The story of the death, in sinister circumstances, of the young King Edward V and his brother Richard, Duke of York, is one of the great mysteries of English history, one with profound moral and social consequences, and rich in drama, intrigue, treason, scandal and violence. This re-examination of the evidence - including that against the princes' uncle, Richard III, reconstructs the whole chain of events leading to their murder and sets out to reveal how, why, and by whose order they died.
The Princes In The Tower
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From Publishers Weekly
In this carefully researched and absorbing work of scholarship, Weir ( The Six Wives of Henry VIII ) investigates the events surrounding the disappearance in 1483 of England's 12-year-old King Edward V and his younger brother, Richard, Duke of York. Upon the death of their father, King Edward IV, in 1483, the brothers' uncle, Richard, Duke of Gloucester, was named Edward V's guardian. In a breathtaking chain of sinister events, Richard had Edward V and his brother confined to the Tower of London, declared his nephew's accession to the throne invalid and proclaimed himself king in June of 1483. Weir relies heavily on Sir Thomas More's History of King Richard III (written 1514-1518 and upon which William Shakespeare based his play) to conclude that Richard had his nephews murdered in the tower sometime after his coronation. Weir carefully considers alternative theories about the brothers' deaths, but argues convincingly that More had the best access to evidence and the least reason to lie. Photos not seen by PW.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
From Library Journal
Proponents of Richard III will not be pleased by this book. Weir ( The Six Wives of Henry VIII , LJ 2/15/92) explores documentary evidence and various theories about the fate of the famous princes (Edward V and his brother, ages 12 and 10) in the Tower of London. Relying on contemporary accounts, Weir assesses credibility and compares details. Her sound research and rational arguments make a convincing case for Richard's direct involvement in the murder of his two young nephews. While she admits that there is no convincing evidence that Richard was hunchbacked or more evil than his contemporaries, Weir does show that he was supremely unpopular, largely because of the murder of the children. This is an excellent and persuasive book, one that belongs in all collections covering the history of Great Britain.
- Katharine Galloway Garstka, Intergraph Corp., Huntsville, Ala.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
- Katharine Galloway Garstka, Intergraph Corp., Huntsville, Ala.
Copyright 1994 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition.
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Customer Reviews
Most helpful customer reviews
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By v. rubin
Format:Paperback
This was an interesting read ,I couldn't find a lot of books about the two Princes ,and this book sets out all the cast of charcters,of course Richard is guilty,this book really takes you back to a different time,and sets the stage for a terrible time in history,I would read this book again
3 of 3 people found the following review helpful
By S. MARTYNIUK
Format:Paperback
Alison Weir exercises her right to analyse the facts and to draw her conclusions in 'The Princes in the Tower' by assembling a fascinating array of first-hand evidence from primary sources and from Thomas More's subsequent "history". She points the finger firmly at Richard - an unpopular conclusion with many! - while at the same time warning the reader firmly that nobody can know for certain whether or not he murdered his brother's sons when he usurped the crown.
Superbly structured and well-written, readers will enjoy her illuminating, liberal and plainly well-informed discussion of the sources, and her analysis of the subsequent deliberate blackening of Richard's name in Tudor and later times. The level-headed exposition of the politics of Richard's mortal rivalry with the Woodvilles is particularly useful. There is also a fascinating discussion of Richard's portraits, and the x-ray evidence showing how the paintings have been doctored to portray Richard as a hunchback.
Some have offered the opinion that because Ms Weir's books are so readable, they are in some way unscholarly. I don't agree with that analysis. Top marks again for another top piece of research. Much recommended.
By Donna Diogo
Format:Paperback
This was a well written book but unfortunately it was not what I was hoping to read about. The title is misleading because the book discusses Richard III for three quarters of the book. I already knew the background of the princes. I was hoping this book would let the reader learn something about the boys themselves. Possibly something about their life before the tower. Maybe something about their life in the tower. I was looking for something personable about Edward and his brother Richard and instead I read a book about their uncle Richard III and his life. If you want a book about the princes, this is not the book to read.
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3.4 out of 5 stars
Most recent customer reviews
4.0 out of 5 stars
Richard was guilty, people... accept it.
It's striking that basically all of the negative reviews of this book are by die-hard Richard supporters, who are shocked and appalled that anyone could suggest their hero capable... Read more
Published on April 1 2002 by Sheldon M. Stern
2.0 out of 5 stars
Worth reading only for devotees of the subject
Weir makes some insightful remarks when the facts suit her, but I would only recommend the book to readers who know enough about the subject to carefully weigh her claims. Read more
Published on Mar 15 2002 by Elizabeth A. Root
1.0 out of 5 stars
Read a real history book
Weir is notorious for writing more fable than fact. Try reading Paul Murray Kendall's Richard the III for an extremely well written, well researched and truly thought provoking... Read more
Published on Jan 7 2002 by Kevin
5.0 out of 5 stars
No doubt who did it in the end!
After taking 1 year of English history at George Washington University from a professor who specializes in Tudor and Stuart England I thought I knew everything about this period of... Read more
Published on Dec 25 2001 by Amy E. Mason
4.0 out of 5 stars
Convincing case against Richard III
I thought Alison Weir made a convincing case against Richard III in this book about the deaths of the princes. Read more
Published on Oct 15 2001
1.0 out of 5 stars
A Tudor View
I was tremendously disappointed in this book. Alison Weir excells as a biographer and historian of the Tudors, and I have thoroughly enjoyed many of her books. Read more
Published on Sep 9 2001 by Reader reader
4.0 out of 5 stars
A Well-Educated Look at the Princes in the Tower
Alison Weir has truly cut to the heart of this debate and provided a very compelling case. Well reasoned and articulately presented, there are a few references that might be a bit... Read more
Published on Sep 6 2001 by Brian G. Philbin
5.0 out of 5 stars
THREE CHEERS FOR ANOTHER TRIUMPH FOR WEIR
It thoroughly amazes me as I glance at the reviews that have been written about this book how little people truly put history into perspective. Read more
Published on Aug 8 2001 by Shannon
1.0 out of 5 stars
Shakespeare is better!
I have never read a book before with such a power to enrage me. Even though I am a Ricardian, I normally don't mind people having other views than mine, but this is too much. Read more
Published on May 28 2001
3.0 out of 5 stars
OK BUT BIASED
Alison Weir in general, writes very good bios, but this one was just a little too anti-Richard. I am not convinced that Henry VII couldn't also be responsible. Read more
Published on April 4 2001 by Moe811
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