The Reign of Richard II: From Minority to Tyranny 1377-97 - Hardcover

by Alison McHardy (Editor), Alison McHardy (Translator)

The long-awaited prequel to Chronicles of the revolution covers the first twenty years (1377-97) of Richard II's reign. This richly-documented period offers exceptional opportunities and challenges to students, and the editor has selected material from a wide range of sources: well-known English chronicles, foreign chronicles and legal, administrative and financial records. These are arranged chronologically to form a coherent narrative of the reign. Clear and lively commentary and notes enable readers to make the fullest use of each document. The introduction describes the complex domestic and international situation which confronted the young king and offers guidance on the strengths and weaknesses of the reign's leading chronicles. The dramatic and diverse politics of the reign of Richard II make this the ideal special subject and an accessible, affordable, student-friendly documentary history of Richard II's reign has long been needed. This book is designed to fill that gap.

Front Jacket

Characterised by war and rebellion, show trials, scandalous royalty, horrible murders, attempts to solve the Irish question, and the making of England's oldest alliance, the political history of the first twenty years (1377-97) of Richard II's reign forms an ideal subject for student study. This accessible collection of translated documents makes available for the first time a wealth of sources covering this dramatic and important period, carefully chosen and arranged to form a coherent narrative. It combines key passages from well-known English chronicles with lesser-known sources, including foreign chronicles, and fascinating administrative documents including letters, and legal and financial records. The material is arranged chronologically, with helpful commentary and notes which enable readers to make the fullest use of each document. The introduction provides essential background information and explains the strengths and weaknesses of the leading chronicles. Students of the politics of late medieval England, whether undergraduate or postgraduate, will find this an invaluable guide which enables them to form their own judgments on this fascinating reign and the enigmatic king at its centre

Back Jacket

Characterised by war and rebellion, show trials, scandalous royalty, horrible murders, attempts to solve the Irish question, and the making of England's oldest alliance, the political history of the first twenty years (1377-97) of Richard II's reign forms an ideal subject for student study.

Author Biography

A.K. McHardy was reader in Medieval English History at the University of Nottingham