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I, Richard Plantagenet #3
A Man Who Would Be King: The Duke of Buckingham and Richard III
A MAN WHO WOULD BE KING : The Duke of Buckingham and Richard III November 2 1483. As Henry Stafford, Duke of Buckingham stands on the scaffold of Salisbury Market Square, accused of high treason, he reflects on his life during the turbulent era of the Wars of the Roses. After the death of his grandfather, the old Duke, Henry (known as Harry) is sent to the court of the new King Edward IV and placed into the household of his Queen, Elizabeth Woodville. Harry, coming from a rich and noble line, is considered a a “prize catch” for the Woodvilles, and soon he is forced, aged ten, to marry one of the many Woodville girls, causing a burning resentment that lasts a lifetime. Throughout Harry's youth at court, he sporadically comes into contact with the King’s younger brother, Richard of Gloucester. Upon Edward’s death, they form an alliance, which sees the two Dukes secure the young Edward V, uncrowned king, and thwart the Woodvilles, who do not wish for Richard to become Lord Protector of England. But when Bishop Stillington reveals a dark secret and Edward IV’s children are declared bastards,Harry has other ideas for himself and Richard. Henry Stafford takes upon himself the role of Kingmaker. Richard of Gloucester is crowned as King Richard III, but despite receiving wealth and lands and offices, Harry is not content. The thought of a crown for himself begins to haunt his waking dreams. How far will a man go to win a crown? Betrayal, rebellion...murder? The story of the man Richard III called 'the most untrue creature living...' Told entirely from Buckingham's own first person viewpoint, this new novel is set within the wider landscape of the author’s highly praised, I Richard Plantagenet series.
381 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 25, 2017
444 people are currently reading
290 people want to read
About the author
J.P. Reedman
105 books166 followersBorn in Canada, J.P. Reedman has been a UK resident for over 30 years. She has been writing since the age of 5, and preferred genres are fantasy and historical (or a mixture of both.) Interests are British history and prehistory, especially the neolithic and bronze ages, archaeology, anthropology and features of the countryside. She is author of the STONEHENGE SAGA a novel that places the legends of King Arthur back into the bronze age, and a number of works about King Richard III, including the epic, I RICHARD PLANTAGENET, which, with both parts combined, is over 250,000 words long and written from Richard's first person perspective. She is also the author of the bestselling medieval novel, MY FAIR LADY, about the little known Queen, Eleanor of Provence which is first in an ongoing series about lesser-known medieval noblewoman. 13 SO FAR!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 19, 2020
Too many modern terms
The words “hello”, “fucking”, “sorry” and so many other modern American terms took me out of the book every time I came across them (for God’s sake it was 15th century England). And each time it took me weeks to get back. In the end, mercifully, I managed to finish this book....after 2 months!
The words “hello”, “fucking”, “sorry” and so many other modern American terms took me out of the book every time I came across them (for God’s sake it was 15th century England). And each time it took me weeks to get back. In the end, mercifully, I managed to finish this book....after 2 months!
May 17, 2022
A Man Who Would Be King: The Duke of Buckingham and Richard III
By JP Reedman
Reviewed April 23, 2022
A Man Who Would Be King is the story of Henry Stafford, 2nd Duke of Buckingham. Buckingham is best known for his meteoric rise during the succession crisis of 1483, being one of Richard of Gloucester’s most ardent supporters, followed by his equally dramatic crash and burn only a few months later. Coming from a family with strong Lancastrian ties (his mother is a Beaufort) young Harry’s life was often thrown into flux by the events of the dynastic struggles between the Houses of Lancaster and York.
The story begins with a young Harry Stafford living with his mother, the “other” Margaret Beaufort, and his invalid father Humphrey Stafford, the Earl of Stafford. The earl was severely wounded at the First Battle of St Albans, and if there’s one thing young Harry doesn’t like, it is visiting his father in The Room, with its smell of death and decay.
When his father eventually succumbs to his wounds, Harry and his younger brother Humphrey (who Harry calls Dumph) go to live with his grandparents, Humphrey Stafford, 1st Duke of Buckingham and Lady Anne Neville. His grandmother is appalled by the boy’s lack of manners but his grandfather sees a boy who has spent too much time without a real father figure and attempts to fill that role. Unfortunately, armed conflict intervenes, and Harry’s grandfather is killed at the Battle of Northampton, leaving the title of Duke of Buckingham to young Stafford.
When the Earl of March comes to the throne as Edward IV, Harry and Humphrey are made wards of the queen and the boys come to live at court. This is where Harry learns to despise the Woodvilles, because in spite of his young age (he’s barely 10 years old), he is forced against his will into a marriage with the queen’s sister Catherine, a match he looks upon as a travesty. He may be a child but he is still a duke, descended from Edward III. Catherine is, in his eyes, a commoner. This mismatch will leave Harry with feelings of bitterness and resentment for the rest of his life.
