The dynastic struggles of the Wars of the Roses (1455-85) have traditionally been portrayed as belonging to one of the most dramatic periods in the history of England, an age of murder and melodrama. In this classic history of the wars, charting their origins, progress, conclusions and effects, Professor Lander sets the record straight. By putting the wars into their contemporary context, using the written records of the time (many of which are reproduced in the text) and the results of modern research and scholarship, the true picture emerges. The wars were, in fact, very limited. While not denying that contemporary English society was disorderly and violent, Lander suggests that this state of affairs was due far less to civil war than to habits of violence among all classes of society. Fluently and clearly written "The Wars of the Roses" is the perfect overview of one of the most famous of medieval conflicts. Shedding light, as it does, on fifteenth-century history as a whole, the roots of the Tudor dynasty, and the background to Shakespeare's history plays, this book deserves a place on the bookshelf of anyone interested in this most turbulent period.

About the Author
J.R. Lander is Professor Emeritus at the University of Western Ontario, Canada, and one of the foremost authorities on fifteenth-century English political history. Among his other publications are Conflict and Stability in Fifteenth Century England, The Limitation of English Monarchy in the Later Middle Ages, Crown and Nobility 1450-1509, Power and Politics 1450-1509 and Government and Community in England 1450-1509.


Book Information
ISBN 9780750946124
Author J R Lander
Format Paperback
Page Count 288
Imprint The History Press Ltd
Publisher The History Press Ltd
Weight(grams) 230g
Dimensions(mm) 198mm * 127mm * 10mm