Richard III The Self-made King
Richard III The Self-made King by Michael Hicks, published by Yale University Press in 2019, offers a detailed biography of one of the most notorious figures in British history. This 416-page work delves into the life of Richard III, tracing his journey from the younger son of the Duke of York to the last monarch of the Plantagenet dynasty. Hicks examines Richard’s brief reign and the complexities of his character, providing insights into the political and military challenges he faced during his tumultuous life.
Readers will find an intricate exploration of Richard’s rise to power and the events that shaped his legacy. The book discusses his strategic maneuvers and the controversies surrounding his rule, including the infamous fate of the princes. Hicks presents Richard as a multifaceted individual, revealing his ambitions for reform and the setbacks that ultimately led to his downfall at the battle of Bosworth. This biography situates Richard III within the broader context of medieval history in Great Britain, making it a significant contribution to the understanding of this pivotal period.
Official synopsis Publisher
An “excellent new biography” (Keith Thomas, New York Review of Books) of the wily and formidable prince who unexpectedly became monarch–the most infamous king in British history
“An intricately detailed account of Richard’s every recorded move on his journey from younger son of the powerful Duke of York to the last of England’s mediaeval monarchs.”–Mark Jones, Albion Magazine
The reign of Richard III, the last Yorkist king and the final monarch of the Plantagenet dynasty, marked a turning point in British history. But despite his lasting legacy, Richard only ruled as king for the final two years of his life. While much attention has been given to his short reign, Michael Hicks explores the whole of Richard’s fascinating life and traces the unfolding of his character and career from his early years as the son of a duke to his violent death at the battle of Bosworth.
Hicks explores how Richard–villainized for his imprisonment and probable killing of the princes–applied his experience to overcome numerous setbacks and adversaries. Richard proves a complex, conflicted individual whose Machiavellian tact and strategic foresight won him a kingdom. He was a reformer who planned big changes, but lost the opportunity to fulfill them and to retain his crown.
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