My Lord John

by Georgette Heyer

The reigns, deaths, and ruthless struggle for power of Richard II and his cousin Henry IV is viewed through the eyes of Henry's youngest son, John of Lancanster. John, Duke of Bedford--very human, very powerful, intensely virile--he is an unforgettable figure in England's most turbulent and bawdy era. He grew to manhood fighting for his father, King Henry IV of England, on the wild and lawless Northern Marches. A prince of Royal blood, loyal and strong, he was the greatest ally that his brother - the future Henry V - was to have. Master of court intrigue, perilously close to the awesome responsibilities of the Crown, he remained a full-blooded young Englishman--an unrestrained lover, an unbridled seeker of adventure and pleasure.

Filled with the clash of bitter rivalries and deadly power struggles, this is Georgette Heyer's last and most ambitious novel.

Genres: Historical Fiction, Historical, Fiction, Romance, Historical Romance, Regency, Medieval

374 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1975

About the author

Georgette Heyer was a prolific historical romance and detective fiction novelist. Her writing career began in 1921, when she turned a story for her younger brother into the novel The Black Moth.

In 1925 she married George Ronald Rougier, a mining engineer. Rougier later became a barrister and he often provided basic plot outlines for her thrillers. Beginning in 1932, Heyer released one romance novel and one thriller each year.

Heyer was an intensely private person who remained a best selling author all her life without the aid of publicity. She made no appearances, never gave an interview and only answered fan letters herself if they made an interesting historical point. She wrote one novel using the pseudonym Stella Martin.

Her Georgian and Regencies romances were inspired by Jane Austen. While some critics thought her novels were too detailed, others considered the level of detail to be Heyer's greatest asset.

Heyer remains a popular and much-loved author, known for essentially establishing the historical romance genre and its subgenre Regency romance.

Reviews

[Jessica]

It's every author's worst fear: Dying in the middle of a passion project.

While I knew that Heyer had struggled with having to pay the bills or fulfill contracts by writing so many historical romances when she was ready to move on to other projects, I had no idea that her true passion project was writing history of the Lancasters and the birth of the War of the Roses! WHAT. According to the note at the beginning, written by her husband, she studied so long and so hard that she could read the English of the 15th century as easily as the 20th! She made discoveries, and helped to translate or preserve original writings and works. I mean . . . WHAT?!

No clue! Honestly thought this was going to be one of her medieval romances, like Beauvallet or something! And honestly? It was a little dry, and it moved a little too quickly, but it was not at all bad, which just made me feel sadder. This is clearly a first draft, and one that she was probably even rushing, in order to get it down, and it cuts off MID-SENTENCE.

For real, this is my nightmare.

[Darla · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the saddest book. Sad because she wanted to finish this so much and had worked on it for years. Sad because her histories were so much more important to her than her Regencies. Sad because she never gave an interview and never understood how much joy her books brought (and bring) to so many people. Sad because it is unfinished and un-edited and missing so much of HER. I have read it but would not recommend it. It will just make you sad...

[Nicky · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really wanted to like this one; I mean, I'm now pretty interested in this period of history, and it's Georgette Heyer. It's really nothing like her Regency romances, but that I expected: it's a piece of work she approached very seriously, and intended to be her most important work. It's a pity that it's so densely written, so overstuffed with all she knew, that it's very, very slow going. In a sense, I ended up approaching it the same way I do Norse sagas: just read it and soak it up, without worrying too much over who is related to whom and to what degree. A second reading then fills in the gaps.

I don't have time for said second reading right now, and I'm not certain I'm interested enough to give this that much of my time -- part of Heyer's genius is with readable stories and characters you can get involved with, but even quarter of the way through I wasn't really involved yet. Too much of it seemed to come in summary, rather than through interactions between characters.

Still, maybe...

