Richard III: His Life & Character, Reviewed in the Light of Recent Research

by Clements R. (Clements Robert) Markham

"Richard III: His Life & Character, Reviewed in the Light of Recent Research" by Sir Clements E. Markham is a historical account written in the early 20th century. This work examines the life of Richard III, the last Plantagenet king, and seeks to reassess his character in light of contemporary research and emerging perspectives on his reign. The book is particularly focused on the nature of the accusations made against Richard, revealing a case for his rehabilitation from the negative portrayal he has historically received. The opening of the text sets the stage for a critical exploration of Richard III's life and the historical context surrounding the transition from the Plantagenet to the Tudor dynasty. Markham introduces his motivations for writing, noting his belief that the official records of Richard's character have often been overshadowed by the negative narratives of dominant factions. He outlines the structure of his work, highlighting that the first part will chronicle Richard's life, while the second will investigate the various charges against him, indicating that the author aims to challenge well-established biases and provide a fair assessment of Richard's legacy.