This text argues that the traditional view of Richard III is very near the truth - Shakespeare's Richard is closer to reality than the image of a betrayed hero favoured by his modern defenders. The author believes the king to have been "the most terrifying man ever to occupy the English throne, not excepting his great nephew Henry VIII. His short life was filled with intrigue and slaughter, and he was the only king of England - other than Harold - to be defeated and killed in battle". In the author's opinion, Richard undoubtedly murdered his nephews, almost certainly his cousin Henry VI and, just possibly, Henry's son as well.
Houses of Lancaster, Beaufort and Tudor
INTRODUCTION: THE BLACK LEGEND
Chapter 1. THE DIFFICULT BIRTH
Chapter 2. ‘OUR BROTHER OF GLOUCESTER’
Chapter 3. WARWICK TRIES TO UNMAKE A KING
Chapter 4. THE WHEEL OF FORTUNE
Chapter 5. THE END OF THE HOUSE OF LANCASTER
Chapter 6. THE RIVALRY WITH CLARENCE
Chapter 7. RICHARD IN THE NORTH
Chapter 8. ‘PROTECTOR AND DEFENDER’
Chapter 9. ‘KING RICHARD THE THIRD’
Chapter 10. ‘HIM THAT HAD BEST CAUSE TO BE TRUE’
Chapter 11. THE DEATH OF RICHARD’S SON
Chapter 12. ‘OUR GREAT HEAVINESS’
Chapter 13. ‘THE KING’S ENEMIES BE A-LAND’