Richard II, Makers of History

MP3 Audio CD. This book is part of Jacob Abbott?s Makers of History series and a biography of Richard II that is so much more than an account of the life of the King of England accessing the throne in 1367 and forced to abdicate in 1399.

Jacob is known as a writer of books for children and this biography is also one of his writings dedicated to the younger generations, but the complexity of his approach and the sophisticated language he used in the book probably make it more suitable for college students or adult readers. The book discusses numerous aspects of the King?s life, providing a deep and detailed account of the Peasants? Revolt l in 1381, the first major conflict during Richard II?s rule and one that the young King solved successfully and of Richard?s relationship towards his uncle, John of Gaunt.

Though much of Richard?s rule was peaceful, his power was gradually weakened by a small elite group of aristocrats called the Lords Appellant and it took Richard several years to regain control. He never ceases to seek revenge against the appellants and in 1397, when his power is sufficiently stable, he sees to it that most appellants be exiled or killed. He also disinherits and exiles Gaunt?s son, who returns to England in 1399, forces Richard to give up the throne and crowns himself as Henry IV. Richard passes away a few months later, in 1400, in captivity ? according to some, he died of starvation, others consider the cause of his death a mystery that has not been elucidated yet and Jacob has his own opinion as well.

Jacob?s book is an excellent introduction to the history of medieval England. It not only provides an account of the king?s life, but also places his life into a larger social and historical context, thus offering the reader a comprehensive picture of the era described.