Henry IV (The English Monarchs Series) - Softcover

Chris Given-Wilson

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0300229712 ISBN 13: 9780300229714

Publisher: Yale University Press, 2017

Synopsis

Henry IV (1399-1413), the son of John of Gaunt, duke of Lancaster, seized the English throne at the age of thirty-two from his cousin Richard II and held it until his death, aged forty-five, when he was succeeded by his son, Henry V. This comprehensive and nuanced biography restores to his rightful place a king often overlooked in favor of his illustrious progeny. Henry faced the usual problems of usurpers: foreign wars, rebellions, and plots, as well as the ambitions and demands of the Lancastrian retainers who had helped him win the throne. By 1406 his rule was broadly established, and although he became ill shortly after this and never fully recovered, he retained ultimate power until his death. Using a wide variety of previously untapped archival materials, Chris Given-Wilson reveals a cultured, extravagant, and skeptical monarch who crushed opposition ruthlessly but never quite succeeded in satisfying the expectations of his own supporters.

About this title

Review:

"Combines excellent scholarship with brilliant storytelling, relishing the detail of blood-splattered drama equal to any episodes of Game of Thrones."--Simon Sebag Montefiore, The Week--Simon Sebag Montefiore"The Week" (07/23/2017)

About the Author:

Chris Given-Wilson is emeritus professor of medieval history, University of St. Andrews, and author of nine books on medieval history. He lives in Fife, UK.

About this edition

• Publisher: Yale University Press
• Publication date: 2017
• ISBN 10: 0300229712
• ISBN 13: 9780300229714
• Binding: Paperback
• Number of pages: 608