Book Description
"Weir does a masterful job of leading the layman through the entwined family trees of England's powerful families and the many usurpers to the throne. . . . [She] has perfected the art of bringing history to life."
--Chicago Tribune
Lancaster and York. For much of the fifteenth century, these two families were locked in battle for control of the British throne. Kings were murdered and deposed. Armies marched on London. Old noble names were ruined while rising dynasties seized power and lands. The war between the royal Houses of Lancaster and York, the longest and most complex in British history, profoundly altered the course of the monarchy.
Alison Weir, one of the foremost authorities on the British royal family, brings brilliantly to life both the war itself and the historic figures who fought it on the great stage of England. The Wars of the Roses is history at its very best--swift and compelling, rich in character, pageantry, and drama, and vivid in its re-creation of an astonishing, dangerous, and often grim period of history.
"[A] spellbinding chronicle. . . Weir's dark, glorious pageant restores the personal dimension to an oft-told tale without losing sight of a war that shattered feudalism, paved the way for capitalism and weakened the monarchy."
--Publishers Weekly
"[Weir is] skilled at delineating the many memorable characters of the age. . . . It's a tribute to her skill that she leaves you wanting more."
--The Cleveland Plain Dealer
AN ALTERNATE SELECTION OF THE BOOK-OF-THE-MONTH CLUB
Customer Reviews:
War of The Roses.......2007-10-07
This book was helpful showing the root causes of the War of Roses in the 14th Century. Edward III had a plethora of sons. The most qualified to be king was 4th in line; John of Gaunt. Due to primogeniture the chance of him gaining the throne were slim in his lifetime. His descendants, legitimate and illegitimate had other ideas. Edmund of York's progeny were ambitious and had claims. Edward the Black Prince, heir to the throne, died prematurely. His son became King Richard II. He died without issue. The reader was able to follow so far.
It was more difficult to keep up afterwards because the geneology tables, in the appendix, were illegible. The author's opinion on King Richard III's role on the death of his two nephews detracted from this account. I am not a Richard partisan or detractor. she had this as an open and shut no questions asked case. An unbiased historian would have him on the suspect list, but, there is a reasonable shadow of a doubt. I know that the author goes into length in the sequelThe Princes in the Tower. Another excellent account is Josephine Tey'sThe Daughter of Time. I know it's fiction but she cites available sources for research.
The author showed that King Henry VI was well meaning but the wrong monarch at the wrong time. I had thought that Henry VI was born 500 years too early. You could envision him supporting causes and other duties expected of today's British royalty. His wife, Margaret of Anjou, was shown to be so blinkered by focusing on preserving her family's position to the detriment of the Britain as a whole. King Edward IV was done well. This was helpful in following history, bringing to life the key players.
I will probably read other accounts of The Wars of the Roses. This is a biased, but readable, perspective.
So many names and titles.......2007-06-01
Really interesting period of English history is covered thoroughly by Ms. Weir. There are, however, so very many characters it becomes sometimes difficult to know to whom the author is referring. For instance, the "Duke of York" is frequently mentioned in the book, but WHICH Duke of York is she referring to (since there was more than one)?
Many of the Royals have names and titles; she freely uses a name without the title, or vice versa, making it a bit confusing to know who she's talking about, and it's necessary to thumb back to previous pages to figure this out. Even though a lineage chart is provided at the end of the book (and it's quite helpful), the print is so small as to require a magnifying glass. A little bit more clarity with all these names and titles would be helpful, but this is a History Book.
clear narrative weaves through complex times........2007-02-12
the wars of the roses (bout one: the house of lancaster vs. the house of york. bout two: the house of york vs. the house of tudor.) cover a very complex time in english history. i have read 5 books so far that cover this era, and alison weir's is by far the best at bringing the big picture into focus. it is also the best narrative. she makes this tangled mess of an era into a great story. this was a history book that i actually loved reading. highly, highly recommended.
Traipsing thru history.......2007-01-22
As a big fan of English history, I enjoy much of Alison Weir's work. This effort, however, did little to help clarify or enlighten the dynastic feuding and historical impact/importance of the "wars of the roses." While exhaustive in factual detail, Weir's gift for storytelling is absent here and the book quickly becomes a plodding read, unlike the richly coloured saga I'd hoped to discover.
Readable, entertaining account.......2006-02-03
A well presented volume that is easy and pleasant to read despite the 400+ pages. Not a lot of philosophical pondering but a straightforward blow by blow chronology. There are relatively few illustrations and only one map. Some maps of the battlefields would be nice but the details of the battles are broad enough that it is not a real problem. Genealogical tables are included and necessary though the writing is a bit small for these tired old eyes. The book ends with the defeat of Lancaster (hope I am not giving anything away) and does not cover the subsequent conflict among the Yorkists and defeat by Henry Tudor as detailed in Shakespeare's Richard III.
