The three Richards

the long version

"Three King Richards ruled England in the middle ages. All had memorable reigns. Richard I ('Coeur de Lion', 1189-99) was a crusading hero; Richard II (1377-99) was an authoritarian aesthete who was deposed and murdered; while Richard III (1483-85) was the most famous villain in English history, usually held guilty of the murderer of his nephews, the Princes in the Tower. This joint biography shows how much the three kings had in common, apart from their names. All were younger sons, not expected to come to the throne; all failed to leave a legitimate heir, causing instability on their deaths; all were cultured and pious; and all died violently. All have attracted accusations but also fascination. In comparing them, Nigel Saul tells three gripping stories and shows what it took to be a medieval king."--Jacket.