This is a brilliant new interpretation of one of the most dramatic periods of British history. The Wars of the Roses didn't end at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485. Despite the death of Richard III and Henry VII's victory, it continued underground into the following century with plots, pretenders and subterfuge by the ousted white rose faction. In a brand new interpretation of this turning point in history, well known historian Desmond Seward reviews the story of the Tudors' seizure of the throne and shows that for many years they were far from secure. He challenges the way we look at the reigns of Henry VII and Henry VIII, explaining why there were so many Yorkist pretenders and conspiracies, and why the new dynasty had such difficulty establishing itself. King Richard's nephews, the Earl of Warwick and the little known de la Pole brothers, all had the support of dangerous enemies overseas, while England was split when the lowly Perkin Warbeck skilfully impersonated one of the princes in the tower in order to claim the right to the throne. Warwick's surviving sister Margaret also became the desperate focus of hopes that the White Rose would be reborn. The book also offers a new perspective on why Henry VIII, constantly threatened by treachery, real or imagined, and desperate to secure his power with a male heir, became a tyrant. Praise for Desmond Seward's "A Brief History of the War of the Roses": 'A brilliant study of the period. Rich in historical detail, yet passionately written, the smell of battle seems to linger on the page' - "Yorkshire Post". 'It is hard to imagine a historian more in command of his subject...The result is history as compelling as any novel' - "Independent". 'This is a splendidly and vividly written book' - "Evening Standard". 'A Brief History of the Hundred Years Wars: A well-written narrative, beautifully illustrated, and which takes into account most recent scholarship. It is also a good read' - Richard Cobb, "New Statesman"
The Last White Rose
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Editorial Reviews
About the Author
Desmond Seward is one of the leading historians of the English Middle Ages. He is the author of A Brief History of the Hundred Years War as well as A Brief History of the Wars of the Roses.
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3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
This book is rather a disappointment. What could be an interesting theme is marred by the author's dogmatism. If you are writing on conspiracies, you should be prepared to discuss why, for example, you think the confession of Perkin Warbeck, or the confession of James Tyrrel regarding the murder of the Princes in the Tower, are genuine. The overall thesis becomes not more credible by flatly declaring doubtful things as facts.
Likewise, it is overstating the case to see support for Mary Tudor in the 1530s as motivated by loyalty to Yorkism rather than to Rome, for example. Superficiality is a drawback throughout. The (possible lack of) sources and their inherent problems are not discussed in the least. Instead, Seward relies heavily on narrative accounts like those of Andre, Polydore Vergil, and Hall, all court historians and official propagandists. On the other hand, some of the "conspiracies" he makes out are based only on rumours and seem to be very thinly documented. If they existed at all, it is unconvincing that they should have posed any serious threat to either Henry VII or Henry VIII, as the author tries to convey.
Likewise, it is overstating the case to see support for Mary Tudor in the 1530s as motivated by loyalty to Yorkism rather than to Rome, for example. Superficiality is a drawback throughout. The (possible lack of) sources and their inherent problems are not discussed in the least. Instead, Seward relies heavily on narrative accounts like those of Andre, Polydore Vergil, and Hall, all court historians and official propagandists. On the other hand, some of the "conspiracies" he makes out are based only on rumours and seem to be very thinly documented. If they existed at all, it is unconvincing that they should have posed any serious threat to either Henry VII or Henry VIII, as the author tries to convey.
2 of 2 people found the following review helpful
Format:Hardcover
A lucid fast paced account in chronological order of the many Yorkist and Yorkist inspired plots which kept the early Tudor monarchs on the edge of their thrones. One of the most well written works by this prolific author of medieval history. If you are even remotely curious as to what happened in the court circles after Bosworth Field,this is for you.
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