--- product_id: 11041564 title: "The Greatest Knight: The Unsung Story of the Queen's Champion (William Marshal)" price: "24318CFA" currency: XOF in_stock: true reviews_count: 13 url: https://www.desertcart.sn/products/11041564-the-greatest-knight-the-unsung-story-of-the-queens-champion store_origin: SN region: Senegal --- # The Greatest Knight: The Unsung Story of the Queen's Champion (William Marshal) **Price:** 24318CFA **Availability:** ✅ In Stock ## Quick Answers - **What is this?** The Greatest Knight: The Unsung Story of the Queen's Champion (William Marshal) - **How much does it cost?** 24318CFA with free shipping - **Is it available?** Yes, in stock and ready to ship - **Where can I buy it?** [www.desertcart.sn](https://www.desertcart.sn/products/11041564-the-greatest-knight-the-unsung-story-of-the-queens-champion) ## Best For - Customers looking for quality international products ## Why This Product - Free international shipping included - Worldwide delivery with tracking - 15-day hassle-free returns ## Description THE NEW YORK TIMES AND USA TODAY BESTSELLER! "The best writer of medieval fiction currently around."― Historical Novels Review Royal protector. Loyal servant. Forgotten hero. 12th century, England: A penniless young knight with few prospects, William Marshal is plucked from obscurity when he saves the life of Henry II's formidable queen, Eleanor of Aquitaine. In gratitude, she appoints him tutor to the heir to the throne, the volatile and fickle Prince Henry. But being a royal favorite brings its share of danger and jealousy as well as fame and reward. A writer of uncommon historical integrity and accuracy, Elizabeth Chadwick resurrects the true story of one of England's greatest forgotten heroes in a captivating blend of fact and fiction. The Greatest Knight restores William Marshal to his rightful place at the pinnacle of the British Middle Ages, reflecting through him the triumphs, scandals, and power struggles that haven't changed in eight hundred years. Fans of Phillipa Gregory, Susanna Kearsley, or Diana Gabaldon are sure to recognize The Greatest Knight as exceptional historical fiction, bringing medieval Britain to brilliant life. More Novels of Elizabeth Chadwick's William Marshal: The Greatest Knight The Scarlet Lion For the King's Favor Templar Silks To Defy a King Review: AN ENTERTAING & ENJOYABLE NOVEL(4.5 STARS) (FEW SPOILERS) - If you like the novels of Sharon Kay Penman and Phillipa Gregory, you should enjoy this one. I think this is better than some novels from authors that write in this genre and time period. Elizabeth Chadwick has written a very good tale, with well-drawn characters and she does a great job in immersing the reader in the twelfth centaury. From the rigors of defending a castle under siege ,the sounds and smell from burning villages, the action and injuries that occur during tournaments, and many other details you feel transported back into this turbulent era. William Marshall was a hero, as was his father. (For more detail on John Marshall, Williams father, read "A PLACE BEYOND COURAGE, by Ms. Chadwick). Not many men who love their family will risk having a child killed while he is being held hostage by the enemy, because of his honor. His father had pledged his support to a dying king's daughter right inherit to the throne. When his son, William is captured by Stephen, who has usurped the throne, he is held as a hostage to ensure that his father will not continue his support of Matilda and her followers. If his father continues to support Matilda and her son, Henry, he will kill young William. He realizes that even if his son is not killed he may end up having his father for keeping his word and endangering him. William manages to charm Stephen who cannot bring himself to kill the child. When Stephen releases him, he returns home. Far from hating his father, he admires his father for adhering to his principles and keeping his oath William continues to live a charmed life. As the younger son, he has two choices, the church or knighthood. After many years as a squire, he finds himself in the right place and time to save Queen Eleanor. This action gains her favoritism, he is appointed to teach and advise her sons in the arts of fighting and chivalry. In time, he becomes an advisor to Hal, who is the heir to the throne. Hal has many faults, he is too charming, impetuous, spoiled and easily led astray be the advice of those who are looking out for themselves. Not William, he tries to talk Hal out of things many times and he fails. Despite his loyalty to King Henry and Queen Eleanor, his honor and personal code will not let him abandon Hal when he makes decisions that wrong and dangerous to everyone who follows the prince. He does his best to keep the young prince safe and away from those who are attempting to use him for their own means. This is a long novel but it's easy and enjoyable to read. While this is a fictional novel, it is based on history. You will come away