Edward Iv and the Wars of the Roses

Authors Comments: Edward IV s career will always be overshadowed by the events that followed his death. Edward s son and successor was quickly deposed, and Edward s brother, Richard, took the throne in his stead. Why Richard III acted as he did is one of the great enigmas of English history, and he will continue to provoke impassioned debate. But in this book I tell the story of the Wars of the Roses from Edward s own perspective, with an emphasis on his military role. Edward was a complex man. His personal motto was comfort and joy , yet it was in the cruel arena of warfare where his qualities were most evident. A born leader of men, Edward emerged victorious from some of the bloodiest battles ever fought on British soil. Edward was still in his teens when he became the leader of the Yorkist faction, deposed King Henry VI, and seized the throne. Edward s great victory at Towton to which I devote a whole chapter confirmed his title. But at the heart of the book is Edward s relationship with Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, the so-called Kingmaker . Warwick s support was important to Edward, in Edward s earliest years as king, but he was never in Warwick s thrall. Edward s determination to follow his own path led to an estrangement from his older ally, and ultimately to renewed civil war. Edward was forced into exile; but he quickly returned, to fight once again for his crown. His opponents were formidable, but Edward was their match. In this book, the first military biography of Edward IV, I tell the story of a remarkable man, who led a remarkable life. –Author

“A pleasing and well-informed appraisal of the first Yorkist king. Santiuste provides a clear and cogent survey of the battles that put Edward on the throne, and the ones that kept him there” (Dr Michael Jones, co-author of The Women of the Cousins’ War)

“A valuable and thought-provoking addition to the canon, which ought to become required reading for anyone interested in the reign of the first Yorkist monarch” (Dr Hannes Kleineke, The Ricardian)

“A convincing, well-argued portrayal of one of England’s most talented but perhaps least appreciated kings, focusing on his skills as a battlefield leader, an area in which he excelled” (Historyofwar.org)

“Altogether, this well-researched, cogently argued and eminently readable account paints a vivid picture of Edward IV as a courageous and able soldier, capable of utter ruthlessness when the occasion demanded” (Helen Cox, Towton Battlefield Society)

“A new and ultimately riveting book … shows exactly why historical biographies are vital in engaging enthusiasts, novice or professional” (Medieval Warfare)

“A readable, easy way to follow the ups and downs of the conflicts, skilfully using contemporary and academic sources … Overall, this is a fine study of the Wars of the Roses that focuses on Edward IV and military operations” (Dr William Young, University of North Dakota)

“Concise, detailed and action-packed … essential reading” (Thehistoryherald.com)

“An extremely worthy addition to any historian’s bookshelves” (Shropshire Star)