3 Review(s)

Part of the Rolls Series of publications of historical documents in the public domain, this two-volume collection, published 1862-6, brings together the most interesting and important correspondence of Henry III, his Court, the nobility and bishops. Transcribed from the fragile originals in the Public Record Office, the letters are given in the original Latin. A chronological table provides dates and details of each letter with a short summary of its contents in English. The editor, Walter Waddington Shirley (1828-66), started his academic career as a mathematician, and ended it as Regius Professor of Ecclesiastical History and Canon at Christ Church, Oxford. This volume covers the period of Henry's reign to 1235. The letters offer insights into Henry's foreign and domestic policy and show the boy king coming of age and making his mark on his realm.