About the Author

Pierre Chaplais is editor of numerous editions of English historical documents, including English Medieval Diplomatic Practice, Parts I & II (H.M.S.O., 1975, 1982), English Royal Documents, King John to Henry VI (Clarendon Press, 1971), and Essays in Medieval Diplomacy and Administration (Hambledon Press, 1981). He lives in Bampton, Oxfordshire.

Reviews

`scrupulous study'
The Times
'The arguments are scholarly.'
James Mildren, Western Morning News
'Pierre Chaplais's profound understanding of documents and their seals ultimately derives from a fascination with detail of this kind. His work brings us uniquely close to the practices and procedures of English medieval administration.'
Times Literary Supplement
`Pierre Chaplais is the master of English diplomatic history, and he displays his erudition in some magnificent vignettes...Chaplais' diplomatic skills allay the confusion over the date of Gaveston's final return from exile...Chaplais also clarifies the date of the papal bull absolving Gaveston of excommunication...We can but thank Chaplais for the insights he so ably has provided.'
Albion
`A highly original reappraisal of the role of Piers Gaveston in English and of his personal relationship with Edward II.'
The Medieval World
`an unusual book'
The English Historical Review
`Chaplais brings out interesting new evidence to demonstrate just how completely Edward trusted his alter ego.'
Scott L. Waugh, University of Callifornia, Los Angeles, Speculum - A Journal of Medieval Studies, Apr, 1996
Pierre Chaplais s well known as a leading authority on the diplomatic and administrative history of late-medieval England, and he is also a highly respected paleographer. His analysis of the dating and decoration of the charter granting the earldom of Cornwall to Gaveston is fascinating. Regardless of whether his novel interpretation of the relationship between king and favorite is accepted, this slim volume will remain a model iof insightful scholarship.