Book Description
"The reader is left with the haunting sensation that perhaps the good a man does can live after him--especially in the hands of a dedicated historian."
SAN DIEGO UNION
In this stirring historical novel, Sharon Kay Penman redeems Richard III from his villainous role in history as the hulking, evil hunchback. This dazzling recreation of his life is filled with the sights and sounds of battle, and the passions of the highborn. Most of all, it brings to life a gifted man whose greatest sin was that he held principles too firmly for the times in which he lived, and loved too deeply to survive love's loss.
Customer Reviews:
couldn't put it down.......2007-09-16
I'm not a fan of historical fiction. I picked this up cheap somewhere and it sat around for a year or two before I dove in. Hesitant to start, I couldn't put it down once I got going. It was one of those "you don't want it to end books".
I've read a fair amount about the Wars of Roses (time frame of this novel) and felt like I was getting a great story and a re-cap of good history to boot. I'm not an authority but the history seems fairly spot-on. The author has some notes regarding her few changes at the book's end.
One sided? Yes. She's a Richard fan, no doubt. I lean toward the Richard camp anyway. I don't agree 100% with a few things but that's ok. The story works and maybe she is right about all of it. You'll like the either way. On more than one occasion I found myself wanting to jump in the story and lend a hand (as if I was could!). It gets that exciting. The main characters are well developed and to be fair, you heart will go out the Lancastrian as well as the Yorkist.
If your interested in the Wars of the Roses, medieval history, or good old family warfare (this beats Godfather stuff any day), go for it.
Great Revisionist History.......2007-09-03
A thoroughly enjoyable and enlightening read. I love the way she makes the characters come alive. No cardboard cut outs here! By making over Richard, one gets a more balanced picture of what might have happened. The supporting cast--Buckingham, Hastings, Elizabeth, etc.--are well drawn, too, and the complexity of the period is brought out in an exciting way. Loved it!
Fabulous, thorough, historically accurate novel.......2007-06-26
Though a novel, THE SUNNE IN SPLENDOUR accurately reflects the times (approx. 1459-1485). The story is sympathetic toward Richard III, but it is less romanticized than some other fiction in this category.
If memory serves (I read the book awhile ago.), it treats the disappearance of the princes as a murder - one committed by the Duke of Buckingham without Richard's knowledge or consent. I think this scenario is unlikely, but the work is fiction, and no one knows what happened for certain.
While the novel centers around Richard, readers also will learn about Edward IV, who reigned during most of the time period covered by the book. You will also learn about the disputes between the Houses of York and Lancaster, as well as the role of the French, and to a lesser extent, the role of Burgundy during the Wars of the Roses.
Penman is an awesome storyteller - strong character development, credible blend of fact and fiction, engrossing writing style.
The best of Penman's fabulous historical fiction.......2007-05-17
I love all of Penman's historical fiction, and I think this is the best one. What more can I say...it's in a class all its own.
Excellent writer; Excellent story; not a single dull page.......2007-05-17
This was my first time to read Sharon Kay Penman. She's the best. The other reviews will tell you about the story. I'm just wanting to brag on the writer. This was her first novel which is set in 15th century England. Next she wrote a trilogy about 13th century England and Wales, Here Be Dragons, Falls the Shadow, and The Reckoning. They should be read in that order. I hope this review is helpful. I look forward to reading all of Sharon's books.
Book Description
Richard III is said to have murdered his nephews for their throne, but this second historical novel in the ROSE OF YORK series--winners of a remarkable ten awards--tells a different, well-documented, and dramatic story: A man of conscience, Richard is a reluctant king, forced into power and chosen by destiny to save a nation from bloody civil war.
Customer Reviews:
"No good ever came from visiting the past.".......2007-03-09
The second novel of Worth's Rose of York trilogy, Crown of Destiny covers a critical period of the life of Richard, Duke of Gloucester. Brother of Edward IV, Richard has remained in the background by choice as his brother sinks into increasing dissolution, the king's wife, Elizabeth Woodville, tainting the court with the venality of her actions on behalf of the Woodville family interests. To avoid the entrenched hostilities of Edward's realm, Richard removes his family to their estate at Middleham. It is there that Richard begins experimenting with a judicial system that treats all parties as equal before the law, laying the groundwork for a reign that will be defined by its reform of the judiciary and establishment of trial by jury before one's peers. Removed from the contentiousness of the court, Richard throws himself into his work with great enthusiasm, enjoying a peace he will not know again.
