The Wars of the Roses

British History in Perspective

by A.J. Pollard

This second edition incorporates a wide range of new scholarship and interpretations by leading scholars. The nine essays address recent debates about the Wars of the Roses, especially their origins and the balance between self-interest and principle in the motivation of the participants.

Genres: History, British Literature, Nonfiction, Medieval

200 pages, Paperback

First published November 1, 1988

About the author

Anthony James Pollard (born 1941) is a British medieval historian, specialising in North-Eastern England during the Wars of the Roses. He is considered a leading authority on the field.

Reviews

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pollard suggests that rather than one War of the Roses, there were actually two. The first one established Edward IV as king and was between the Lancasters and the Yorks; the other was between the Yorks and the Tudors (1483-5). He looks at previous research and indicates where he thinks it is right and also looks at primary sources to show where previous research has gone astray. My interest was in anything he could tell me about Richard III. He says that there is no reason really for Richard's reach for the throne except fear of losing his influence, which he could not prove. His brother's son came from the Woodville family on one side and they were rather pushy about power so it could be that although Richard would be appointed Protector due to tradition, he might have been edged out quickly by his in-laws. So instead of trying to work it out - he had a great reputation so there was no need to be sidelined due to that - he decided to usurp the throne. We all know what happened then.

All in all, Pollard has an interesting and, to me, a very plausible interpretation of why the wars were fought, how and by whom they were fought and how they affected England and the continent.

[Paul Pryce · Rating 3 out of 5]

I overall enjoyed this read. I’m not a scholar of the Wars of the Roses, but equally I’m not sure this is an “entry level” book. It covers a lot on on “what and why” behind the whole conflict and less on the blow by blow battlefield “how”, although that fact is pointed out early on!! I would read more on the era, in fact I would come back to this book again. I learned things - but sometimes felt the reader was expected to have a grip the “basics” on e.g. The Nevilles and various families involved prior joining the text. But a good read yes.

[Charlie Fenton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read for university. Recommended for those who already have a knowledge of the Wars of the Roses as this is mainly good for looking at the causes, impact etc of the Wars, as well as the historiography of the period.

[Benedict S · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is great. An assured, and modern, take on the Wars of the Roses. Weaves together narrative with analysis of historiography, themes, and putting it into context. Approachable and convincing. A good contrast to Carpenter.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellently researched, and a thoughtful look at the causes, effects, and differing perspectives of the wars. Also some interesting thoughts on how the wars were viewed over time.

[Kara · Rating 1 out of 5]

Pollard pulls off the astonishing feat of turning a fascinating time period of intrigue, violence, betrayal, loyalty, sex, murder and ambition into a treatise as dry as the Sahara.