My Kingdom for a Horse: The War of the Roses

by Ed West

Overview

From William Shakespeare's series of history dramas to Sir Walter Scott and George R.R. Martin's A Song of Ice and Fire not to mention the smash-hit TV show Game of Thronesfithe British civil war of 1455 to 1485 has inspired writers more than any other.

Ed West's My Kingdom for a Horse illuminates the bloody war fought for thirty long years between the descendants of King Edward III in a battle for the throne. Named after the emblems used by the two leading families, the Houses of York and Lancaster, the title of the conflict gives it a romantic feel that probably wasn't as apparent to those on the battlefield having swords shoved into their eyes. And, for all the lovely heraldry and glamorous costumes of the era, the war saw the complete breakdown of the medieval code of chivalry in which prisoners were spared, which makes it even better drama. In 1460-61 alone, twelve noblemen were killed in the field and six were beheaded off it, removing a third of the English peerage.

Written in the spirit of a black comedy, My Kingdom for a Horse is an ideal introduction for anyone interested in one of history's most insane wars. Featuring some of history's most infamous figures, including the insane King Henry VI, whose madness triggered the breakdown, and the wicked Richard III, who murdered his young nephews to take the throne, this fifth entry in West's A Very, Very Short History of England series is a must for fans of British history.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9781510719897
Publisher:	Skyhorse
Publication date:	05/01/2018
Series:	Very, Very Short History of England
Pages:	184
Product dimensions:	5.60(w) x 8.40(h) x 0.40(d)

About the Author

Ed West is the recently appointed associate director of UK2020, a British policy think tank. Before that, Ed was deputy editor of the Catholic Herald and a frequent contributor to the Daily Telegraph, Evening Standard, Daily Express, and the Guardian. He is a popular British twitter personality and blogs for the Spectator. He currently lives in London.

Table of Contents

Introduction vii

Chapter 1 Heavy is the Head that Wears the Crown 1

Chapter 2 We Few, We Happy Few 15

Chapter 3 Foul Fiend of France and Hag of All Despite 33

Chapter 4 To Be a Queen in Bondage 47

Chapter 5 Let's Kill All the Lawyers 59

Chapter 6 The Fatal Colours of Our Striving Houses 73

Chapter 7 Thy Father Slew My Father 81

Chapter 8 This Sun of York 95

Chapter 9 Let Me Embrace Thee, Sweet Adversity 109

Chapter 10 False, Fleeting, Perjur'd Clarence 123

Chapter 11 The Winter of Our Discontent 133

Chapter 12 My Kingdom for a Horse 147

Bibliography 163

Endnotes 165