About the book
In 1135, during the civil conflict between the usurper King Stephen and Empress Matilda (the daughter of Henry I), two cousins, Raymond and William (unavoidably, one of the many Williams in the story), are born and raised at Carew, in southwest Wales. Their growth through infancy to maturity becomes an important part of the theme of They Served the Devil’s Brood. It is a critical time in England and Wales as the barons are torn between loyalty to either faction, as well as having to deal with an increase in Welsh opposition to their presence. Calls are also being made for their knights and vassals to join the crusade against the infidels, who have taken control of the Holy Land. Henry Plantagenet, the son of Matilda, enters the fray as a youth but has to be content to wait till Stephen, bereft of a viable heir, agrees to name Henry as his successor. The Welsh Church is also facing increased demands from the centralized hierarchy of Rome. As Henry II takes over the reins of government, his influence on all involved becomes apparent. He is kept busy—and with him, all his servants—travelling his domains in France and England. An exiled minor Irish king appeals to Henry to help him recover his rightful place and territory. He is given permission to gather such help as he can from the Norman-Welsh barons. Richard de Clare (Strongbow)—rather down on his luck at the time—responds. It takes some time, but with Raymond’s help, plus that of Raymond’s relations, the FitzGeralds, they invade the southeast corner of Ireland. Raymond proves to be a capable warrior and brilliant commander but has to struggle with his own troubles as he seeks the hand of the higher-born sister of Richard, Basilia de Clare.
Editions of They Served the Devil's Brood
- Hardcover
- ISBN 9781503500679
- Paperback
- ISBN 9781503500662
- EBook
- ISBN 9781503500655
Read an Excerpt
In 1135, during the civil conflict between the usurper King Stephen and Empress Matilda (the daughter of Henry I), two cousins, Raymond and William (unavoidably, one of the many Williams in the story), are born and raised at Carew, in southwest Wales. Their growth through infancy to maturity becomes an important part of the theme of They Served the Devil’s Brood. It is a critical time in England and Wales as the barons are torn between loyalty to either faction, as well as having to deal with an increase in Welsh opposition to their presence. Calls are also being made for their knights and vassals to join the crusade against the infidels, who have taken control of the Holy Land. Henry Plantagenet, the son of Matilda, enters the fray as a youth but has to be content to wait till Stephen, bereft of a viable heir, agrees to name Henry as his successor. The Welsh Church is also facing increased demands from the centralized hierarchy of Rome. As Henry II takes over the reins of government, his influence on all involved becomes apparent. He is kept busy—and with him, all his servants—travelling his domains in France and England. An exiled minor Irish king appeals to Henry to help him recover his rightful place and territory. He is given permission to gather such help as he can from the Norman-Welsh barons. Richard de Clare (Strongbow)—rather down on his luck at the time—responds. It takes some time, but with Raymond’s help, plus that of Raymond’s relations, the FitzGeralds, they invade the southeast corner of Ireland. Raymond proves to be a capable warrior and brilliant commander but has to struggle with his own troubles as he seeks the hand of the higher-born sister of Richard, Basilia de Clare.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is They Served the Devil's Brood about?
In 1135, during the civil conflict between the usurper King Stephen and Empress Matilda (the daughter of Henry I), two cousins, Raymond and William (unavoidably, one of the many Williams in the story), are born and raised at Carew, in southwest Wales. Their growth through infancy to maturity becomes an important part of the theme of They Served the Devil’s Brood. It is a critical time in England and Wales as the barons are torn between loyalty to either faction, as well as having to deal with an increase in Welsh opposition to their presence. Calls are also being made for their knights and vassals to join the crusade against the infidels, who have taken control of the Holy Land. Henry Plantagenet, the son of Matilda, enters the fray as a youth but has to be content to wait till Stephen, bereft of a viable heir, agrees to name Henry as his successor. The Welsh Church is also facing increased demands from the centralized hierarchy of Rome. As Henry II takes over the reins of government, his influence on all involved becomes apparent. He is kept busy—and with him, all his servants—travelling his domains in France and England. An exiled minor Irish king appeals to Henry to help him recover his rightful place and territory. He is given permission to gather such help as he can from the Norman-Welsh barons. Richard de Clare (Strongbow)—rather down on his luck at the time—responds. It takes some time, but with Raymond’s help, plus that of Raymond’s relations, the FitzGeralds, they invade the southeast corner of Ireland. Raymond proves to be a capable warrior and brilliant commander but has to struggle with his own troubles as he seeks the hand of the higher-born sister of Richard, Basilia de Clare.
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in They Served the Devil's Brood?
Biography, Literature and Literary studies > Biography and non-fiction prose > Biography: general > Biography: historical, political and military
Where can I read a sample of They Served the Devil's Brood?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9781503500679
Who is/are the Author/s of the book They Served the Devil's Brood?
Warwick Howard Grace
Who is the Publisher of the book They Served the Devil's Brood?
Xlibris
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
They Served the Devil's Brood is available as hardcover(ISBN 9781503500679) and paperback(ISBN 9781503500662) and ebook(ISBN 9781503500655)