[Jessica · Rating 2 out of 5]

My Lord John was Heyer's last novel, and is actually unfinished, with the manuscript ending right in the middle of a sentence. She had planned on writing the life story of Lord John, Duke of Bedford, son of King Henry IV and younger brother to King Henry V, but this book ends right before the death of his father. It covers his life from childhood through to 1413, when he was in his early twenties. Heyer did an enormous amount of research to write this book, and this becomes very obvious throughout the story. In addition to discussing the life of one man, we learn about the entire world during that time period, from details of the lives of the princes, to the struggles on the world stage.
I found this book to be incredibly difficult to read. For fans of Heyer's light romances, which are also excellent historical fiction, this book might be a bit daunting. It is very different from the others I've read by her. What made it most frustrating for me was the fact that I could not for the life of me keep all the names and titles straight, even with the help of the cast of characters at the front of the book and the family tree in the back. The problem comes from Heyer's use of not only the character's given names, but also their titles, which seem to be constantly changing, and even their nicknames, if the characters have them. Most historical fiction authors that I have read try to keep things a little bit more in order for their readers, as though they understand that this can be confusing. Heyer also uses language from the time, and she helpfully includes a glossary, so that her readers will not be further mystified about what is going on. Still, this use of language tended to add to my difficulty with the book.
Overall, the historical detail is incredible, and the reader can learn a tremendous amount about this time period from the book. It would have been good to read the entire thing, no matter how difficult I found it. However, I hesitate to recommend this one, simply because the constant name switching and use of language were for me very distracting.

[Felicity · Rating 3 out of 5]

Forsooth! Did the lordlings swiggle their jive cruck forward with algers? Was it slithy and did the wabe gyre and gymbal? Yes, this is the book where Georgette Heyer basically channels the 12th century edition of Urban Dictionary and you the reader get to puzzle it out! Also, there is genealogy. Oh my GAWD is there ever genealogy and it's confusing as hell. Which is all a way of saying that this is a really far cry from Heyer's best book but, let's face it, her worst book is still so much better than almost anyone else's best book that it's amazing. Even if it did make me wish I had a handy 1000 page college level text on medieval British monarchs as a reference and infuriate me to the nth degree with the kickin' medieval slang. But, I'll stop being mumpish for I sickerly am still asotted with Mrs. Heyer.

[Mercedes Rochelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m not normally a Georgette Heyer fan, but I was specifically looking for any book about John of Lancaster (younger brother of Henry V) and this one popped up. It turns out that Georgette Heyer loved medieval history; her husband tells us in the Preface that this was her favorite period. Interestingly, this is the last book she wrote, and it was originally intended to be book one of a trilogy. But she died even before finishing this volume (though we have a hefty 400+ pages). Is this a first draft? I don’t know enough about her style to speculate. It seems very polished, but she has done more telling rather than showing, so I don’t know. Historically, she is mostly right on target (her passages on the Percy-led rebellion and capture of Archbishop Scrope seem to be under-researched). Because of my own work, I’m familiar with all these characters, but so much history has been stuffed into volume one that I would suspect the average reader could easily get lost. She used lots and lots of “medieval” words in conversations that I didn’t know, which tripped me up regularly.

“Loth, and yet life. God give you strength to prosper in your beginnings, my liege!”
Harry laughed, and let him go. “Gramercy! Keep the North quiet for me, my Lord Warden!”
“I shall do my power. But while Northumberland is on life that is little! Father should make an end.”
“Sturdy words! I remember now that Bishop Henry told me you were very stark!”
“Well, Thomas says the like of you!” retorted John.
“Does he? But I would not be so blithe to head my own friends, brother!”
“When were the Hollands and the Despensers friends to Lancaster? Traitorous thatchgallows, every one, and Father enlarged them, as he will Northumberland!”

Well, I can guess most of these words through context, but it certainly slowed me down. Nonetheless, we get a lively narrative which gives us an agreeable picture of the four sons of Henry IV, though again, based on my own research, the reality was much more caustic—at least between young Harry and Thomas. However, I’m happy to go along; things didn’t get really uncomfortable until they were older (past the end of this book). John, the third son, comes across as the most level-headed, with an infallible memory and an innate ability to take charge. Still just into his teens, he is created Warden of the East Marches of Scotland under the tutelage of Ralph Neville, Earl of Westmorland (and natural enemy of Henry Percy). A lesser soul would have wilted under these rough and disorderly conditions, but John shows great courage and soon finds himself at home.

