[NitramNella]

Dear Forum

Joined today and looking forward to broadening my historical horizons. Briefly, hated history at school. Developed a passion for it in my late twenties and early thirties and now it fascinates me completely. First passion is local history.

I was born and bred in Lewes, East Sussex and anyone who know anything about this little medieval town will know that true Lewesians are a strange bohemian, slightly maverick sort. We even have our own currency. Think Passport to Pimlico and you kind of get the idea.

I am fascinated by local history in particular and was hoping someone might be able to recommend a good book about the Battle of Lewes and/or Simon de Montfort. I notice one entitled The Second Barons' War but before parting with a not insignificant sum of money for a book, I was hoping for a particular recommendation. Whilst I read a lot of articles online and pick up snippets when visiting local museums, I really want to get a better, deeper understanding of the Battle's history.

My preferred reading style is one that is easy on the brain, without being patronising or dumbing-down. I like my books to be stimulating, riveting and inspiring rather than plain, drawn-out and turgid. Enhancing Illustrations, paintings and maps are always welcome to break the monotony of the written word. Immense, intense and lengthy chapters not so.

If anyone can recommend an enthralling read on this matter or has read The Second Barons' War and can give an opinion as to its merits, that would be much appreciated.

Kind regards