Synopses & Reviews
<div><br/><p><span>The three Richards who ruled England in the Middle Ages were among the most controversial and celebrated of its rulers. Richard I ('Coeur de Lion', 1189-99) was a great crusading hero; Richard II (1377-99) was an authoritarian aesthete deposed by his cousin, Henry IV, and murdered; while Richard III (1483-85), as the murderer of his nephews, 'The Princes in the Tower', was the most notorious villain in English history. This highly readable joint biography shows how much the three kings had in common, apart from their names. All were younger sons of monarchs, not expected to come to the throne; all failed to leave a legitimate heir, causing instability on their deaths; all were cultured and pious; and all died violently. All have attracted accusations but also fascination. In comparing them, Nigel Saul tells three gripping stories and shows what it took to be a medieval king.</span></p></div>>
Synopsis
Three King Richards ruled England in the Middle Ages. All had memorable reigns. Richard I was a crusading hero; Richard II was an authoritarian aesthete who was deposed and murdered; Richard III was the most famous villain in English history, locking his nephews in a tower to secure his reign. This highly readable joint biography shows how much the three kings had in common.. All were younger sons, not expected to come to the throne; all failed to produce an heir, leaving instability on their deaths; all were cultured and pious; and all died violently. For centuries, these three kings have attracted accusations but also fascination, being immortalized in theater, movies, myths, and books. In
Three Richards, Nigel Saul shows why.
Synopsis
A triple biography of the three King Richards of the Middle Ages
About the Author
Nigel Saul is Professor of History at Royal Holloway University of London. He is the author of
Richard II.
Table of Contents
Illustrations; Acknowledgements; 1 What's in a Name?; 2 Kingship in Medieval England; 3 Richard I; 4 Richard II; 5 Richard III; 6 Kingship, Chivalry and Warfare; 7 Every Inch a King; 8 Marriage and Family; 9 Kingship and Piety; 10 Sad Stories of the Death of Kings; 11 What's in a Face; Appendix; Notes; Bibliography; Index