[Elysium · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars

I don’t think I’ve ever read anything about this era so I spent more time on google than reading and thank goodness for character list! But it’s so annoying and confusing when you can’t call someone the same name the whole time. I mean there’s half dozen Henry/Harry, John, Richard, Hugh, Thomas… No need confusing the reader by calling the person sometimes by their given name and other time by their title.

It was also quite slow to read. Heyer has tried writing how people spoke at the fifteenth century and it slows down the reading. There were many times I had to read the sentence few times to understand it.

I liked how John was portrayed and the scenes that focused on him but at times I felt like I was having history lesson instead of reading historical fiction.

Heyer died before the trilogy was finished, but did the book had to end in mid sentence?! Even if the manuscript breaks off like that. What were the editors thinking!

I liked this more than The Conqueror but I still wouldn’t recommend this.

[Lori · Rating 3 out of 5]

I somewhat enjoyed this book about John, Duke of Bedford and younger brother of the man who would become Henry V, especially in the beginning, but found the story dragging toward the end. I particularly enjoyed the interactions of the young John with his grandfather, John of Gaunt. This added another dimension to the man who was the hero of the classic Katherine by Anya Seton.

This book was Heyer's last and she died before completing it. In fact, the manuscript leaves off mid-sentence and the estate and editors apparently decided to publish the manuscript as Heyer left it. The story had really great potential and if Heyer had had the opportunity to edit and revise it, I believe it would have been made much tighter and not drag so much in the later half.

In addition, I read this book on a Kindle. Heyer used many archaic medieval words that were not to be found in the Kindle's built in dictionary. While the book included a glossary in the rear, along with a family tree, neither of these features were easily accessible or readable on the Kindle, requiring the reader to frequently guess at word meanings from the context clues.

All in all, I give the book a 3 star rating because I did love the characterization of John, his father (Henry IV), and Harry (later Henry V). Heyer allowed herself to become bogged down in detail, and while the period is a fascinating one, some of these minute details did little to move the plot along. While I did like the book, I think only fellow die-hard medieval history or Plantagenet Dynasty fans would truly appreciate it.

[Sandra McIntier · Rating 5 out of 5]

Truly brilliant. It was a shame that Georgette Heyer, didn't write more books like this. I loved her Regency books, but much prefer this time (medieval). Her research into language and other areas was really praiseworthy.
Thank you for a book well done. It is such a shame she is no longer with us!

[Chris · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this book absolutely incredible. I didn't think it was slow or had too much detail; I thought it was quite a good and an interesting read. It's such a shame the book was left unfinished because it would have been a masterpiece had it been completed.

[Marie Burton · Rating 1 out of 5]

The Blurb "Set in the last days of the reign of Richard II, just before Henry V succeeded him to the throne, the eponymous hero is Henry's brother, John, Duke of Bedford. Heyer brings the medieval world to life, creating a panoramic view of a royal family's intricacies, intrigues and sibling rivalries, along with the everyday lives of the servants, clerics, and vassals in their charge."

That blurb is significant to remember as you read this. It is quite true regarding the details that Heyer retells, and when preparing my own review of the book I had specifically come up with the word "panoramic" to describe this, and afterwards realized that the description was not unique to me. But the word fits splendidly due to the nature of the book. My Lord John is immediately plagued by a quagmire of names...so much so, that I doubt that anyone unfamiliar with the era of Medieval times up to the Wars of the Roses would even want to attempt to understand what is going on here. I have read medieval fiction and non-fiction before but this one starts off with so many names including nurses, wives etc. having dialogues with each other without proper introductions to the reader that I had to stop reading and brush up again on the nobility of Medieval England. When you open a novel that begins with pages of family tables and genealogical references, you know you'll need to get your thinking cap on.

