With the recent discovery of Richard IIIs remains, a newly-revised edition of the celebrated biography of Englands most notorious king. With the victory of Henry Tudor, the usurping dynasty made an effort to besmirch the last Plantagenetxs reputation, and some historians claim that Richardxs black legend is nothing more than political propaganda. Yet such an interpretation, as Desmond Seward shows in this powerfully-argued book, suggests a refusal to face the facts of history. Even in the kingxs lifetime there were rumors about his involvement in the murders of Henry VI and of his nephews, the Princes in the Tower, while his reign was considered by many to be a nightmare, not least for the king himself. The real Richard III was both a chilling and compelling monarch, a peculiarly grim young English precursor of Machiavellixs Prince.
