A Short History of the Wars of the Roses

Reviews / Votes

'You get two for the price of one with David Grummitt's short history of the Wars of the Roses. You get an accessible narrative of the Wars, seen by him to have originated in the Lancastrian usurpation of 1399, that skilfully steers the reader through the complexities and controversies of the story. Grummitt knows his subject well and writes with considerable insight. But you also get, in the book's concluding chapters, a revaluation of these civil wars. The author gives renewed emphasis to their scale and the involvement of the whole population in them. He also highlights significant changes in the corresponding political culture. His reassessment in these pages of the pivotal importance of the later fifteenth century in English history will put a cat amongst some Tudor pigeons.' - A J Pollard, Emeritus Professor of History, Teesside University 'David Grummitt has succeeded triumphantly in writing a refreshing and multi-layered book. It will engage the general reader (and the writer of fiction and non-fiction too!), the student who needs a clear, up-to-date and informative guide, as well as those already acquainted with the Wars of the Roses - including Dr Grummitt's fellow historians. In comparing the campaigns of 1459-64, 1469-71 and 1483-7 between Lancaster and York, David Grummitt offers vivid and often fresh judgments on the characters and failings of kings, most notably Henry VI, Edward IV and Richard III, and those nobles ? Richard of York, Warwick the Kingmaker and the duke of Buckingham ? whose intrigues promoted the struggles. He deftly weaves the results of recent research (some of it his own) into the discussion. In a particularly elegant chapter, he takes the story beyond 'high politics' to locate the commons of shire and town within the 'political nation' and with a shared responsibility for the 'commonweal'. As a notable historian of 15th- and early 16th-century England, Dr Grummitt writes with mature confidence and a pellucid style. He is robust and challenging without being opinionated: he values the opinions of other historians and likes a controversy, thereby helping his readers to come to their own conclusions. To this end, the book is thoughtfully structured: its substantial Dramatis Personae, three royal and noble Family Trees and an authoritative Bibliography linked to each chapter make this book a valuable work of reference as well as a compelling and stimulating read.' - Ralph A Griffiths, OBE, Emeritus Professor of Medieval History, Swansea University 'David Grummitt's book provides clear guidance to a complex, debated and confusing chain of events. It is the new academic narrative that is long overdue. That it presents the complex chronology clearly and succinctly will be particularly appreciated by students. Grummitt cuts through the succession of events and hordes of personalities to the key turning points and issues. The principal characters are brought to life and made understandable. Rather than sitting on the fence, Grummitt provides reasoned discussions and assessments, justifying Richard Duke of York's actions in the 1450s and Richard III's usurpation on terms that the characters themselves would have understood. The international dimensions of the Wars are a particular strength. Telling use is made of contemporary quotations. A useful bibliography to further reading is provided.' - Michael Hicks, Professor of History, University of Winchester