Summer of Blood Audiobook By Dan Jones cover art

Summer of Blood

England's First Revolution

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Summer of Blood

By: Dan Jones
Narrated by: Matthew Lloyd Davies
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From the New York Times best-selling author of Crusaders and a top authority on the historical events that inspired Game of Thrones, a vivid, blood-soaked account of one of the most famous rebellions in history - the first mass uprising by the people of England against their feudal masters.

In the summer of 1381, ravaged by poverty and oppressed by taxes, the people of England rose up and demanded that their voices be heard. A ragtag army, led by the mysteri­ous Wat Tyler and the visionary preacher John Ball, rose up against the 14-year-old Richard II and his most powerful lords and knights, who risked their property and their lives in a desperate battle to save the English crown. Dan Jones brings this incendiary moment to life and captures both the idealism and brutality of that fate­ful summer, when a brave group of men and women dared to challenge their overlords, demand that they be treated equally, and fight for freedom.

©2016 Dan Jones (P)2021 Penguin Audio Europe Great Britain Medieval Western Middle Ages Western Europe England Medieval England

Critic reviews

“Hot, brave and reeking with gore.” (The Times, London)

“Sound scholarship and sexy writing make this...essential reading.” (The Independent, London, Book of the Year)
Engaging History • Fascinating Prose • Vivid Storytelling • Accessible Language • Educational Content
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I am a history nerd. I have been reading (listening to, as well) historical fiction for almost two decades. I lot of the historical fiction I consume is about England and Western Europe.
I have listened to four Dan Jones historical books this year, to better understand the real history behind the books I listen to.

This book was interesting enough to keep my ADHD brain focused, with Dan Jones himself, doing a great job at the narration.

Well narrated and interesting

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Having previously read with pleasure the account of the Wars of the Roses by Jones, I’m now looking forward to his book on the entire period of Plantagenet reign, rounding out an insightful picture of an important part of British history.

An historic event revealed in depth and detail in excellent prose.

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I’ve read most of Dan Jones books. I think this is one of the best!

One of his best

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I enjoyed listening to this story. The author made the events seem to come to life. I could see in my minds eye the events as they unfolded. He made each part real to me and gave me a better understand what happened during the Summer of Blood!

Another great story from history

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This is a history, not historical fiction, but written in such a way that it is also a great story. The intro is dry, but once you get into the actual book, it moves quite quickly. Looking forward to his reading his other books.

Really enjoyed

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I think the point is to listen to the audiobook? Maybe, I could be wrong.

Why is the narrator breathless?

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Typical Dan Jones (which for me is a good thing). An easy listen. Good story that many do not know. Worthwhile listen.

Good story for people who enjoy English history

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History that reads like fiction. A reader that brings the words to life. Excellent on every count.

Outstanding

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I prepurchased this book in anticipation. I thoroughly enjoy Dan Brown’s genius for turning the most dusty stories into fascinating prose. However, the reader selected here is an unmitigated disaster. He is under the impression that he is reading bedtime stories to 5 year olds. 100% inappropriate choice. I cannot finish the book. And I feel ripped off. I had heard from two podcast sources that he would again be narrating his own work. Maybe there is another version. Just not the one automatically downloaded to my library.
This is appalling.

Cheated out of SUMMER OF BLOOD

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This is an interesting but disapointing history. I certainly learned about the peasants' revolt, but the author is remarkably unskeptical of his sources, especially when they seem most suspect. For example, royal accounts of rebel leaders as deranged and lurid probably make for a more exciting story, but I would have more confidence in the history if Dan Jones was at least a little skeptical. These issues became more pronounced as the book progressed.

A disapointing history

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