When Henry VI becomes king, it is soon clear that he would be better suited to a quiet life than to ruling the country. Richard, Duke of York, is convinced that he would make a better king and has more right to the crown, and he will stop at nothing to claim it. But Margaret of Anjou, Henry's new French wife, is a formidable woman who is just as determined to keep Henry on the throne. Most powerful of all is the Earl of Warwick, the kingmaker, and with his support of Richard of York the War of the Roses begins.
Margaret's role makes the dynastic struggle more than a contest between York and Lancaster's male claimants. Henry's weakness forces her into political and military leadership while Warwick's changing allegiance demonstrates how heavily kings depend on aristocratic followings. The novel uses the royal marriage to show how personal loyalty, inheritance and noble ambition turn a disputed succession into civil war.
Philippa Gregory
32 books
Georgette Heyer
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Cynthia Harrod-Eagles
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Paul Bannister
16 books
Henry Treece
35 books