Edward argues violently with his brother, George, Duke of Clarence, thanks to the constant machinations of the queen, who never ceases to plot the downfall of her enemies. Although not of royal lineage, Bess harbors grand ambitions, not the least of which is to see her son succeed his father on the throne of England, the Dower Queen at his side. But first, George must be removed, both of Edward's brothers a threat. Richard stands by, helpless, the king deaf to his pleading, as George is accused of treason. Soon after George's death, the king falls ill and succumbs as well, even though he is in the prime of life. Even though Edward appointed Richard Lord Protector of the prince from his deathbed, the court teems with the schemes of those who would wrest the power from Richard. Assuming Edward's dying wishes will be honored, Richard accepts his task, but once more his naiveté blinds Richard to the intentions of those around him. Viewing the world in black and white, Richard is oblivious to the subtle nuances of human behavior, often escaping catastrophic results through the intervention of those around him who dare to speak the truth.
Nearly outwitted by the crafty Bess, Richard takes charge of Edward's young son, planning the boy's coronation. Then another shock: a document exists that may thrust Richard on the throne, saving England from more years of civil war. Caught in a moral conundrum not of his own making, Richard makes the most difficult decision of his life, showing a marked maturity and sense of history when dealing with the treasonous offenses plotted against him. He acts decisively, but once more Richard's natural inclination for fairness interferes with his judgment in dealing with traitors. Believing kindness will be repaid by loyalty, Richard pardons all but one of the offenders, assuming the best from those who are his sworn enemies. The die is cast and the reluctant king assumes the mantle, his brothers silent in their graves, as well as many of the loyal Neville's. Much maligned by the Tudor version of history, Worth's Richard III has not the coldhearted duplicity required to perform the heinous acts of which he has been accused over the years, an uncommonly just man who only wants peace and prosperity for his country. Richard will be tested during his reign, betrayed by the ambitions of those who call themselves friends. Luan Gaines/2007.
Great Entertainment and Great History.......2006-12-15
The many mysteries of the reign of King Richard III of England have occupied both popular fiction and academic writing for many years. Worth's fluid style makes the Rose of York series a pleasure to read, and those with a special interest in the period will especially appreciate her deft handling of the historical sources, to which she is absolutely faithful. It is especially gratifying to find that for once Richard's wife, Anne Neville, is not portrayed as a weak and ineffectual semi-invalid, but is instead shown holding court and dispensing patronage in her husband's absence in the grand tradition of the medieval noblewoman.
Worth skillfully develops secondary characters like John Neville, George of Clarence, Anthony Woodville and Henry Stafford, Duke of Buckingham. For example, Buckingham appears for the first time in Crown of Destiny at the wedding of the Edward IV's son Richard to Anne de Mowbray, one of the few times that the historical sources record that Richard and Buckingham met before Richard became Lord Protector upon his brother's death. Buckingham gained enormous influence with Richard in a very short time, a peculiar circumstance which Worth attributes to Richard's loneliness after the death of his beloved brother. One suspects that this influence will be a factor in the author's solution to the central mystery of Richard's reign, the question of whether he murdered his nephews in order to usurp the throne. But for that, readers will have to wait for the third book in the series, Fall From Grace. I, for one, am looking forward to it enormously!
Justice is All That is Left!.......2006-12-03
In discussing Sir Thomas Malory's account of King Arthur's knights, Richard of Gloucester says to Anthony Woodville that his favorite part is when Arthur slays Mordred. While this initial comment might lead a reader to think that Richard is again displaying his brutal character, as he is depicted in history, it would be wise to hear his amplification of that comment, "Justice is done." Woodville responds, "But justice comes at high cost. To get at Mordred, the King must sacrifice himself." Richard replies, "You miss the point. The cost of treachery is what's high. Justice is all that's left."
This lengthy interchange is worthy of significant notice as it parallels the main characteristic of Richard III as portrayed by Sandra Worth in this second novel of The Rose of York series about the King so often maligned in the accepted historical record. Yes, Sandra Worth and other Ricardian scholars and writers have come to a different conclusion - King Richard III always acted from a just and thoughtful analysis of the political facts and opinions available at the time in question.
For it is the audacious and despicable behavior of the Woodvilles against King Edward IV, Richard of Gloucester's brother, and the rest of the Plantaganet clan that almost undoes England's respectable relationships with Europe and almost destroys England itself with civil and political war. Richard watches his brother evolve from an idealistic, strong ruler to a deluded, drunk, blind, and irresponsible weakling totally unaware that his few murderous acts were leading to a disastrous end. As could be expected under such conditions, former loyal advisors and servants become as decadent as their leader because of their own lust for ambition and power. What an education for a future king - and how brilliantly this author portrays the individual as well as the political climate under which this all occurs.
So it is no small wonder that Richard becomes a man totally focused on justice - after watching his brothers and so many more murdered for base and mistaken reasons. His faithful and perceptive wife, Anne, can only comfort him so much but does help him preserve his sanity in the midst of even more horrific events. Indeed, he eventually even learns that his own family harbors momentous secrets that will affect the future of England and which he will not learn about until a most critical moment after his brother, Edward's, death - one for which his brother George was condemned to death by Edward.
