"Unruly: The Ridiculous History of England's Kings and Queens" by David Mitchell

Unruly: The Ridiculous History of England’s Kings and Queens (Oct. 3, 2023) by David Mitchell.

            Do you fancy yourself knowledgeable in the history of England’s kings and queens? Do you reflect on the reigns of Anglo-Saxon kings like Ceolwulf of Northumbria, Aethelwulf of Wessex or Aethelred, also of Wessex? Or do you prefer England’s first kings like Athelstan, Sweyn Forkbeard or Harthacnut? You were thinking about Henry VIII or Elizabeth I or Bloody Mary, weren’t you? “Unruly” will subject its readers to an exploration of England’s very earliest monarchs, one of whom certainly didn’t exist (King Arthur) to others that may not have actually existed (like Vortigern, Aescwine, Icel and Cerdic) to those who definitely did exist (like the line of Plantagenets). The history is bloody, gory, backstabbing and violent, which surprises no one. Also no surprise? That all of these rulers were a bunch of long-ago lucky people trying to rule a piece of the world where lines of conquer battled back-and-forth as each ruler vied for the most glory. The rulers were feared for good reason (lots of executions), but they’re a bunch of narcissists who display terrible self-control, engage heavily in uncivil wars and pretty much declare themselves divine. It’s a mess, and Mitchell isn’t letting England off the hook for any of it!

            Ridiculous history at its most regal! So opulent, so refined. Okay, mostly it’s bloody and violent with more than one king battling the runs before succumbing to dysentery. There is no king or (rare) queen that you want to root for. From the perspective of someone who’s not English (or British/Welsh/etc.) and is certainly no monarchist, this nonfiction novel is wildly amusing, cleverly written, irreverently glorious and knife sharp. Mitchell, an actor and comedian, is also, clearly, a skilled historian. Far from boring, Mitchell takes this vast swath of brutal history and makes it entertaining and laugh-out-loud funny even as it’s steeped in deep, historical knowledge. I mean, how can you not be drawn in by lines like, “Apart from seizing the throne and having his nephews murdered, Richard seems comparatively nice” (p. 340)? Mitchell breathes freshness into what might otherwise be dusty, super dated history with jocularity and erudition. It truly is a funny book that takes history seriously.

            P.S. I took many notes, too many to post, even in the Comments section. I would happily own this book (*library checkout*).

            P.P.S. “Unruly” ends with Elizabeth I’s reign in 1603. Mitchell has covered England’s medieval history. There’s been plenty of history between then and 2023, meaning I’d love a sequel. However, he says in the last couple pages, “...kings and queens become less dominant after 1603 – not immediately, but relatively swiftly. This book is about rulers and, by covering them, the political story of the age is more or less told.” (p. 402) So, perhaps I won’t hold out too much hope for a sequel.