with a greater understanding of the era in which William Marshall, King Henry, Queen Eleanor, Richard the Lionheart and many other historical figures lived. If you like this novel, you should read, "THE SCARLET LION", which continues the life of William Marshall, who will become the first Earl of Pembroke. While the author could have put Marshal's story in one novel, many people are overwhelmed by the idea of reading a book over 1100 pages long. I urge you to get them both at the same time, unless you are getting it for your Kindle, which downloads almost instantaneously. After reading this one, you will most likely want to read the second one without waiting for it to be delivered in the mail. Review: Starts slow but transforms into a page-turner, 4.5 stars... - The second son of John Marshal, Lord Marshal of England during the reign of King Stephen in the 12th century, William is a child whose renown and influence was destined to surpass his father -- yet his name remains lost to the popular, generally taught history of today. I know appallingly little of the Plantagenet kings, other than Richard I and Prince John's famous rivalry, which gave birth to one of my favorite legends -- that of Robin Hood. William's service to the Plantagenets spans four kings, and Chadwick begins her recreation of his life nearly forty years before Richard the Lionheart took the throne. As a child of five William's life was forfeit by his father, in rebellion against King Stephen, and only spared by Stephen's whim. His boyhood was spent apprenticed to his mother's cousin, training as a knight in Normandy. Though his career as a knight had an inauspicious start, riddled by insinuations of favoritism as a relative of his liege, William found his true mettle on the tourney field, winning acclaim and wealth. When the opportunity arose to join his uncle the Earl of Salisbury, in service to Eleanor of Acquitaine's household, his life becomes irrevocably entwined with the Plantagenet princes. The young princes, with stars in their eyes and dreams of power and valor -- dreams fed by William's faithful service, service that will cost the young knight more than he'd ever dreamed, but whose determination to live a life of loyalty and honor will see this second son's star leave an indelible impression on five tumultuous decades of English rule. I've seen glowing reviews of Chadwick's novels throughout the blogosphere, ever since Sourcebooks began re-releasing her novels in the States a few years ago. As I've recently been on something of a Tudor-era fictional kick, I thought it was past time to try one of her works. Roughly the first fifteen to twenty percent or so of the novel -- touching on William's childhood and then covering his youth as a squire in Normandy in more depth -- were a bit of a rough go for me. The narrative seemed sluggishly paced and William's youthful growing pains were frankly less than compelling reading. I confess that my absorption into the novel was somewhat further hampered by an error I made in perusing Chadwick's website, were she goes into some depth into her belief in the "Akashic Record" and her use of a "reader" in her research to tap into the feelings and sensations of those long dead somewhat distracting, as every time William "felt" something I was overcome with the urge to burst out laughing. But, my perception of this methodology as somewhat sketchy aside, I am SO glad I persevered, as The Greatest Knight proved to be a thoroughly absorbing read, and William Marshal a hero I'm most happy to have met within the pages of this novel. Chadwick's narrative gains traction when William finally joins Salisbury's household, his entrée into the rarefied and dangerous world of English royalty. His fine figure, courtly manner, and prowess as a knight earns him the favor of Queen Eleanor, leading to a lifelong friendship destined to weather the storms both endure in and out of royal favor, under-girt by William's unflagging loyalty and Eleanor's savvy judgement and fierce dedication to her sons' futures. I LOVED Chadwick's characterization of the legendary lady of Acquitaine. Her charisma, formidable will, and determination to remain unbowed in the face of imprisonment and warring sons is beautifully sketched on the page -- I couldn't be more thrilled to learn that in Chadwick's latest trilogy, Eleanor takes center stage. William's time as head of the Young King Henry's household, Henry II's heir, proves to be a crucible in which he learn the cost of loyalty and court politics, as Henry II and his heir apparent spend over a decade quarreling over the Young King's desire to exercise his right to rule -- a right his father was loathe to cede to in any measure. The young Henry's death sparks a crisis of conscience in William's life, spurring a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and a personal moral reset. Forsaking the fame of tourney life and artfully playing the game of court politics, William's unflagging loyalty