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Medieval Lives
Richard the Lionheart: In Life and in Legend
A deep dive into the myth and history surrounding England’s crusader king.
How did Richard the Lionheart, who once said he would sell London if he found a buyer, become celebrated as the ideal of English chivalry? This book examines the life of Richard I (1157–1199) through the captivating stories told about him, from the Middle Ages to today.
Tales of Richard’s exploits were as colorful as they were varied, ranging from tales of wielding King Arthur’s sword to his descent from the devil (or just a cannibal). Instead of separating fact from fiction, this book explores how tales about Richard I shaped his legacy in his time and ours.
Valuable to general readers and scholars alike, and combining medieval and modern literature, this book is the only account to study Richard I from the perspective of history and literature.
How did Richard the Lionheart, who once said he would sell London if he found a buyer, become celebrated as the ideal of English chivalry? This book examines the life of Richard I (1157–1199) through the captivating stories told about him, from the Middle Ages to today.
Tales of Richard’s exploits were as colorful as they were varied, ranging from tales of wielding King Arthur’s sword to his descent from the devil (or just a cannibal). Instead of separating fact from fiction, this book explores how tales about Richard I shaped his legacy in his time and ours.
Valuable to general readers and scholars alike, and combining medieval and modern literature, this book is the only account to study Richard I from the perspective of history and literature.
200 pages, Hardcover
First published January 21, 2026
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July 30, 2025
An excellent and concise history of King Richard’s life, and how he has been viewed through the ages. If you’re looking to learn about Richard I for the first time or looking for a quick refresher, this is the book for you!
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