False, fleeting, perjur'd Clarence: George, Duke of Clarence, 1449-78

by Michael Hicks

Genres: History, Biography

270 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1980

About the author

Michael Hicks (born 1948) is an English historian, specialising on the history of late medieval England, in particular the Wars of the Roses. Hicks studied with C. A. J. Armstrong and Charles Ross while a student at the University of Bristol. He is today Professor of Medieval History at the University of Winchester, and a Fellow of the Royal Historical Society.

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Reviews

[Jamie Adair · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an amazing book that is unfortunately very hard to find. (Try university libraries.) Yes, it is an academic book. Yes, it is based on Michael Hick's thesis. However, it is the only book I know of about Clarence - a central and under-discussed figure in the Wars of the Roses.

This book provides:
1. A discussion of Clarence's childhood, Clarence's early career in politics, and Clarence's interaction with Warwick.

2. Insight into the extent Edward IV spoiled (for lack of a better word) Clarence when he was heir to the throne. This includes dollar amounts from expenditures on lavish goods for Clarence, the near-kingly estate in which Clarence lived, and the numerous titles endowed upon him. While Hicks describes these acts, he doesn't speculate excessively on their emotional or psychological impact.

3. The Readeption. I found Hicks' treatment of the Readeption a bit challenging, but I may not have a sufficient grounding in it. (I think it assumes you know a lot about the Readeption already.)

4. The feud with Richard III over the Warwick lands. Hicks is one of the few historians - even today - who correctly puts this dispute into an accurate legal context. In my opinion, Hicks implies that Richard III may have been in the wrong since he had no legal standing. Hicks' discussion is well worth reading and rereading.

5. The confusing events that led to Clarence's death. Hicks does not make any grand "Ah, I've solved it" type statements about this great mystery.

This book, as well as Christine Carpenter's (1986) journal article about Clarence, are the finest works on the subject I've seen to date. (J.R. Lander's articles are a close second.)

[KAdelaide · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is on George, Duke of Clarence by Michael Hicks. It's a very academic book and very negative (jarringly) towards Richard III. One interesting point made was that Richard kidnapped/abducted Anne Neville. But at the same time doesn't provide footnotes or references- or even an elaboration on what he meant.

I believe Anne ran away from Georges household (actual reason unknown), was found by Richard (actual place unknown) and Richard sent her to a church, away from George, until Richard could marry her. Is this what he possibly meant by kidnapped? But to the reader the author has left alot out as you can read for yourself. There is a lot more anti Richard in this book too.

It seems at the end of the book the author believes George would never have taken the throne from his nephews if he had of lived.(and I find that VERY difficult to believe considering his history) 🤣 The authors reasoning was George had no magnate support. When did that ever stop George in his past?

Some interesting discussion around Georges death and the fate of his bones.

[Carolyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

A highly biased account, but still the only biography of Clarence out there. Still worth a read for the in-depth assessment, especially of Clarence as magnate.