Book Description
Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, remains one of the most controversial personalities of fifteenth-century England. The archetypal over-mighty subject, he was the dominant figure in the dynastic revolutions at the heart of the fifteenth-century Wars of the Roses. Warwick played a pivotal role first in advancing the Yorkist cause, leading Edward IV to replace the Lancastrian Henry VI in 1461. Then, having lost influence at court, he changed sides and was reversed the process in 1470. Warwick "the Kingmaker" dominated national politics in his various roles as general, admiral, pirate, subaltern, administrator, politician, propagandist, statesman, and diplomat. This book illuminates Warwick's character and motivation, showing that he was an emotional, charming, and popular man with a strong sense of family loyalty. It is the first full study of this compelling figure within the context of political life in late medieval England.
About the Author
Michael Hicks is Professor of Medieval History at King Alfred's College, Winchester, and Fellow of the Royal Historical Society. He has published extensively on late medieval England and local history. His recent books include Bastard Feudalism (1995); Richard III (2000) and English Political Culture in the Fifteenth Century (2002).
Warwick the Kingmaker: Michael Hicks FROM THE PUBLISHER
This is the first full study of Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, a powerful and compelling figure within the context of political life of late medieval England.
It sheds new light on Warwick's character and motivation, showing him as an emotional, charming and popular man, with a strong sense of family loyalty.
Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, remains one of the most controversial personalities of fifteenth-century England. The archetypal over-mighty subject, he was the dominant figure in the dynastic revolutions at the heart of the fifteenth-century Wars of the Roses. Warwick played a pivotal role first in advancing the Yorkist cause, leading Edward IV to replace the Lancastrian Henry VI in 1461. Then, having lost influence at court, he changed sides and was responsible for seeing the process reversed in 1470. Warwick's death at the Battle of Barnet in 1471 marked the destruction of the Lancastrian cause that he had come to represent. Warwick 'the Kingmaker' was a man of remarkable qualities and achievements. Of royal descent, enormous estates, and exceptional acquisitiveness, he was allowed unprecedented freedom in shaping his career through the troubled circumstances of his time. Born in 1428 as heir to a second rank northern nobleman, and apparently destined for a career of border warfare, Warwick came to dominate national politics, to visit Ireland, Scotland, and Wales, and to involve himself in the affairs of every English region and in all aspects of political life. He shone in such varied roles as general, admiral, pirate, subaltern, administrator, politician, propagandist, statesman, and diplomat.
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