and strength of purpose sees him rewarded with new honors, culminating in marriage to Isabelle de Clare, heiress to the earldom of Pembroke. As a man who had thought never to marry, I LOVED their story. Though over two decades her senior, their marriage appears to have grown into a love match, resulting in ten children and a true marital partnership, the likes of which was rare in the 12th century. Though hampered by a slow start, The Greatest Knight proved to be a rewarding portrait of a refreshingly honest hero. Far from perfect, William Marshal was nevertheless notable for his unflagging loyalty and devotion in the face of persecution and failure. This is likely the most principled man I've ever met within the pages of a book, and though far from perfect through Chadwick's characterization he is nevertheless a refreshingly honorable hero. Chadwick does an excellent job packing the narrative with the flavor of the time period, from descriptions of food and clothing to the political intrigue that would challenge William's honor and resolve time and again throughout his life. I do feel that the book is somewhat hurt by its scope -- even clocking in at nearly 600 pages, to cover over four decades in a life so packed, so well lived, seems rushed. That said, I ultimately found this first volume illuminating William's extraordinary story fascinating, page-turning reading -- the final third in particular is SO GOOD. William Marshal seems to have defined the phrase a life well lived, and I am so looking forward to learning more of this man and his family in Chadwick's sequel, The Scarlet Lion! ## Technical Specifications | Specification | Value | |---------------|-------| | Best Sellers Rank | #2,057,667 in Books ( See Top 100 in Books ) #280 in Medieval Historical Fiction (Books) #917 in Biographical Historical Fiction #52,081 in Literary Fiction (Books) | | Customer Reviews | 4.5 out of 5 stars 2,963 Reviews | ## Images ![The Greatest Knight: The Unsung Story of the Queen's Champion (William Marshal) - Image 1](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/71FOVYSTY-L.jpg) ## Customer Reviews ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ AN ENTERTAING & ENJOYABLE NOVEL(4.5 STARS) (FEW SPOILERS) *by L***E on September 26, 2012* If you like the novels of Sharon Kay Penman and Phillipa Gregory, you should enjoy this one. I think this is better than some novels from authors that write in this genre and time period. Elizabeth Chadwick has written a very good tale, with well-drawn characters and she does a great job in immersing the reader in the twelfth centaury. From the rigors of defending a castle under siege ,the sounds and smell from burning villages, the action and injuries that occur during tournaments, and many other details you feel transported back into this turbulent era. William Marshall was a hero, as was his father. (For more detail on John Marshall, Williams father, read "A PLACE BEYOND COURAGE, by Ms. Chadwick). Not many men who love their family will risk having a child killed while he is being held hostage by the enemy, because of his honor. His father had pledged his support to a dying king's daughter right inherit to the throne. When his son, William is captured by Stephen, who has usurped the throne, he is held as a hostage to ensure that his father will not continue his support of Matilda and her followers. If his father continues to support Matilda and her son, Henry, he will kill young William. He realizes that even if his son is not killed he may end up having his father for keeping his word and endangering him. William manages to charm Stephen who cannot bring himself to kill the child. When Stephen releases him, he returns home. Far from hating his father, he admires his father for adhering to his principles and keeping his oath William continues to live a charmed life. As the younger son, he has two choices, the church or knighthood. After many years as a squire, he finds himself in the right place and time to save Queen Eleanor. This action gains her favoritism, he is appointed to teach and advise her sons in the arts of fighting and chivalry. In time, he becomes an advisor to Hal, who is the heir to the throne. Hal has many faults, he is too charming, impetuous, spoiled and easily led astray be the advice of those who are looking out for themselves. Not William, he tries to talk Hal out of things many times and he fails. Despite his loyalty to King Henry and Queen Eleanor, his honor and personal code will not let him abandon Hal when he makes decisions that wrong and dangerous to everyone who follows the prince. He does his best to keep the young prince safe and away from those who are attempting to use him for their own means. This is a long novel but it's easy and enjoyable to read. While this is a fictional novel, it is based on history. You will come away with a greater understanding of the era in which William Marshall, King Henry, Queen Eleanor, Richard the Lionheart and many other historical figures lived. If you like this novel, you should read, "THE SCARLET LION", which continues the life of William Marshall, who will become the first Earl of Pembroke. While the author could have put Marshal's story in one novel, many people are overwhelmed by the idea of reading a book over 1100 pages long. I urge you to get them both at the same time, unless you are getting it for your Kindle, which downloads almost instantaneously. After reading this one, you will most likely want to read the second one without waiting for it to be delivered in the mail. ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐ Starts slow but transforms into a page-turner, 4.5 stars... *by R***N on August 25, 2013* The second son of John Marshal, Lord Marshal of England during the reign of King Stephen in the 12th century, William is a child whose renown and influence was destined to surpass his father -- yet his name remains lost to the popular, generally taught history of today. I know appallingly little of the Plantagenet kings, other than Richard I and Prince John's famous rivalry, which gave birth to one of my favorite legends -- that of Robin Hood. William's service to the Plantagenets spans four kings, and Chadwick begins her recreation of his life nearly forty years before Richard the Lionheart took the throne. As a child of five William's life was forfeit by his father, in rebellion against King Stephen, and only spared by Stephen's whim. His boyhood was spent apprenticed to his mother's cousin, training as a knight in Normandy. Though his career as a knight had an inauspicious start, riddled by insinuations of favoritism as a relative of his liege, William found his true mettle on the tourney field, winning acclaim and wealth. When the opportunity arose to join his uncle the Earl of Salisbury, in service to Eleanor of Acquitaine's household, his life becomes irrevocably entwined with the Plantagenet princes. The young princes, with stars in their eyes and dreams of power and valor -- dreams fed by William's faithful service, service that will cost the young knight more than he'd ever dreamed, but whose determination to live a life of loyalty and honor will see this second son's star leave an indelible impression on five tumultuous decades of English rule. I've seen glowing reviews of Chadwick's novels throughout the blogosphere, ever since Sourcebooks began re-releasing her novels in the States a few years ago. As I've recently been on something of a Tudor-era fictional kick, I thought it was past time to try one of her works. Roughly the first fifteen to twenty percent or so of the novel -- touching on William's childhood and then covering his youth as a squire in Normandy in more depth -- were a bit of a rough go for me. The narrative seemed sluggishly paced and William's youthful growing pains were frankly less than compelling reading. I confess that my absorption into the novel was somewhat further hampered by an error I made in perusing Chadwick's website, were she goes into some depth into her belief in the "Akashic Record" and her use of a "reader" in her research to tap into the feelings and sensations of those long dead somewhat distracting, as every time William "felt" something I was overcome with the urge to burst out laughing. But, my perception of this methodology as somewhat sketchy aside, I am SO glad I persevered, as The Greatest Knight proved to be a thoroughly absorbing read, and William Marshal a hero I'm most happy to have met within the pages of this novel. Chadwick's narrative gains traction when William finally joins Salisbury's household, his entrée into the rarefied and dangerous world of English royalty. His fine figure, courtly manner, and prowess as a knight earns him the favor of Queen Eleanor, leading to a lifelong friendship destined to weather the storms both endure in and out of royal favor, under-girt by William's unflagging loyalty and Eleanor's savvy judgement and fierce dedication to her sons' futures. I LOVED Chadwick's characterization of the legendary lady of Acquitaine. Her charisma, formidable will, and determination to remain unbowed in the face of imprisonment and warring sons is beautifully sketched on the page -- I couldn't be more thrilled to learn that in Chadwick's latest trilogy, Eleanor takes center stage. William's time as head of the Young King Henry's household, Henry II's heir, proves to be a crucible in which he learn the cost of loyalty and court politics, as Henry II and his heir apparent spend over a decade quarreling over the Young King's desire to exercise his right to rule -- a right his father was loathe to cede to in any measure. The young Henry's death sparks a crisis of conscience in William's life, spurring a pilgrimage to the Holy Land and a personal moral reset. Forsaking the fame of tourney life and artfully playing the game of court politics, William's unflagging loyalty and strength of purpose sees him rewarded with new honors, culminating