Richard, last-born son of the Duke of York, was seven months short of his nineteenth birthday when he bloodied himself at the battles of Barnet and Tewkesbury, earning his legendary reputation as a battle commander and ending the Lancastrian line of succession. But Richard was far more than a warrior schooled in combat. He was also a devoted brother, an ardent suitor, a patron of the arts, an indulgent father, a generous friend. Above all, he was a man of fierce loyalties, great courage and firm principles, who was ill at ease among the intrigues of Edward's court. The very codes Richard lived by ultimately betrayed him. But he was betrayed by history too. Leaving no heir, his reputation was at the mercy of his successor, and Henry Tudor had too much at stake to risk mercy. Thus was born the myth of the man who would stop at nothing to gain the throne. Filled with the sights and sounds of battle, the customs and love of daily life, the rigours and dangers of Court politics and the touching concerns of very real men and women, The Sunne in Splendour is a richly coloured tapestry of medieval England.
About the Author
Sharon Kay Penman is the author of seven other historical novels and four medieval mysteries set during the reign of Eleanor of Aquitaine. She lives in Mays Landing, New Jersey, and her most recent book is Lionheart, beginning the story of Richard I and the Crusades.
Industry Reviews
A quirky, offbeat delight and a heart-warming reminder that one is never too old for some mischief and adventure -- Tom Winter, author of Lost & Found A good-natured, humorous crime caper * Independent on Sunday * A good-natured, humorous crime caper * Independent on Sunday * A quirky, offbeat delight and a heart-warming reminder that one is never too old for some mischief and adventure -- Tom Winter, author of Lost & Found `A shining expression of how joyous life is. It is not dangerous to grow old if you are like Martha and the gang' Hyllan, blogg `The funniest book this year!' Magazine Familjen, Norway `A book which should be read by people of all ages' Radio P4 `A hilarious farce . . . highly entertaining with very well crafted characters' Frettabladid newspaper, Iceland `It has humour, brilliant dialogue, irony and warmth. A light-hearted and enjoyable detective comedy with breath-taking events, which provide many smiles but also reflection on life' PRO Pensionaren `Criminally fun!' Bonniers Bokklubb `Very imaginative, fun and filled with gallons of humour!' Katarina Mazetti