Heyer opens this novel up with 1393-1399 when Richard II is king, and is known as Cousin Richard to the lordings (the children) that we are immediately introduced to. Right off the bat I came across some interesting words that I had to look up. (Barbican, postern, herber.) This time I had the forethought to look in the back of the book and found the glossary and a reading guide! Heyer captures the dialogues between the lords with seemingly accurate phrases for Medieval times (hence the need for the glossary) and jumps right into her settings without much of a preamble. The story continues with the lordings of Henry of Bolingbroke (later Henry IV) and the small details of their comings and goings as they learn through gossip and messengers the goings-on of their King, Cousin Richard and the political upheaval the King creates which drastically effects the children. These lordings of Henry of Bolingbroke are number four boys and two girls, but the most important are Harry and John and given the most attention to in Part I. Harry who later becomes King Henry V after his own father is king, is taken under the wing of Richard II (or taken hostage, depends on how you look at it), and John is the My Lord John as referred to in the title. (I am really struggling to not turn this into a history lesson!).

Major events occur around the family such as the headstrong uncle to the King Richard, Thomas Woodstock is murdered after being sent into exile, more plots and arrests and soon after the children's father, Henry of Bolingbroke is also sent away. Hence, uprisings among the families and the start of the Wars of The Roses soon after that although not reaching that part in the book. I soon found that I was becoming engrossed with the story once it started to feel like Heyer was staying in one place with the characters at this point, but then she lost me again as we reach the 1400's when John becomes a Lord Warden in the North. The transition of King Henry IV after King Richard is deposed is cumbersome and drawn out. Heyer attempts to recreate the relationship of the boys with their father King Henry, but the grasp is tenuous at best. John's elder brother Harry is sent to deal with the Welsh and Owen Glendower. Their brother Thomas goes to Ireland. The two sisters Phillippa and Bess are married off and scarcely mentioned again except when the one dies which causes heartache for her father the King. Ongoing rivalries plague Lord John, the relationships with the nobles and the King are the focus, and the outcome of traitors and heretics are dispersed throughout. The problems with the new Pope are mentioned and the politics with their neighboring countries are also discussed, always in the glazed overview of minute details over and over.

The relationship between Henry and Harry, father and son, is also a running theme throughout the book, as the one is destined to succeed the other. The rivalries of the many families are a confusing mess throughout the book, with seemingly every family name featured such as Beauforts, Nevilles, Hastings, Beauchamps, Huntingdon, Kent, Despenser.. the list goes on and on and I am quite thankful for handy reference guide in the beginning of the book: four and a half pages devoted to "The Characters", and I enjoyed the Genealogy tables as well as the preface written by Heyer's husband.


Heyer fans like me who have only read her romance and mystery novels are in for an about face, as this is truly pure historical in nature and not with the usual comedic settings or romantic rendezvous nor the tongue-in-cheek of slapstick comedy romps that Heyer is best known for. At first look I believed I could only recommend this work to those who are very familiar with the background of this turbulent era, and for those who would like a closer look at John and the circumstances of his upbringing and his relationship with his family. But the fact that there was no sense of satisfaction from this book, I now hesitate to recommend this at all. I cannot truly imagine there being any new insights here that would be better be accomplished through reading a less time consuming and more engaging book.

I wanted to really, really like this novel, but this time I have to say that as both a Heyer fan, and Medieval era fan, I obviously did not enjoy this. It started to become a chore for me but I was pulled through only by Heyer's interpreting of the dialogues between the subjects which were interesting if they were not interrupted by Heyer's backtracking through explanatory history. Through the conversations of the nobles is when Heyer's wit shone through, unfortunately there was just not enough of this to make this tome worthwhile to me. It is said that Heyer researched meticulously for this book, which was published after her death, and she originally had intended to publish three books. Perhaps if more drama was inserted within which would merit it a historical fiction work, and indeed separating out and dramatizing the major events throughout the three books, this endeavor would have succeeded. But instead, a billion details about many characters of the time are squashed into 440 pages that lack the typical Heyer flair. The wording that Heyer uses to detail the story does not promote its readability, it actually hindered any progress that could have been made. It also had the feeling of one step forward, two steps back with the myriad of recollections of events amidst the current storyline.