Sandra Worth knows how to write superb historical fiction! The reader comes to appreciate the depth of Richard's character in taut suspense through the spare yet plot-driven tale quickly emerging under Worth's deft, depictive skills. With meticulous research, this author proceeds to engage the reader in truly understanding where the term "blind justice" originated and what it truly means in the life of a respectable and memorable political leader of amazing stature!
Congratulations, Sandra Worth! You have done it again with realistic and creative skill - and so much more! I can't wait to read the final novel in this noteworthy series, The Rose of York:Fall From Grace.
Reviewed by Viviane Crystal on September 4, 2006
Richard the Good!.......2006-11-05
I very much enjoyed this book, as I did the Crown of Destiny. Sandra Worth knows her stuff. Richard 111 is shown as a sympathetic character very much devoted to his older brother. In his time he was well loved, especially in the North of England. His nastiness was created by the Tudors and there is no contemporary docuentation regarding a withered arm or a hunchback. He was quite a warrior and it would have been impossible for him to wield the weapons of the time if he was physically challenged.
However, no one is perfect and it does appear that Richard had a slight case of paranoia. This may have gotten worse as he became older, thus he probably "lost it" once in a while - strawberries anyone?
I still prefer Sharon Penman's portrayal .of Richard, hence only 4 points
THE ROSE OF YORK: CROWN OF DESTINY Is A Worthy Read!.......2006-10-13
Pardon the pun, author's last name and well, you get it. This is the second in a trilogy by Sandra Worth detailing the life of Richard III. I found it to be much better reading than the first! The pace was much faster and I found myself with a REAL page turner in my hands!
In this novel Richard III is a conscientious, principled man and the author's story really brings this across. How difficult it must have been to become something you never wanted, King of England. Anne Neville, wife to Richard is also a courageous, strong willed person whose health was anything but. She also never desired to be a monarch, Queen, no less of England. Hers and Richard's lives were destined to be anything but what they truly desired. Their cherished but short lived privacy was shattered, especially when Richard accepted the crown. Their son's health was also a source of great joy but greater sorrow.
I vastly enjoyed this second novel in the trilogy and am very much looking forward to the third!
Book Description
The year is 1476, and after a hard winter hawking his wares through the ice and rain, Roger the Chapman is looking forward to spending Christmas in Bristol, enjoying the warm hearth and good food of his mother-in-law Margaret-even if it means the young widower will have to endure her constant matchmaking.
However, Margaret has barely introduced him to her cousin Adela when Roger's attentions are demanded elsewhere. The long-lost son of a wealthy Bristol weaver, presumed murdered on a visit to London six years before, has miraculously reappeared, to the delight of the old man and to the indignation of Alison Burnett, who refuses to believe that the bedraggled stranger is her brother Clement-the rightful heir to half her father's fortune. When Alison's violent objections provoke Alderman Weaver into disinheriting her altogether, she appeals to Roger's reputation as a solver of mysteries to prove her growing suspicions right.
Customer Reviews:
Will Roger fall in love again?.......2002-03-27
Another wonderful Roger the Chapman novel. This one is about an 8 out of 10 as the series goes mystery wise but well worth buying.
a brilliant and chilling read.......2001-09-01
"The Weaver's Inheritance" is a follow-up mystery novel to the very first Roger, the Chapman adventure, "Death and the Chapman." However, it is not necessary to have read that novel first, as Kate Sedley does a wonderful job of blending elements of that novel with this one, all the while keeping things fresh and interesting.
To summarize briefly, in "Death and the Chapman," Roger was asked by the wealthy Bristol weaver, Alderman Weaver, to locate his young wayward son, Clement, last seen outside a seedy London tavern. Not only was Roger unable to find young Clement, but all the indications were that Clement had met with a rather nasty end. Things have settled down quite a bit since then -- Alderman Weaver's sole surviving child, his daughter Alison has married another weaver, William Burnett, and the two businesses have merged, with Alison being the natural heir to this very prosperous enterprise. So that when a bedraggled stranger, with a passing resemblance to Clement, turns up claiming to be the long lost Weaver heir, Alison and William are naturally suspicious. The Alderman however is all set to accept this stranger as his long lost son. Aghast at the turn of events, Alison turns to Roger for help: she wants Roger to investigate the man's claims and to prove beyond all doubt that he is not her brother. Roger takes a little persuading but is soon busy calling on those who knew Clement before his disappearance to see if they can shed any light on the matter. But it isn't too long before he realises that in order to discover if the man currently residing in the Weaver household is truly Clement or not, he will have to return to London, to the stews and back into danger: for the best way to discover if this Clement is the true one or not is to discover what happened all those nights ago in London...
