Richard III: A Small Guide to the Great Debate

by Annette Carson

Written as a succinct, straightforward summary of the facts, this short handbook outlines how King Richard came to be portrayed as a monster-villain by the Tudors, and how a backlash in later centuries created the ‘Great Debate’ over his reputation, which still rages today. It also analyses the mystery of the ‘Princes in the Tower’, examining what people actually said and did at the time of their disappearance, and who profited from their removal.

The book sets out all the main theories and arguments, together with their strengths and weaknesses, in a non-scholarly style, without imposing judgements and conclusions. An invaluable reference resource, it invites readers to weigh up the evidence and make up their own minds.

Recommended for anyone interested in Richard III, for libraries and also as a reference for the media, A Small Guide sticks to the verifiable facts while offering insights you won't find in conventional history books. (hattip NetGalley.com)

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Medieval History

ebook

First published September 2, 2013

Reviews

[Pauline Calkin · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the title indicates, this is a guide to the two main controversies about Richard III: his accession to the throne based on a charge (one accepted by the Lords Temporal and Religious and the Commons) that his brother’s Edward’s sons (and daughters) were illegitimate; and, the fate of those two boys. It is not meant to be a comprehensive treatment but it contains cogent arguments. The author leaves it to the reader to explore the various issues.

[Bettie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review: http://bettie.booklikes.com/

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Richard III: A Small Guide to the Great Debate
By Annette Carson
Reviewed April 12, 2023


If V. B. Lamb’s The Betrayal of Richard III (which I reviewed recently) is a good introduction for the newbie to this controversial monarch, then Annette Carson’s Richard III: A Small Guide to the Great Debate is a great follow up, especially for someone who wants to know more but isn’t quite ready to dive into bigger tomes such as Matthew Lewis’s biography, Richard III: Loyalty Binds Me.

This is a small volume, under 100 pages, so won’t require the readers to spend days and weeks making their way through the book and is written in a concise, clear-cut review of the facts, focusing on two main points – Richard’s accession to the crown, and the fate of his nephews.

One of the things I appreciated most was the author reminding us that Richard's world was that of feudal England, “in which rank, especially royal rank, commanded obedience,” a world in which the “vast majority of those who were ruled had the obligation to respect their betters, observe the laws and conventions, fight when conscripted, pray when expected, and remain dutiful and loyal to their masters.”

She also brings out another point that it is vital that we “suspend moral sensibilities” when it comes to medieval monarchs and absolute power, mentioning one of my pet peeves, the traditionalist historian who seems “to sit in judgment on the autocratic rights of royalty five centuries ago…” Or, as I like to put it, stop judging a 15th-century monarch by 21st century standards.

The book looks at primary and secondary sources, examines what bias may exist in such documents and why, and generally offers an even-handed look at the “crimes” (for want of a better word) of which Richard has been accused over the centuries. A great starting point from which to begin one’s Ricardian journey.

[SM · Rating 2 out of 5]

While it was an easy to follow read, I was dissapointed with many aspects of this book. Primarily, it does not do what the abstract sets out: to present the facts and allow the reader to weigh up the arguments themselves. As such you would expect it to be objective with lots of references and direct quotes. This book is heavily biased towards the Ricardian point of view. Arguments are consistently made in favour of Richard III with the Tudor's repeatedly attacked. Direct quotes from the sources are limited and where they are provided the author's bias is clearly evident in the commentary. Most disappointing of all is that there is not a single reference or bibliography provided in this book. If you are trying to understand the Ricardian Society arguments this book is for you. If you are truly trying to "weigh up the case for yourself" then look elsewhere

[Barbara Denvil · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed the clarity and readability which I found both massively informative and inspiring. This book is an excellent introduction into a far larger subject. But for those who do not know - and perhaps do not yet want to know - anything of the deeper studies into the life and deeds of Richard III, this small book presents the relevant facts in a wonderfully clear and straightforward manner. The big questions - did this king kill his nephews (the princes in the Tower) and did he usurp the throne - are covered here. Contemporary opinions, genuine facts, and excellent insights are offered. The final decision is left up to the reader - but first we are given all the necessary details and some fascinating explanations. So much we read and think we know today is really just rumour. This extremely enjoyable book cuts through the rumour and wipes away the confusion. It is the best introduction I have ever read into the real situation concerning this newly topical monarch.
I must admit I am extremely confused by the previous review where Bertie seems to muddle up his kings, getting every King Henry into the wrong order - (it was of course Henry VII who won at the Battle of Bosworth and Henry IV, the first Lancastrian king, was nearly a hundred years previous etc..) but this book by Annette Carson certainly clears the muddles away.

[Sandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good even handed beginners guide to the beginning of the Tudor's and the end of the Cousin's War. Worth reading.

[Michela Maione · Rating 3 out of 5]

Ammetto di essere ignorante: solo dopo aver letto il bel giallo di Josephine Tey "the daughter of time) sono venuta a conoscenza del dibattito intorno alla figura di Riccardo III che il buon William Shakespeare ha consegnato alla storia come il prototipo di cattivo che più cattivo non si può: assassino dei suoi nipoti adolescenti, seduttore di donzelle a cui ha ucciso il marito, attentatore alle virtù della giovane nipote, spietato uccisore di tutti i suoi nemici. In contrapposizione, il quasi bastardo Enrico VII Tudor viene dipinto come il deus ex machina in grado di porre fine alla sanguinosa guerra delle due rose che da decenni affligge l'Inghilterra. Ma forse la storia non è esattamente questa, forse la propaganda volta a consacrare la dinastia dei Tudor, con la sua linea non purissima, ha necessariamente costruito un castello di calunnie per infangare la memoria di colui che in realtà è stata una vittima delle ambizioni di Margaret Beaufort & Co. E Shakespeare non ha fatto altro che affidarsi a queste fonti "di parte" (l'italiano Polidoro Virgili in testa e il "santo" Tommaso Moro di rimando) per costruire quel personaggio malvagio che è rimasto scolpito nell'immaginario comune per il suo bisogno impellente di procurarsi un cavallo!