The wording was dull, dry and emotionless and read more like a text book rather than the intended novel. There is zero romance, and I am very confused as to why on the Amazon website the editorial review is "rapturously romantic". Unless the use of 'romantic' the reviewer meant antiquated. Not a single romance brewing unless of course the mere mention of a death of one wife and the marrying of another (or the mentioning of having an affair) is what is called romantic! The Amazon tags also bring up Romance and Regency in several forms and there is none of that in this work. The cover for this book, although pretty, has nothing to do with this book either. I would put a warrior's shield on it in place of the woman (or even a man to represent John). The fact that the book trudges along for endless pages till its absolute insane conclusion in MID-SENTENCE because Heyer's manuscript breaks off there is utterly asinine!

[Jemidar · Rating 3 out of 5]

Really 3.5 stars.

I knew going into this book that it was an unfinished manuscript but was disappointed to find it was barely half finished. It's obvious that Heyer intended to chronicle his entire life and this goes only from babyhood to his early twenties (which is about half his life as he died at 46) and certainly doesn't include the most interesting bits. John, Duke of Bedford really came into his own under Henry V and later Henry VI but this book finishes even before Henry IV has died. The other thing I didn't expect was for the book to finish mid sentence...what were the editors thinking?!

Having said all that, it is hardly the author's fault that she died, but I would've expected the editors and her estate to have handled things differently because while the manuscript was more than a fragment, it was also much less than a completed novel. Yes we know what happens, history tells us as does the Hisorical Note at the end of the book, but it just felt so incomplete that it left me rather dissatisfied.

Although Heyer's straight Historical novels are dryer and less humourous than her much loved Regencies, the Heyer magic was still in evidence and I really did enjoy reading this book (what there is of it) and would've loved to have settled down to a nice long meaty read which alas is not what it delivered :-(.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Left unfinished at her death, Georgette Heyer's husband and son chose to published it as it is: a meticulously researched historical account of the rise of the House of Lancaster, the Plantagenets. It focuses on John, whose brother eventually became Henry V. John outlived him, and was, apparently, a much better politican. Beginning in their childhood, Heyer brings the brothers to life as they grow up in wealth and privilege, see their father crowned King of England, and take on heavy responsibilities as mere teenagers. Not an enviable life as depicted, but they won the respect of their people if not of their enemies.

[Rebecca · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was surprised by how good this book was. It was projected to be a trilogy, but the author died before she could complete it. The story takes place around the time of Richard II and Henry IV and is centered around the early years of John Duke of Bedford, Henry IV's 3rd son and Henry V's brother. It was surprisingly well researched and, not at all surprising for Georgette Heyer, gives a real sense of what life must have been like for these boys as they grew to young men. Every character is fully realized.

[Rosemary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Heyer considered this her "serious" novel. I don't think it's as well written as The Conqueror, which is also serious by comparison with some of her hilarious Regency romps. There are too many characters to keep up with for one thing, and the plot takes a while to become engaging. As the story develops however I do care what happens to the main character, John, and I wish Heyer had found time to finish this book/series before she died.

[Kerri · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m dnf-ing this book. I was trying to at least get past the childhood into the main bulk of the story but I just don’t care at all, about anyone. All I know about these people is what I remember from the Shakespeare plays (which is not much at all) and the multitude of names is completely overwhelming. I gave up trying to keep up. This was supposed to be her great love and her masterpiece but, I am not the intended audience.

[S · Rating 4 out of 5]

You have to go into this book knowing that it's not going to end, since the author apparently died mid-sentence. You should also not expect a Heyer Regency romance, or any romance at all. However, this is a very interesting historical novel on being careful what you wish for. Heyer explores the difficulties of taking on power and responsibility and trying to be ethical in positions of power.

[Mina · Rating 5 out of 5]

On balance the treatment of history is probably too earnest and pedantic to qualify My Lord John as a good dramatic read, but I loved the immersive quality of Heyer's rendering of the era. One of my favourite Heyers - 5 stars. Sept/13

[Anita M. Shaw · Rating 5 out of 5]

Was really disappointed that she died before she finished this book. At least she had extensive notes that give you a sense of closure, but it would have been so much better had she been able to finish it.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not a typical Georgette Heyerdahl and that's what makes it so good. Straightforward no romance just a historical novel that does rely in some prior knowledge. Wish she'd been able to complete

[Susana · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fantastic recording of the life of an unknown man; a very competent knight. Loved this book and think it a shame that Heyer couldn't complete the work.