The Roger, the Chapman series by Kate Sedley is one of my favourite medieval mystery series, and is almost always, consistently good. Each murder mystery is almost always steeped in an atmosphere of chilling evil, and can be downright scary at times. Another thing I like about this series is that she always frames each Chapman adventure around the political maneuverings of the day -- Edward IV's tenuous hold on the crown, the manner in which the political doings abroad can affect things in England -- all this comes through in each and every Roger Chapman adventure. And of course there is Roger Chapman himself, one of the most unique private inquiry agents of all time: an ex-monk, who chose to become a peddler because he cannot bare to be indoors for more than a couple of days at a stretch, and whose intellect and natural ability to solve puzzles has earned him the respect and friendship of the Duke of Gloucester, no less. One of the strains that runs through each Chapman novel is the prevailing question: will Roger finally settle down and give up his wondering ways? As an avid fan, I can only hope that that day is far in the future, so that we can all enjoy more Roger, the Chapman adventures.
"The Weaver's Inheritance" is definitely a brilliant read, and one that will keep you guessing till the very end. Is the stranger the real Clement or not? Is there something more sinister to this Clement's sudden apperance? And why is Alison so sure that this man is not her brother? This mystery novel is full of twists and turns that will definitely keep any avid mystery fan happily engrossed for quite a while. A truly brilliant read.
Great historical mystery.......2001-08-23
In 1447 Bristol, widower Roger the Chapman leaves his two-year-old daughter behind with her grandmother to travel to Hereford. His mother-in-law wants Roger to bring home her cousin, widow Adela, and the woman's son to live with them. Upon completing his trek, Roger learns that Clement Weaver, assumed dead for six years, has also returned home.
Clement's father, ailing Alderman Alfred Weaver, accepts the man as his lost son. However, Alfred's daughter Alison and her spouse Alderman William Burnett refuse to believe that Clement is alive. Their thinking might have to do with the fact she is no longer the beneficiary of her father's vast estate when he dies. Adding to the confusion is the bewildering murder of a fortuneteller. Roger, who has solved some mysteries before, begins to look into whether this is the real Clement or an impostor and who killed the seer.
The eighth Roger the Chapman medieval mystery is a powerful historical who-done-it that keeps the star fresh while providing the audience a clever who-done-it. The story line contains insight into the late fifteenth century, but the plot belongs to the hero. Roger seems so authentic as he still feels guilt and relief with the death of his wife two years ago who died in child birth, but also has emotionally moved forward since THE BROTHERS OF GLASTONBURY. Kate Sedley has written another remarkable tale that her readers will cherish while newcomers will search for the past titles.
Harriet Klausner
Book Description
Set in Malory's England during the Wars of the Roses when the passions of a few determined the fate of a nation, this acclaimed winner of a remarkable eight awards tells the true story of two star-crossed lovers -- Richard of Gloucester and Lady Anne Neville -- before they become King and Queen. A stirring tale of romance and intrigue.
Customer Reviews:
novel.......2007-09-09
ordered for my daughter,(19), she loved it. shipping was very quick, book was in very good condition, just as discribed.
All Fiction, No History.......2007-07-04
I have read hundreds of historical novels, including many about Richard III, and I have to say this was the worst--I couldn't even finish it. Within the basic outline of the story as we know it, the author creates a series of improbable characters and scenes (the Earl of Warwick sailing his own ship????). Don't bother--read instead some of the really good historical fiction about Richard (Rosemary Hawley Jarman, Sharon Kay Penman, etc.).
The voice of dissent .......2007-06-05
I was supposed to love this book. Everyone told me I would love this book. I wanted to love this book, I tried to love this book and though everyone will hate me for posting this review I'm afraid I have to be the voice of dissent on this book. I did not love it. I did not like it. I know that most of the reviews for it have been stunning, and I just don't understand why. To me the writing seems overly simplistic, even childish, and I just could not get interested in the story. Everybody had such a clear role in it, the hero, the hero's mentor, the heroin, the cruel older brother....
I just don't see what people liked about this. I didn't find it romantic or exciting, in fact, I couldn't even finish it.
Two stars.
Great introduction to the Ricardian viewpoint.......2007-06-04
This book introduced me to the controversy surrounding Richard III. Was he a villian or a fair-minded leader? Did he kill (or sanction the killing of) his nephews - the would-be Edward V and his brother, Richard - or was he framed after his death by those who supported Henry Tudor?
For this introduction, I'm grateful. Otherwise Shakespeare's Richard III was my only point of reference.
However, Worth is no Sharon Kay Penman. After reading the 1st volume in the Worth series, I picked up THE SUNNE IN SPLENDOUR. It's a far superior book. While it too paints Richard III in a favorable light, it remains true to history - at least as we know and understand it today.
THE ROSE OF YORK reads like a historical romance. At the time, knowing nothing about the subject except for the Shakespeare play and this book, I kept wondering if the truth about Richard lie somewhere in between the villian and the saint.
