Richard III

I really enjoyed this book. I thought it was well researched and well written. People can argue until they are blue in the face about Richard's innocence or guilt when it comes to the princes. The fact of the matter is that we will never know. All we can do is form our own independent opinions. I highly recommend this book to anyone interested in Richard, his life before and during his reign, as well as the culture of the time in which he lived.

Charles Ross, one of the most respected historians of later medieval Britain, has produced a fairly standard biography of Richard III that, though more than adequate for scholars doing research, does not compare to his work on Edward IV in the Yale English Monarchs series. Ross is known to be a "traditionalist"--that is, one who views Richard III's guilt in the disappearance of the princes in the Tower as more than probable. This annoys many who sympathize with Richard III (see some of the other reviews). However, far from attempting to prove his contention, he simply states why he believes the scenario is a likely one. Anyone truly interested in the comparative study of Richard III's reputation should contrast this book with the 1956 biography by Paul Murray Kendall.

This book on King Richard III, last of the Plantagenet kings by Ross, as many feel is well balanced. There is no return to the sinister Richard of Shakespeare, but he is not painted as a saint either. It shows his triumps and mistakes clearly and why the times ultimately undid his kingship whether it was fair or not. It seems that he certainly forged his own destiny by the actions he took. I was amazed at the detail in this book, not expecting quite so much, but it is good if you want to understand something intricately which is how it should be if you are reading a biography. This book was easy to understand and unbiased, giving the reader an excellent understanding of a fascinating historical figure.

Ross's interpretation on Richard is one of the best sources available for a survey of the man and his age and circumstances-not overly sympathetic, nor vicious. Appendices are also very useful. Readable and well-organized. A great book!