The last volume in Costain's tour of the dynasty that ruled England's High Middle ages proves as readable as the others. While not in the forefront of current biography efforts, the main facts can be easily adsorbed. This volume covers the period following from Henry IV's usurpation to the final days following the batttle of Bosworth. He has several good words to say about Richard III, which was a rarity at the time of publication. ( )

Thought this was fiction when I picked it up. Instead, it's a history of the Plantagenet family that ruled England until the Henry Tudor defeated Richard III. The author draws on contemporary as well as current sources to follow the succession, and to show how some of the "facts" (eg: the Princes were murdered in the Tower) recorded by the Tudor followers were lies to keep them on the throne.

Though a little dry in places, it's a book well worth reading if you're interested in this time period. ( )

"He remained in the saddle in a state of breathless wonder.

In most descriptions her hair is called “gilt” in color, which meant undoubtedly that it had tints of copper as well as gold. Her eyes were large and blue, her features delicately molded, her figure ravishing. She proceeded to demonstrate, moreover, that she was gifted in the arts of enticement and could stir any masculine heart by the flutter of an eyelash. Certainly she played havoc with the heart beating under the velvet riding jacket of royal Edward."

Really? ( )

Covers English history from 1377 to 1485.