My recommendation is, if you favor romance over history, read THE ROSE OF YORK. But if you prefer historical fiction, read THE SUNNE IN SPLENDOUR. While biased (as any interpretation of history is) in favor of Richard, it relates much about the times and events that is accurate.
Richard III: History made fun..........2007-05-23
Upon reading other comments about this book, I seem to be looking at it from a different perspective. Most of what I've read in the genre of European historical fiction was such drudgery--stuffed with page after page of verbose, lifeless details that I was tempted to skip over. I am not normally a fan of this genre.
I met the author, Sandra Worth, at one of her book signings. She has a passion for this subject that is contagious. I took THE ROSE OF YORK: LOVE & WAR, the first of this series, home with me and have read it twice.
Worth does a great job of juggling a dizzying number of characters and events, some of whom have similar names. A couple of times I was confused, but there is a convenient family tree in the front. The incredible contrasts--evil and compassion, beauty and ugliness, chivalry and incivility--lend this story a texture that spans from one extreme to the other. I found these ironic contrasts most fascinating. Worth describes the darker parts of young Richard's life in words that paint disgusting pictures yet somehow are not vulgar; the uplifting parts follow a path of beautiful prose that is akin to poetry. That I, not being in any way a fan of romance, can appreciate this is remarkable!
This is one of the most carefully edited books I've seen in the last few years, with a conservative layout and just enough British flavour to make it feel authentic.
I understand why the serious historian--the fellow with a PhD in History--might find this book lacking. But if one reads for entertainment and enrichment, they won't be disappointed here. I'm looking forward to reading the other two in the series!
Byron C. Justice, Author of "Violent Night" and "Haunted Camps."
Book Description
From Henry IV, the first Lancastrian king, to Richard III, The Wars of the Roses follows the history of the kings of the houses of Lancaster and York who shaped this tumultuous period of English history. Anthony Cheetham provides insight into the politics, society, and economy of this time, and above all, he conveys the personal histories and characters of its rulers.
About the series
A Royal History of England:
From the beginning of monarchical power in Norman times to the present queen, the British royal family has experienced many scandals, triumphs, and changes in public image, but few of their reigns can be described as uneventful. With contributions by specialist authors and contemporary illustrations of royal heraldry and coats of arms, Antonia Fraser has edited a definitive and entertaining history of one of the most powerful monarchies in the world.
Average customer rating:
- Solid 3-star historical romance
- Heartfelt, historical romance
- Heartfelt, historical romance
- Heartfelt, historical romance
- Heartfelt, historical romance
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The Everlasting Covenant
Robyn Carr
Manufacturer: Little Brown and Company
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Customer Reviews:
Solid 3-star historical romance.......2005-03-22
This is a good book, the writing is solid and even touching at times, especially in the descriptions of the main characters' feelings for each other, and their expressions of love to each other...BUT there was just something lacking; some richness to the love story? For a Romeo/Juliet-style-romance, and taking place in a very tumultuous historical time period, it just didn't have that sweep, that depth, that a lifelong love story should have. I was also a little put off by the author's horrible name choices for some of her characters. She used very modern names for 15th century England, for one; for another, the names she chose were horrible! "Sloan" and "Gage" for the heroine's two sons, yeech! And I don't think the names Dylan and Cameron were in use during that time, either. (Sorry, but it's a pet peeve of mine when an author uses a really modern name in a really ancient time!)
We hear that the hero suffered as an exile from England during the Wars of the Roses, but it's a major flaw that we don't really learn what those sufferings were. He comes back to England more mature; hardened, but we don't see how that came about. We also don't learn how he meets and marries his wife...he just comes home married. On the other hand, we learn all about the heroine's marriage(s), how they came about, and her day to day life, so there's an imbalance there. Also, the ending is somewhat abrupt.
Still, that's not to say that this isn't a pretty good romance novel...just not especially memorable. There's a nice flow to the writing, and the historical research is accurate (except for the terrible name choices, which is an entirely personal gripe). The plot becomes deeper and basically better as it goes along (although the heroine's second husband goes from being a somewhat blah nice guy to a lecherous wife-beating bully, which was a bit of a shock). All in all, I recommend the book, but look for it in your local library instead of purchasing it.
Heartfelt, historical romance.......2001-12-11
If you like a good historical romance at the time of 15th century chivalry, this book is for you. This book has everything in a good romance novel... passion, longing, desire, villans, heroes, life-long vendettas, revenge. Even though the ending was somewhat predictable, it still held my interest and curiousity from the very first page.
Heartfelt, historical romance.......2001-08-23
If you like a good historical romance at the time of 15th century chivalry, this book is for you. This book has everything in a good romance novel... passion, longing, desire, villans, heroes, life-long vendettas, revenge. Even though the ending was somewhat predictable, it still held my interest and curiousity from the very first page.