in marriage to Isabelle de Clare, heiress to the earldom of Pembroke. As a man who had thought never to marry, I LOVED their story. Though over two decades her senior, their marriage appears to have grown into a love match, resulting in ten children and a true marital partnership, the likes of which was rare in the 12th century. Though hampered by a slow start, The Greatest Knight proved to be a rewarding portrait of a refreshingly honest hero. Far from perfect, William Marshal was nevertheless notable for his unflagging loyalty and devotion in the face of persecution and failure. This is likely the most principled man I've ever met within the pages of a book, and though far from perfect through Chadwick's characterization he is nevertheless a refreshingly honorable hero. Chadwick does an excellent job packing the narrative with the flavor of the time period, from descriptions of food and clothing to the political intrigue that would challenge William's honor and resolve time and again throughout his life. I do feel that the book is somewhat hurt by its scope -- even clocking in at nearly 600 pages, to cover over four decades in a life so packed, so well lived, seems rushed. That said, I ultimately found this first volume illuminating William's extraordinary story fascinating, page-turning reading -- the final third in particular is SO GOOD. William Marshal seems to have defined the phrase a life well lived, and I am so looking forward to learning more of this man and his family in Chadwick's sequel, The Scarlet Lion! ### ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ The Greatest Knight: Historical Fiction At Its Best *by W***N on October 12, 2014* William Marshal is a forgotten footnote in British history but his story is a metaphor for 12th Century England and the consequences of the Norman Conquest. If Don Quixote shows all that was wrong with chivalry, The Greatest Knight demonstrates all that could be right about this code of honor. Elizabeth Chadwick turns Twelfth Century British society, with all of its light and darkness, into a movie that a reader can touch, smell, hear, and fully experience. She manages to grasp the details and essence of both the insanity and necessity of feudal culture, with the reader bearing witness to it all. We are led from Marshal's near hanging as a failed hostage for his father's lack of loyalty to his knighting with royal largess. Then he faces the reality of knighthood and is forced to barter his royal gifts for sustenance. Chadwick did her homework well. Royalty needed knights to wage their internecine wars and knights were he tank divisions of their day. But the strife only lasted a few years at best, leaving landless knights penniless lesser nobility, constantly searching for a new master or a new war. To keep their fighting skills sharp and to show off their combat skills, knights turned to tournaments, Henry banned these contests in England, so English Knights who could afford the passage flocked to France where tourneys were common. In addition to keeping their skills honed and demonstrating their prowess, tournaments added the prospect for wealth if a combatant could secure a rich hostage or win the eye of a wealthy royal. Into this society strode William Marshal, the proverbial penniless knight. Many of us might gag at the food offered at royal banquets. Of course they lacked freezers and microwaves, making leftovers problematic. Chadwick provides us with insights into the results of this lack of sanitary food preparation and storage. Armies become decimated and individuals die horribly from tainted food. Nobody is spared, regardless of wealth or position. These details are wrapped into the narrative so well written that the reader takes them as a seamless part of the story. Given the accuracy of the events and details of every day life, this novel was more informative and interesting than a college degree in Twelfth Century Medieval English History. Read it before taking your exams. It's probably more accurate than your notes and definitely more readable and exciting. This book is well worth reading as a great story as well as a great example of historical fiction at its best. --- ## Why Shop on Desertcart? - 🛒 **Trusted by 1.3+ Million Shoppers** — Serving international shoppers since 2016 - 🌍 **Shop Globally** — Access 737+ million products across 21 categories - 💰 **No Hidden Fees** — All customs, duties, and taxes included in the price - 🔄 **15-Day Free Returns** — Hassle-free returns (30 days for PRO members) - 🔒 **Secure Payments** — Trusted payment options with buyer protection - ⭐ **TrustPilot Rated 4.5/5** — Based on 8,000+ happy customer reviews **Shop now:** [https://www.desertcart.sn/products/11041564-the-greatest-knight-the-unsung-story-of-the-queens-champion](https://www.desertcart.sn/products/11041564-the-greatest-knight-the-unsung-story-of-the-queens-champion) --- *Product available on Desertcart Senegal* *Store origin: SN* *Last updated: 2026-09-14*