Richard III and the Princes in the Tower

One of the most controversial figures in English history, Richard III has divided opinion for over five hundred years. Traditionally, he has been perceived as a villain, a bloody tyrant and the monstrous murderer of his innocent nephews; to others he was and remains a wronged victim who did his best for kingdom and family, a noble prince and enlightened statesman tragically slain. Today he still excites passionate debate and inspires devoted disciples.

This fully illustrated book explores the story of Richard III and the tales that have been woven around the historic events; discusses his life and reign and the disappearance of the Princes in the Tower; and assesses the original sources upon which much of the ‘history’ is based. While telling the story as he sees it, Dr. Pollard also suggests that ‘the truth’ may never be known: the controversial nature of the events at the time is partly to blame; but at least as important are the paucity of the surviving evidence and the fact that the received stories are now so deeply ingrained. It is argued that there are two archetypal stories on to which the history of Richard III has been grafted and that all accounts tend to fit one or another.

The text is illustrated by over 150 manuscript illustrations, engraving, contemporary documents and photographs, in both black and white and color. In addition a number of ‘picture essays’ explore particular aspects of Richard III’s life and reign; his birth sign of Scorpio; the portraits of Richard; the symbolism of pigs and boars; Richard’s saints; his books; the Princes; historical paintings of the Princes; and cartoons and caricatures. The book is also supported by full source notes and references.

This lavishly illustrated and stimulating book will be of interest to all intrigued by the figure of Richard III, and by setting the subject in the wider context of our own cultural history, it will provoke further debate on this fifteenth-century king.