Edward I of England will always be remembered as the "Hammer of the Scots" who condemned William Wallace to a traitor's death in 1297. But Edward was one of England's greatest statesman-kings. In this short biography the British historian, Thomas Frederick Tout writes of Edward that he was "a man of unusual and commanding height," lean and powerful, who, despite a slight stammer, was able to "speak with a simple and natural eloquence that often moved his susceptible auditors to tears." Edward conquered...

Part of the Twelve English Statesmen series of books. Edward I, was one of the greatest of the medieval monarchs, driven either by a deep commitment to the well being of his people, or a fierce determination to enhance his own power, depending on your viewpoint. He began the unification of the United Kingdom, and left a string of impressive monuments, in the shape of the castles that line the countryside. - Summary by Cavaet