Heartfelt, historical romance.......2001-08-21
If you like a good historical romance at the time of 15th century chivalry, this book is for you. This book has everything in a good romance novel... passion, longing, desire, villans, heroes, life-long vendettas, revenge. Even though the ending was somewhat predictable, it still held my interest and curiousity from the very first page.
Heartfelt, historical romance.......2001-08-16
If you like a good historical romance at the time of 15th century chivalry, this book is for you. This book has everything in a good romance novel... passion, longing, desire, villans, heroes, life-long vendettas, revenge. Even though the ending was somewhat predictable, it still held my interest and curiousity from the very first page.
Customer Reviews:
The best of Amanda Scott.......2006-05-07
I must have 15 of Ms. Scott's books, including all her most recent ones. But this one is her best. I have re-read it several times and each time it makes me laugh, cry and stay up late reading. Great chemistry between Alys and Nick. Bravo Ms. Scott, I wish there were more like this one. If your an Amanda Scott fan, this is a MUST read.
Customer Reviews:
Helpful Introduction to the Civil War in Renaissance England.......2005-10-25
The War of the Roses is the name given the the struggles in the late 1400s between British nobles from the competing houses of York and Lancaster for control of the English throne. The figures involved in these struggles (Richard the Third, Henry the Fifth, etc.) are the subjects of some of Shakespeare's most famous plays and, indeed, their political affairs are dramatic and colourful. The events of this civil war are parallel in style to the struggles in Renaissance Italy that set the context for Machiavelli's "The Prince." Charles Ross's book is a helpful introduction--about 140 pages of reading--to the main developments in these struggles that led shortly thereafter to the rule of Henry VIII, and then Elizabeth I. Ross's interpretation is a bit conservative, but overall he gives a fair sense of what was happening and why. This would be a good first book to read to get a handle on what the "War of the Roses" was about.
Great potential for use with high school students.......2004-03-28
At first, I felt the book went at a break-neck pace through years of changing alliances and shifts in power, not giving a novice enough detail to understand why the momentum would shift from one house to another. However, I greatly appreciated the real "meat" of the book in the last two chapters where Ross goes on to explain the effect of the wars on the culture of England. I teach World History to high school freshmen in a college prep environment. Each of my students is following a certain theme, and I will definitely direct some of them to the final chapters of Ross's book. For those following battles, there are diagrams of Barnet and Bosworth with paragraphs explaining tactics. For those following architecture, Ross explains how the wars did (or did not) affect building styles and plans of the nobility. For those following economic patterns, Ross explains how various groups (nobility, towns, merchants, etc.) were influenced by the wars and by foreign alliances made by Yorkists and Lancastrians. For those studying women's history, the Wars of the Roses more than any other (I think) show the "value" of marriage in military alliance. There is even a section showing how literature was affected and an interesting segment on Sir Thomas Malory (author of *Morte d'Arthur*). The last two chapters also help students understand the concept of the "new monarchy" and the declining power of the feudal nobility that occurred in the aftermath of the Wars. What is more, the paragraphs in the last chapter, in particular, will give great practice for younger students in their attempts to follow the development of an idea over several paragraphs, a great skill for ACT and SAT practice. I will definitely be getting a copy of this book for our school library!
A superb introductory survey.......2001-10-29
I am a reasonably intelligent person, was a theater major in college, and have read more than my share of the tragedies and comedies of Shakespeare. I was, however, quite at a loss upon completing the first Act of RICHARD III. I was completely lost. The endless queue of corpses, pretenders to the throne, and partisans of one competing group or another left me completely bewildered and confused. I knew that Richard was unscrupulous and evil, and that he had managed the deaths of many of his relatives, but by and large I was unclear on all of the details.
The fault lay not with Shakespeare but with my knowledge of English history. The depth of my ignorance about several periods of history is unfathomable. Among those areas of ignorance are several of the military conflicts in European history. I know that there was a Hundred Years War (that lasted considerably more than a hundred years), a Thirty Years War (that I believe was fought in the early 17th century for God knows what reason), and the Wars of the Roses. To be perfectly honest, until recently I had no idea when the Wars of the Roses were fought, between whom, nor why. Imagine my delight when I discovered that this was precisely the conflict with which most of Shakespeare's historical plays dealt. Learn about this period of English history, and I have the background I need to read RICHARD III and the other historical plays. After some brief research, this volume appeared to be one that would give me what I needed to know about the conflict.
