In the fifteenth century it was Henry’s grandfather, Edward III, who was regarded as the model for greatness: a man who took the war to France and Scotland and won, and who presided over peace at home for half a century. Henry IV was not deemed ‘great’ by his contemporaries for the simple reason that he failed to live up to this example.

— Ian Mortimer The Fears of Henry IV: The Life of England's Self-made King (2007)

More quotes by Ian Mortimer

The Fears of Henry IV: The Life of England's Self-made King (2007)

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The Fears of Henry IV: The Life of England's Self-made King (2007)

The Fears of Henry IV: The Life of England's Self-made King (2007)

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