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sarahbryson's review against another edition
4.0
Michael Jones’ book is a fascinating exploration of the life of Richard III. Instead of viewing Richard as just a King, Jones’ puts Richard into the time in which he lived. He details the early years of Richard’s life, his father’s claim to the throne, death, and how these events ultimately shaped how Richard viewed himself and his destiny. Jones also proposes that Edward IV may not have been the legitimate heir to the English throne and this knowledge may have had a huge impact on how Richard viewed his own rights to the throne.
By seeing Richard as a man with his own morals, values and beliefs Jones details the Battle of Bosworth and how Richard would have approached such an important battle. Providing intricate details of the battle Jones details Richard’s last moments and why the King made the decisions that he did which ultimately lead to his tragic death.
Jones’ book is a fascinating look at the Battle of Bosworth and depicts Richard III as a man with personal motives, beliefs and a determination to fulfil his God given destiny. A brilliant book and a must have for any bookshelf.
By seeing Richard as a man with his own morals, values and beliefs Jones details the Battle of Bosworth and how Richard would have approached such an important battle. Providing intricate details of the battle Jones details Richard’s last moments and why the King made the decisions that he did which ultimately lead to his tragic death.
Jones’ book is a fascinating look at the Battle of Bosworth and depicts Richard III as a man with personal motives, beliefs and a determination to fulfil his God given destiny. A brilliant book and a must have for any bookshelf.
theladyhaxton's review against another edition
1.0
I quite genuinely detested this book. I adore reading histories of England. This book promised to be something different - an analysis of the psychology and causes of a seminal event, rather than another layout of a timeline. Instead, it turned out to be an unabashed hero-worship of Richard III.
Instead of analyzing the psychology of events and a time, the author simplifies everything down to excuses and apologies for Richard III, while vilifying any other figure who could mildly contradict these assertions,
Prior to reading this, I had a rather nuanced opinion of the notorious Richard. Probably committed horrendous acts, but not strictly a villain as everyone makes him. Yet the sheer audacity of the author's theories and his apologies have made me loathe Richard more than I ever have previously... a result which is obviously contradictory to the book's goal of portraying him as a saint.
Instead of analyzing the psychology of events and a time, the author simplifies everything down to excuses and apologies for Richard III, while vilifying any other figure who could mildly contradict these assertions,
Prior to reading this, I had a rather nuanced opinion of the notorious Richard. Probably committed horrendous acts, but not strictly a villain as everyone makes him. Yet the sheer audacity of the author's theories and his apologies have made me loathe Richard more than I ever have previously... a result which is obviously contradictory to the book's goal of portraying him as a saint.
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