An excellent biography of a capable warrior-king
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Ross' account of the youngest brother of Edward IV is a compelling read. Richard's youth and adolescence are covered in good detail, in particular his formative years - those growing up and fighting alongside his royal brothers.
Also of note is his accurate and enthralling telling of the Anglo-Scots war during the final years of Edward's reign. Richard is portrayed not as the blackened, child-murdering opportunist of Tudor fable, but as a brave and courageous warrior, a loyal and hard-working servant to his brother, and a capable administrator.
Most gripping, of course, are Ross' account of the years of Richard's personal rule, from the death of his brother in April, 1483, through the short but eventful nominal reign of his nephew, Edward V, and Richard's eventual betrayal and death at the hands of Henry Tudor at Bosworth Field.
Ross' writing is both thorough and fluid, combining all the facts available with just enough narrative to bring the characters to life, without slipping into the role of a storyteller.
Finally, I also heartily recommend Ross' biography of Edward IV, a far more in-depth (Richard ruled only two years, Edward over twenty) and conclusive portrayal of one of England's greatest medieval kings.
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A Fascinating Read!
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A well written account - well researched and an enjoyable read. Not quite as in-depth and authoritive as the author's other historian classic(Edward IV) but a strong contender for being one of the better/best books on the reign of this enigmatic ruler.
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