Subject
Great Britain -- History -- Richard III, 1483-1485 Books
Best books
Raphael Holinshed
Chronicles of England, Scotland and Ireland (3 of 6): England (6 of 9) Richard the Third, Third Sonne to Richard Duke of Yorke, and Uncle to Edward the Fift
"Chronicles of England, Scotland and Ireland (3 of 6): England (6 of 9)" by Holinshed is a historical chronicle published in 1577, with a revised edition in 1587. This collaborative work provides a comprehensive account of British history, weaving together royal dynasties, political intrigue, and national identity. Most famously, it served as Shakespeare's primary source for his history plays and tragedies including Macbeth and King Lear. The Chronicles reveal how Renaissance readers understood their past, blending historical fact with narrative drama in ways that shaped England's literary imagination.
Jacob Abbott
Richard III Makers of History
"Richard III" by Jacob Abbott is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book focuses on the life and reign of King Richard III, exploring the significant familial and political dynamics of the time, particularly the conflict between the Houses of York and Lancaster. As the central figure, Richard III is depicted against the backdrop of a turbulent period marked by civil strife, ambition, and the tumultuous quest for power. The opening of the narrative introduces Lady Cecily Neville, Richard's mother, explaining her noble lineage and the family's entanglement in the protracted conflict between the rival factions of York and Lancaster. It sets the stage for understanding the legacy of ambition handed down to Richard and his brothers, while painting a vivid picture of the turmoil that enveloped the kingdom during their upbringing. The text elaborates on the chaotic environment shaped by familial grievances and battles, hinting at both the aspirations and the moral complexities that will define Richard's character and destiny as the story progresses.
Horace Walpole
Historic Doubts on the Life and Reign of King Richard the Third
"Historic Doubts on the Life and Reign of King Richard the Third" by Horace Walpole is a historical account written in the late 18th century. The work critically examines the widely accepted narrative of Richard III's life and reign, challenging the established characterizations of him as a tyrant. The book seeks to unravel the layers of historical misrepresentation surrounding Richard III, suggesting that much of what is believed about him might stem from bias and conjecture rather than fact. At the start of the text, Walpole lays out his intention to scrutinize the credibility of traditional historians and their claims regarding Richard III's alleged crimes, including the murders of several prominent figures. He contemplates the qualifications and potential biases of these historians while detailing how history is often written by those with ulterior motives. Walpole introduces a critical lens through which he evaluates the veracity of historical accounts and highlights the lack of solid evidence to substantiate the darker aspects of Richard's reputation, thus setting the stage for an argument aimed at reassessing Richard III's legacy.
Raphael Holinshed
Chronicles of England, Scotland and Ireland (3 of 6): England (5 of 9) The History of Edward the Fift and King Richard the Third Unfinished
"Chronicles of England, Scotland and Ireland (3 of 6): England (5 of 9)" by Holinshed is a historical chronicle published in 1577, with a revised edition in 1587. This collaborative work offers a comprehensive account of British history, famously serving as Shakespeare's primary source for his history plays and tragedies including Macbeth and King Lear. The Chronicles present narratives of kings, battles, and political intrigue through rhetorical figures that define national and royal ideals. Its pages reveal how Renaissance readers understood their past, blending historical documentation with storytelling that would inspire generations of literary masters.
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