5 out of 5 stars
On Amazon (universal link)
On Goodreads
How I discovered this book: Already reading this series
In a Nutshell: The later life of Richard III
Excellent book, this one. Probably my favourite of the series. It starts with the aftermath of Edward IV's death, and ends at the Battle of Bosworth Field.
Much of this story deals with the fate of Edward V and his brother, the 'Princes in the Tower', and does much to dismiss early portrayals of Richard as a demonic fiend who probably murdered his own nephews and poisoned his wife. The scenarios put forward by this author are completely feasible and sound a good deal more likely. Of course the period of the Wars of the Roses was turbulent and dangerous indeed, with so much treason, nobles turning their coats according to whichever cause would benefit them the most; the impression I got was that Richard did what he had to do, but only when he really had to. Looking at the claims to the throne, it does appear that the Yorkist one was the most valid.
The development of Richard's personality was so cleverly written, as he grew in confidence and became more comfortable within his role as king.
I loved the research that has clearly gone into this book, particularly that about Northampton, near the beginning. I lived there for 40 years, and was most interested to see that names of some streets date this far back (Gold Street, Marefair, Sheep Street, the Drapery, Greyfriars). The 'Guild of the Holy Rood' (I have a friend who lives in Holyrood Road). The abbey of St Mary De La Pre (an area of the town is called Delapre). Oh, and the Bantam Cock pub, which kept its name until the end of the last century. In this area is the Queen Eleanor Cross, also mentioned; a marker on the funeral procession for Edward I's beloved wife.
This is a first class series, highly recommended if you are as fascinated by this period in history as I am.
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