[Susan R. Lundine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing

Heyer died before finishing this book, but what she wrote was fascinating. She truly knew how to bring history to life.

[Pauline Calkin · Rating 2 out of 5]

Ms. Heyer is renowned for her Regency novels, but her husband informs us in the preface to this book that her favorite historical period was what she called “armour”—the Middle Ages and in particular the years 1393 to 1435 when the House of Lancaster was at its peak. She planned a trilogy centering on John, Duke of Bedford to illustrate this period because the life of this younger, and most trusted brother of Henry V spanned the whole period and because he was a great, but little known man. She never completed the work because of the constant demands to produce her best-selling Regency works. Thus, the present volume covers the period from 1393 to 1413, representing about a third of the entire projected work. Ms. Heyer had finalized three parts of this work at the time of her death, leaving the final part as rough draft. Although editing was done of the final part, the book ends in mid-sentence.

Her husband also states that she had conducted extensive historical research of the period. It shows, but it is not necessarily a positive as she seems intent on displaying every bit of her knowledge, and this includes introducing every notable person living in Europe at the time. The book reads like a dull history lesson, which, however, does almost nothing to elucidate the complicated politics of the period which saw Bolingbroke take the crown from his cousin Richard II.

This flat narrative is further burdened by the use of archaic words. If the author can find an archaic or obscure word or usage, she uses it. I can cope with “fewterer” instead of keeper of greyhounds or “ymerer” who did the same for bloodhounds—these words are in the glossary, but it became tiresome not to mention time-consuming to flip back and forth from the glossary or the web to look up such words. Why use “haughty” when you can use “orgulous?” It was always “costage” instead of cost or expense, and “unwit,” “unhale,” and even “unglad.” John of Gaunt asks Richard for assurance that his son will inherit when “I unbody me.” I have to admit the language does evoke a certain antique air, but not one I found particularly appealing especially where it is combined with a dull recitation of history. Also, rather oddly she often uses “my lord” to refer to various lords depending on who is the subject of the paragraph. Since there are usually numerous characters in a scene, I sometimes have to pause to figure out which lord is the “my lord” this time— John of Gaunt or his son, Henry Bolingbroke, e.g. Of course, she does not consistently use these names or titles. The name John of Gaunt is not used; he is M. de Guyenne, M d’ Espagne, or Bel Sire. Bolingbroke is usually referred to by whatever title he held at the time— Earl of Derby, Duke of Hereford, and later king.

Since the title character was only 4 at the beginning, he doesn’t play a major part for the first half of the story. He is shown to be even-tempered and pragmatic while brother Harry is idealistic. They and their other two brothers are dismissive of the Yorks: uncle Edmund seems scared of his own shadow while his son is a good-natured buffoon, only interested in hunting. (He did write a bookThe Master of the Game which is available today.). They reserve their disdain for York’s youngest son, the always sneering Richard of Conisbrough. (OK, he was one of the Southampton conspirators, but I think I can guess what side Ms. Heyer would favor in the WOTR.).

Later, John is assigned to secure the north as his brother Harry tries to set down rebellious Wales. He was also Constable of England—Ricardians take note. We are told that he wins the respect of the northerners, but, as with the book as a whole, we are told rather than shown. There are glimmers of some interesting scenes. John reluctantly agrees with Ralph Neville that rebels who agreed to negotiations under a flag of truce should be arrested as a matter of necessity. Then, there is Harry, reminiscent of Shakespeare’s rakish Prince Hal, taking his brothers along as he ventures into the stews. Finally, Harry’s futile effort to save an unrepentant “heretic” from the flames. The problem is that none of these scenes are developed or animated. With reference to the latter incident, in fact, John (or his squire) remember the incident, and then the narrative goes off on long tangents recounting in boring detail the struggle in France between Orleans and Burgundy, the King’s mysterious illness, and brother Thomas’s adulterous liaison. Maybe Ms.Heyer would have tightened up the narrative a bit, but I can only judge that which was before me and it was not entertaining

As an aside, the picture on the various covers showing a young woman that has absolutely nothing to do with this book. Neither does the publisher’s blurb that it is a romantic tale involving the virile John.

