Publisher's description:
During the second half of the 15th century, a complex and violent struggle for the English throne erupted between supporters of the House of York and supporters of the House of Lancaster. This clearly written, comprehensive encyclopedia enables the reader to understand this complicated period in English history.
This authoritative A–Z encyclopedia of the Wars of the Roses provides accurate and concise descriptions of the major battles and events and the principal historical figures and issues involved.
For centuries, historians agreed about the Wars of the Roses, seeing them as four decades of medieval darkness and chaos, when the royal family and the nobility destroyed themselves fighting for control of the royal government. Even Shakespeare got into the act, dramatizing, popularizing, and darkening this viewpoint in eight plays.
Today, based on new research, this has become one of the most hotly controversial periods in English history. Historians disagree on fundamental issues, such as dates and facts, as well as interpretation. Most argue that the effects of the wars were not as widespread as once thought, and some see the traditional view of the era as merely Tudor propaganda. A few even claim that England during the late 15th century was "a society organized for peace." Historian John A. Wagner brings readers up to date on the latest research and thinking about this crucial period of England's history.
Features:
• More than 275 entries and over 40 illustrations
• A map of the Wars of the Roses battle sites
• Guide to related topics, chronology, and genealogies
• Table showing the involvement of the higher peerage in the Wars of the Roses
• List of Popes and English church leaders in the 15th century
• List of selected websites for 15th century topics
Highlights:
• Pays particular attention to the military aspects of the conflict but also covers the political and socioeconomic dimensions as well
• Answers all those "who, what, where, when, and why" questions that are frequently asked by those studying this remarkable period in English history
• In depth coverage of the war's military aspects, along with contextual information about political and socioeconomic issues of the time