Richard II: The Art of Kingship

A collection of essays by leading historians, edited by Anthony Goodman and James L Gillespie. Richard II, son of the Black Prince, was a contentious figure, whose reign was referred to as 'the tyranny' after only a decade. These essays aim to re-evaluate the frequently biased evidence and create a rounded portrait of the king.

The re-assessment of the character and practice of medieval kingship is a lively academic subject. In the context of the later Middle Ages, interest has been focused on aspects of the subject such as discourse on the nature and purpose of rule, the conventions of co-operation between kings and communities, monarchy as spectacle, cultural expression of royal personality, and the fiscal basis of government. These are among the subject areas emphasised by the contributors to this re-assessment of Richard II. The contributors produce a rounded picture of his personality and rule by examining his contemporary reputation and key aspects of his policies. This study highlights the seriousness of the convergent problems affecting the exercise and of English kingship, and illuminates why the traditional and innovative panaceas attempted by a conventionally-minded prince resulted in his downfall. It is a study which positions the reign within the evolution of English kinship.