[Deb · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wow...I got through this book with serious skimming. There were just too many names and relationships to follow. I had my DETAILED English monarchy family tree with me and started following the story with the cousins, uncles, etc etc. But, it was just too much. However, I will remember this title and "do the project" in the winter when I have more time and boredom to follow and trace it all out.

Believe me, the detail about the characters is intense: John of Gaunt (Heyer used all of his different titles when referring to him (Bel Sire, M de Guyenne, Duke of Lancaster, & Duke of Aquitane), Richard II, Henry IV (Henry of Bolingbroke, Earl of Derby, Duke of Hereford), and of course Lord John. And the historic events can be set to memory with the detail.

But, you will need time and patience. I cannot imagine the research that went into this book. With all of that said, I do have a better sense of who Richard III was, and how the events fit into history.

[Clare Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Lacked a central plot....

The book seems to have the history of the four sons Henry of Bolingbroke (later Henry IV king of England) in detail. It describes each of their personalities, their strengths and their weaknesses. But while reading this, I felt like it was setting me up for some special focus to an incident or aspect of Lord John’s life. It never did.

It was hard for me to follow the characters because so many had the same name. The use of archaic words, was so numerous that I found it hard to remember what the intent of the information in a paragraph while looking up words in the glossary.

But this was explained as an unfinished manuscript. As such, I found it not so much as an enjoyable story as a fascinating way to be introduced to a family that was in the Plantagenet line of English royalty.

I will probably re-read this story again in the future to reinforce my knowledge of this era and who’s who.

[Nan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book but it’s not an easy read. I only removed one star because there are so many characters to keep up with. As a work about actual historical characters, the names are set but apparently, certain names were popular so the same names were used repeatedly. In addition, the author sometimes refers to them by their titles which might change through time. I urge you to read the preface and bookmark the pages of characters. I referred to this often.

As to the actual story, I found it fascinating. The author does an excellent job of bringing this historical time to life, as well as the people. I found so many instances that explained common sayings we use even today. If you are willing to invest your time and engage your intellect, this is a worthwhile book to read.

[Hazel McHaffie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been a fan of Georgette Heyer since my teens and loved her Regency romances. But I recently discovered her favourite period was the Middle Ages so I was delighted to find her last novel dealing with that time in history. She tells the story of Henry Vth's brother John of Bedford. A colossal amount of research went into it and she has a cast of nearly 80 characters! But this one lacks the sparkle of her other writings and was hard work. And she ran out of time to finish it too. Top marks for diligent preparation, not such high marks for appeal.

[Sue (BeautyBookCorner)]

Not what I was expecting. The descriptions of this always include romance. There is zero romance in the 45% of the book I read. No hint of it either. I love Georgette Heyer’s regency romances. I knew this was going to be historical, but I was still expecting a minor romantic subplot set during the medieval Europe. It was interesting at first, but got so bogged down with the many noble peoples and their various titles. The titles continue to switch based on the politics so it all just really slowed the pace and fizzled my desire to continue reading.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not as tightly written as her earlier medieval histories like Simon the Coldheart and The Conquerer but not as bad as The Royal Escape on which every page was a misery. I enjoyed "the lordings" (the sons of Henry Bolinbroke) and especially John. I wish Heyer had been able to finish telling his life's story before her death. She does require you to have a good grasp of English history, which I do, but I was still checking Wikipedia frequently to keep track of who was who.

[Cher Staite · Rating 1 out of 5]

Perhaps if I had a year to pick this book up and put it down a hundred times I could have appreciated it. As it was, living in 234 sq ft and restricted to library COVID turn around times being doubled to allow for disinfecting materials, I simply didn't have the time nor the inclination to slog through a book that was desperate for an editor.

Maybe some other time.