Richard and John: Kings at War

Legend and lore surround the history of kings Richard and John, from the ballads of Robin Hood and the novels of Sir Walter Scott to Hollywood movies. Frank McLynn has returned to the original sources to discover what Richard and John, the warring sons of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, were really like, and how their history measures up to the old legends. “With narrative panache and anecdotal detail” (The Independent), McLynn explores the truth behind the early folklore tradition, confirming that “Richard was everything youd hoped for, and his brother John was the toad youd always suspected.”

This is history at its best—a story well-told, thoroughly researched, unexpectedly revealing, and “a rattling good read” (Spectator).

Legend and lore surround the history of kings Richard and John, from the ballads of Robin Hood and the novels of Sir Walter Scott to Hollywood movies and television. In the myth-making, King Richard, defender of Christendom in the Holy Land, was the "good king," and his younger brother John was the evil usurper of the kingdom, who lost not only the Crown jewels but also the power of the crown. How much, though, do these popular stereotypes correspond with reality? Frank McLynn, known for a wide range of historical studies, has returned to the original sources to discover what Richard and John, these warring sons of Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine, were really like, and how their history measures up to their myth. In riveting prose, and with attention to the sources, he turns the tables on modern revisionist historians, showing exactly how incompetent a king John was, despite his intellectual gifts, and how impressive Richard was, despite his long absence from the throne. This is history at its best-revealing and readable.

From an acclaimed historian, a dual biography of "good" king Richard the Lionheart and his "evil" brother, King John.

From an acclaimed historian, a dual biography of “good” king Richard the Lionheart and his “evil” brother, King John.

Frank McLynn is the author of many critically acclaimed books, including Napoleon, 1066, Villa and Zapata, and Wagons West. He lives in England.