Richard II is one of the most enigmatic of English kings. Shakespeare depicted him as a tragic figure, an irresponsible, cruel monarch who nevertheless rose in stature as the substance of power slipped from him. By later writers he has been variously portrayed as a half-crazed autocrat, or a conventional ruler whose principal errors were the mismanagement of his nobility and a disregard for the political conventions of his age. This book offers a reinterpretation of the king. Nigel Saul paints a picture of Richard as a ...
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Richard II is one of the most enigmatic of English kings. Shakespeare depicted him as a tragic figure, an irresponsible, cruel monarch who nevertheless rose in stature as the substance of power slipped from him. By later writers he has been variously portrayed as a half-crazed autocrat, or a conventional ruler whose principal errors were the mismanagement of his nobility and a disregard for the political conventions of his age. This book offers a reinterpretation of the king. Nigel Saul paints a picture of Richard as a highly assertive and determined ruler, one whose key aim was to exalt and dignify the crown. In Richard's view, the crown was threatened by the factiousness of the nobility and the assertiveness of the common people. The king met these challenges by exacting obedience, encouraging lofty new forms of address and constructing an elaborate system of rule by bonds and oaths. Saul traces the sources of Richard's political ideas and finds that he was influenced by a deeply felt orthodox piety and by the ideas of the civil lawyers He shows that, although Richard's kingship resembled that of other rulers of the period, unlike theirs, his reign ended in failure because of tactical errors and contradictions in his policies. For all that he promoted the image of a distant, all-powerful monarch, Richard II's rule was in practice characterised by faction and feud. The king was obsessed by the search for personal security: in his subjects, however, he bred only insecurity and fear. A portrait of a complex figure, this book is suitable reading for anyone with an interest in the politics and culture of the English middle ages.
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Seller's Description:
Very good. Previous owner's name written neatly to front end-paper. Slight rubbing to edges of dust-jacket, now protected using removable clear wrap, otherwise in excellent condition. Next day dispatch by Royal Mail in sturdy, recyclable packaging. 1000's of satisfied customers! Please contact us with any enquiries.
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Seller's Description:
Very Good in Very Good jacket. Size: 9x6x1; Minor shelf wear to binding. Light wear & soiling on edges of text block. Text and images unmarked. Dj lightly shelf worn with scuffs & small scratches. Dust jacket in a mylar cover.
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Seller's Description:
Fine in Very Good jacket. Book. 8vo-over 7¾-9¾" tall. Red cloth with gold-color lettering on spine, xiv, 514 pp., illus., illustrated jacket in Brodart sleeve. A book in excellent condition; jacket with 2 inch bottom edge tear on front panel. "A revealing portrait of a complex and fascinating figure, the book is essential reading for anyone with an interest in the politics and culture of the English middle ages."
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Seller's Description:
Fine in Near fine jacket. First printing, 1997, hardcover with red boards in dust jacket, octavo, 514pp., illustrated in b&w. Book fine, binding tight, text clean bright and unmarked. DJ near fine with mild rubbing.
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Seller's Description:
Very Good + in very good + jacket. Octavo, red cloth boards in dust jacket, book and jacket are in very good + condition, jacket show edgewear, book shows mild wear, 514pp.
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Seller's Description:
Very Good. 1997. Hardcover. Cloth, dj. Slight shelf wear. Bit of staining to edges of text block. Remnants of former price sticker on dj front. Else a bright, clean copy. Very Good. (Subject: Medieval, Britain & Ireland).