I have to admit that it did the trick. I have now restarted reading RICHARD III, and I not only understand Shakespeare's narrative, I know his account of things is extraordinarily wrong! Primarily he changes chronology to suit his purposes, and recreates historical scenes that could not have happened. There is no evidence according to Ross that Richard in any way plotted against either his brother Edward IV (he in fact seems to have been his staunchest supporter) nor that he machinated his brother Clarence's imprisonment (Clarence was the tool of Warwick, who pushed him forward as a pretender to the throne). Nor was there ever a time when Margaret could have made her long, impassioned speech. Actual historical chronology would have precluded it. In short, Shakespeare recreated history for dramatic effect, and painted Richard far, far blacker than he in fact deserved. He was not, however, a nice guy. Most historians agree that he probably did have his nephews murdered, and there is some evidence that he killed his wife Anne (daughter of Warwick) with the idea of marrying his niece Elizabeth (who in fact married Henry Tudor, later Henry VII). Shakespeare more or less gave the Tudor party line, and then some. Had Richard III won the Battle of Bosworth, he undoubtedly would have painted Richard as a great hero, and Henry Tudor as a black hearted villain.
For those who like the books to be pleasant to look upon, I am happy to report that THE WARS OF THE ROSES is a beautifully produced paperback book, sewn in signature, printed on high quality paper, with a huge number of well-reproduced photographs. In short, quite apart from the content--which was excellent--it was a complete pleasure to hold and look at this book. It certainly enhanced the reading experience.
Well written general survey of the Wars of the Roses.......2001-08-10
Ross draws upon his experience as a professor of Medieval History at the University of Bristol to provide the reader with a well written survey of the Wars of the Roses. He presents the reader with discussions of views held by chroniclers of the period, as well as those of modern historians. Ross divides the topic into five main categories: 1. the historical traditon of the wars; 2. the origins of the civil wars; 3. civil war and dynastic revolution; 4. the military aspects of the wars; and 5. the impact of civil war on English politics and society. The book is well illustrated with 126 black and white illustrations, a map and two battle plans. Genealogical tables help the reader understand the relationships amongst the houses of Lancaster, Tudor, Beaufort, York and Nevill. Although the bibliography is short, Ross enhances its value by short comments regarding each book or article. If the reader becomes confused by the use of titles to refer to the major players, a quick glance at the well written index where the title includes entries for the Christian and Surnames for the individuals holding the title.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a survey on the Wars of the Roses! Readers who are interested in biographies of the kings will want to read Ross' biographies of Edward IV and Richard III.
One of the best book in the subject.......2000-04-30
A well written book with excellent ilustrations. One of the best survey of the Wars of the roses. Highly recomended to anyone interested on the subject. He divides the book in five chapters, one dedicated exclusibly to the battles, and the last one is an accurate panorama of the Wars impact on the English people.
Average customer rating:
- The battles, historical figures, key events, and more
- The personalities, events, politics, issues, and battles
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Encyclopedia of the Wars of the Roses
John A. Wagner
Manufacturer: ABC-Clio
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Library Binding
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The Wars of the Roses
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Blood and Roses: One Family's Struggle and Triumph During the Tumultuous Wars of the Roses
ASIN: 1851093583 |
Book Description
During the second half of the fifteenth century, a complex and violent struggle for the English throne erupted between the supporters of the House of York and supporters of the House of Lancaster.
The rise and fall of these dynasties, and the mystery of the fate of the Princes in the Tower, have made the Wars of the Roses the subject of countless novels, plays, poems, and films.
This illustrated, authoritative A-to-Z encyclopedia is written in a clear and understandable style by an acknowledged expert in the field. It provides accurate and readable descriptions of the major battles and events and the principal historical figures and issues involved in the Wars of the Roses.
Customer Reviews:
The battles, historical figures, key events, and more.......2002-08-11
Very strongly recommended for both school and community library historical reference collections, Encyclopedia Of The Wars Of The Roses by historian and educator John A. Wagner is a thorough and informatively presented historical account of the grueling war of the fifteenth century between the House of York and the House of Lancaster that came to be known as the "War of the Roses". These were two factions of the British aristocracy who shed a great deal of blood in political intrigues and armed confrontations as they strove for the power to rule England. Entries are arranged in "user friendly" A-to-Z format giving detailed information on the battles, historical figures, key events, and more for a prolonged civil war that became a engaging subject for Shakespeare plays and Hollywood movies.
The personalities, events, politics, issues, and battles.......2001-11-11
Arranged in an A to Z format, John Wagner's Encyclopedia Of The Wars Of The Roses is a superbly presented survey of the war that took place by rival factions for the English Throne in the second half of the 15th Century. The House of York fought against the House of Lancaster in a conflict that ebbed and flowed for ten decades before achieving a final resolution. Here are all the personalities, events, politics, issues, and battles that comprised this historic and often bloody conflict from the 1460 Act of Accord, Richard III, and Henry VI, to the 1461 Battle of Mortimer's Cross, the Neville-Percy Feud, and the Tower of London. John Wagner's Encyclopedia Of The Wars Of The Roses is an impressive, very highly recommended, single volume reference that covers the socioeconomic dimensions of the conflict as well as the military aspects of this era of English history.
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