s career and does not reach the point of his calling the first elected Parliament in 1265. Ashe has done an amazing job researching the life of Simon de Montfort and the 13th century. Her speculation about Edward’s paternity is based on an interpretation of King Henry’s recorded comments following Queen Eleanor’s first confession after Edward’s birth. It will be interesting to see how Ashe works this premise into the rest of the tale.
MONTFORT is a thoroughly engaging narrative of the life of Simon de Montfort and I look forward to reading the next volumes.
– Debra Spidal, The Historical Novel Society
Ashe’s richly imagined details draw the reader into the splendors of 13th century English and French court life. Her meticulously researched portrait tells the story of Montfort’s life and times, his loves, his military prowess, and the machinations of his enemies and followers alike.
— Clara Pierre, author of Troubadour and Der Gesang des Troubadours
In a tale crammed with romance, deceit, rampant ambition, failures and triumphs galore, readers will get all they hoped for in this deeply researched and well-told historical narrative.
– Jane Geniesse, author of Passionate Nomad and American Priestess
Ashe’s richly imagined details draw the reader into the splendors of 13th century English and French court life. Her meticulously researched portrait tells the story of Montfort’s life and times, his loves, his military prowess, and the machinations of his enemies and followers alike.
– Clara Pierre, author of Troubadour and Der Gesang des Troubadours
Simon’s life was a spiritual journey: a tormented soul who found his way through faith, a brilliant warrior, but the disciple of a great Franciscan.
– Sr. Donald Corcoran, O.S.B, cam. PhD Theology
Montfort opens a window from medieval times into our contemporary western culture. This work is able to teach us who we are, what we are, and how we have reached this point.
– Anton Foek, journalist, advisor to the United Nations
Katherine Ashe’s exceptional skills in writing historical fiction make Simon de Montfort and his time come alive on every page.
– Dora E. Polachek, Visiting Associate Professor of French, Binghamton University.