The Wars of the Roses: The Fall of the Plantagenets and the Rise of the Tudors
Who Would Like This Book:
Dan Jones brings the tumultuous Wars of the Roses to life with a storyteller’s flair, making even the most complex genealogies and shifting loyalties surprisingly digestible. He weaves intrigue, political maneuvering, and larger-than-life personalities into a gripping, almost novelistic narrative. History buffs, fans of Game of Thrones or Shakespeare’s English histories, and anyone looking for a dramatic, real-life saga packed with betrayals and power struggles will be hooked. It’s also ideal for readers seeking an accessible introduction to this notoriously confusing period.
Who May Not Like This Book:
If you prefer deep military details, meticulously academic accounts, or exhaustive primary-source analysis, this more narrative approach might leave you wanting more. Some readers find the avalanche of similar-sounding names and titles a challenge, and a few wish for richer battle descriptions or even clearer family trees. The dense cast and occasional dry patches can also be tough if you’re new to the era or want a super-fast-paced read. Audiobook listeners may find the narration style a bit slow, which can break immersion.
About:
'The Wars of the Roses: The Fall of the Plantagenets and the Rise of the Tudors' by Dan Jones delves into the turbulent period of English history during the Wars of the Roses, detailing the intricate power struggles between the Plantagenets, Lancasters, Yorks, and Tudors. Jones' storytelling is praised for bringing to life the stories of these royal houses, filled with high drama, betrayals, and political intrigue. covers key events such as the battles between the Lancasters and Yorks, the rise of Henry Tudor as Henry VII, and the ultimate fall of the Plantagenet dynasty, providing a comprehensive narrative that captivates readers.
Jones' narrative style is commended for its engaging and accessible approach to presenting a complex and often confusing era of history. not only offers a detailed account of the Wars of the Roses but also provides insights into the personalities of key historical figures like Henry VI, Margaret of Anjou, Edward IV, Richard III, and Henry VII. Readers appreciate Jones' ability to balance empathy for both sides of the conflict, avoiding a biased portrayal of the Lancastrians or Yorkists, and bringing a fresh perspective to this period of English history.
Genres:
Topics:
Notes:
Sensitive Topics/Content Warnings
Potential triggers include descriptions of violence, battles, and execution, given the tumultuous nature of the historical period.
From The Publisher:
The author of Powers and Thrones and presenter of Netflix's Secrets of Great British Castles offers a vivid account of the events that inspired Game of Thrones and Shakespeare's Henry IV and Richard III
Discover the real history behind The Hollow Crown: The Wars of the Roses, the PBS Great Performance series of Shakespeare's plays, starring Judi Dench, Benedict Cumberbatch, Sofie Okenedo and Hugh Bonneville.
The crown of England changed hands five times over the course of the fifteenth century, as two branches of the Plantagenet dynasty fought to the death for the right to rule. In this riveting follow-up to The Plantagenets, celebrated historian Dan Jones describes how the longest-reigning British royal family tore itself apart until it was finally replaced by the Tudors.
Some of the greatest heroes and villains of history were thrown together in these turbulent times, from Joan of Arc and Henry V, whose victory at Agincourt marked the high point of the medieval monarchy, to Richard III, who murdered his own nephews in a desperate bid to secure his stolen crown. This was a period when headstrong queens and consorts seized power and bent men to their will. With vivid descriptions of the battles of Towton and Bosworth, where the last Plantagenet king was slain, this dramatic narrative history revels in bedlam and intrigue. It also offers a long-overdue corrective to Tudor propaganda, dismantling their self-serving account of what they called the Wars of the Roses.
"If you're a fan of Game of Thrones or The Tudors then Dan Jones' swashbucklingly entertaining slice of medieval history will be right up your alley… Every bit as entertaining and readable as his previous blockbuster The Plantagenets." - Daily Express
Ratings (4)
Incredible (2) | |
Loved It (2) |
Reader Stats (21):
Read It (4) | |
Want To Read (17) |
What can you read after
The Wars of the Roses: The Fall of the Plantagenets and the Rise of the Tudors?
About the Author:
Dan Jones is the author of The Plantagenets: The Warrior Kings and Queen Who Made England, a #1 international bestseller and New York Times bestseller, and Wars of the Roses, which charts the story of the fall of the Plantagenet dynasty and improbable rise of the Tudors. He writes and presents the popular Netflix series "Secrets of Great British Castles" and appeared alongside George R.R. Martin in the DVD for Game of Thrones to discuss its historical antecedents. He is also the author of Magna Carta: The Birth of Liberty and Summer of Blood: England's First Revolution and is working on a history of the Knights Templar due out in September 2017.
When you click the Amazon link and make a purchase, we may receive a small commision, at no cost to you.
