Encyclopedia of the Wars of the Roses [Library Binding]

John A. Wagner (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: July 1, 2001

For centuries, historians agreed about the Wars of the Roses, seeing them as four decades of medieval darkness and chaos, when the royal family and the nobility destroyed themselves fighting for control of the royal government. Even Shakespeare got into the act, dramatizing, popularizing, and darkening this viewpoint in eight plays.

Today, based on new research, this has become one of the most hotly controversial periods in English history. Historians disagree on fundamental issues, such as dates and facts, as well as interpretation. Most argue that the effects of the wars were not as widespread as once thought, and some see the traditional view of the era as merely Tudor propaganda. A few even claim that England during the late 15th century was "a society organized for peace." Historian John A. Wagner brings readers up to date on the latest research and thinking about this crucial period of England's history.

Editorial Reviews

From Booklist

Alphabetically arranged and targeted for students and other nonspecialists, this 281-entry encyclopedia comprises primarily terms, places, individuals (130 of the entries are biographical), and events pertaining to the Wars of the Roses, with entries as varied as Artillery; Hungerford, Sir Thomas; London; and St. Albans, Battle of. The scope is quite impressive, covering not only the conflicts in question but also areas and issues beyond, including Brittany, Ireland, and Hundred Years War. Entries average 500 words in length and are noteworthy for their clarity and accessibility, the latter improved by Wagner's skill in contextualizing content. Strengthened by cross-references and followed by lists of recommended titles for further reading, entries are thorough and well balanced. One entry heading is conspicuously absent--Rose, which readers may wish to consult to learn more about the emblems of the contending Lancaster and York families. Although this information is provided in several entries, including Badges and Wars of the Roses, Naming of, its location may not be readily apparent to readers who do not turn to the index for help.

This minor criticism aside, the encyclopedia has much to recommend it, including a detailed chronology, fine illustrations, a map of important battle sites, genealogical charts, an extensive bibliography, selected Web sites, and special features, such as the table of dynastic affiliations, which allows readers to look up noblemen and instantly see the house to which they owed allegiance. With such value-added features, fine content, and high usability, this reference book would be a welcome addition to academic and large public libraries. RBB
Copyright © American Library Association. All rights reserved

Book Description

During the second half of the 15th century, a complex and violent struggle for the English throne erupted between supporters of the House of York and supporters of the House of Lancaster. This clearly written, comprehensive encyclopedia enables the reader to understand this complicated period in English history.

Product Details

• Library Binding: 375 pages
• Publisher: ABC-CLIO (July 1, 2001)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1851093583
• ISBN-13: 978-1851093588
• Product Dimensions: 10.1 x 7.1 x 1 inches
• Shipping Weight: 2.1 pounds (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #1,375,034 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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2 of 2 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The battles, historical figures, key events, and more, August 11, 2002

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Encyclopedia of the Wars of the Roses (Library Binding)

Very strongly recommended for both school and community library historical reference collections, Encyclopedia Of The Wars Of The Roses by historian and educator John A. Wagner is a thorough and informatively presented historical account of the grueling war of the fifteenth century between the House of York and the House of Lancaster that came to be known as the "War of the Roses". These were two factions of the British aristocracy who shed a great deal of blood in political intrigues and armed confrontations as they strove for the power to rule England. Entries are arranged in "user friendly" A-to-Z format giving detailed information on the battles, historical figures, key events, and more for a prolonged civil war that became a engaging subject for Shakespeare plays and Hollywood movies.

2 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars The personalities, events, politics, issues, and battles, November 11, 2001

By 

Midwest Book Review (Oregon, WI USA) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Encyclopedia of the Wars of the Roses (Library Binding)

Arranged in an A to Z format, John Wagner's Encyclopedia Of The Wars Of The Roses is a superbly presented survey of the war that took place by rival factions for the English Throne in the second half of the 15th Century. The House of York fought against the House of Lancaster in a conflict that ebbed and flowed for ten decades before achieving a final resolution. Here are all the personalities, events, politics, issues, and battles that comprised this historic and often bloody conflict from the 1460 Act of Accord, Richard III, and Henry VI, to the 1461 Battle of Mortimer's Cross, the Neville-Percy Feud, and the Tower of London. John Wagner's Encyclopedia Of The Wars Of The Roses is an impressive, very highly recommended, single volume reference that covers the socioeconomic dimensions of the conflict as well as the military aspects of this era of English history.