The Harry Stafford in this book is someone I would call an injustice collector. Every slight, every insult, whether real or imagined, is remembered, filed away for future reference. Even as a child, he has an overblown sense of self-importance. He is descended from kings, for goodness sake. Is it so farfetched for him to imagine himself on the throne?
And this brings up the question of what did Richard of Gloucester and Harry Buckingham see in each other. What made Buckingham such a sudden supporter of Gloucester following King Edward’s death, and what caused him to abandon Richard and rebel barely three months later? In Ms Reedman’s interpretation of events, it all has to do with Stafford’s long-held belief that he had as much right to the throne as any of his Yorkist cousins.
It’s not easy to write a story in the first person when the main character and narrator is not the most pleasant person and still make it interesting, but the author manages to do just that. In spite of his problems with controlling his anger and refraining from spouting off at the wrong moment, this Buckingham also has a sardonic sense of humor that helps keep him interesting, although by the end of the story I couldn’t help but think, “When he meets his maker, maybe he’ll finally realize he should have just shut up and kept his scheming to himself.”
By JP Reedman
Reviewed April 23, 2022
A Man Who Would Be King is the story of Henry Stafford, 2nd Duke of Buckingham. Buckingham is best known for his meteoric rise during the succession crisis of 1483, being one of Richard of Gloucester’s most ardent supporters, followed by his equally dramatic crash and burn only a few months later. Coming from a family with strong Lancastrian ties (his mother is a Beaufort) young Harry’s life was often thrown into flux by the events of the dynastic struggles between the Houses of Lancaster and York.
The story begins with a young Harry Stafford living with his mother, the “other” Margaret Beaufort, and his invalid father Humphrey Stafford, the Earl of Stafford. The earl was severely wounded at the First Battle of St Albans, and if there’s one thing young Harry doesn’t like, it is visiting his father in The Room, with its smell of death and decay.
When his father eventually succumbs to his wounds, Harry and his younger brother Humphrey (who Harry calls Dumph) go to live with his grandparents, Humphrey Stafford, 1st Duke of Buckingham and Lady Anne Neville. His grandmother is appalled by the boy’s lack of manners but his grandfather sees a boy who has spent too much time without a real father figure and attempts to fill that role. Unfortunately, armed conflict intervenes, and Harry’s grandfather is killed at the Battle of Northampton, leaving the title of Duke of Buckingham to young Stafford.
When the Earl of March comes to the throne as Edward IV, Harry and Humphrey are made wards of the queen and the boys come to live at court. This is where Harry learns to despise the Woodvilles, because in spite of his young age (he’s barely 10 years old), he is forced against his will into a marriage with the queen’s sister Catherine, a match he looks upon as a travesty. He may be a child but he is still a duke, descended from Edward III. Catherine is, in his eyes, a commoner. This mismatch will leave Harry with feelings of bitterness and resentment for the rest of his life.
The Harry Stafford in this book is someone I would call an injustice collector. Every slight, every insult, whether real or imagined, is remembered, filed away for future reference. Even as a child, he has an overblown sense of self-importance. He is descended from kings, for goodness sake. Is it so farfetched for him to imagine himself on the throne?
And this brings up the question of what did Richard of Gloucester and Harry Buckingham see in each other. What made Buckingham such a sudden supporter of Gloucester following King Edward’s death, and what caused him to abandon Richard and rebel barely three months later? In Ms Reedman’s interpretation of events, it all has to do with Stafford’s long-held belief that he had as much right to the throne as any of his Yorkist cousins.
It’s not easy to write a story in the first person when the main character and narrator is not the most pleasant person and still make it interesting, but the author manages to do just that. In spite of his problems with controlling his anger and refraining from spouting off at the wrong moment, this Buckingham also has a sardonic sense of humor that helps keep him interesting, although by the end of the story I couldn’t help but think, “When he meets his maker, maybe he’ll finally realize he should have just shut up and kept his scheming to himself.”
April 30, 2018
This is the third book in the “I, Richard Plantagenet” series. I hadn’t read the other two, as my real interest was in the Duke of Buckingham who came to such a puzzling end, having led a rebellion at the beginning of Richard III’s reign. I had no problem picking up the series in the middle. The author did not have an enviable task; Buckingham is not a sympathetic character. Told in first person, it’s fascinating to see the development of this disappointed heir to a proud Lancastrian family, forced to accommodate the Yorkist upstarts. Perpetually conscious of his rank and his ancestry, he is haughty, overbearing, and hypersensitive to any perceived insult. Our snooty Buckingham doesn’t seem to understand, or care, how many insults he doles out to others—which is just about everybody. It irks him to no end that someone else is wearing the crown he feels he deserves: “I stood up, brushing dust from my garments. No more time for foolish dreaming of crowns; no more time for maudlin grief beside ancestral tombs. Now it was time to ingratiate myself with the man who would be the most powerful lord in England during the minority of our new-child King.” This passage comes right before he rides out to help Richard wrest possession of young Edward away from the Woodvilles. Willing to latch onto the person most likely to advance his standing, Buckingham tries to squelch his envy of Richard and help clear the way to the throne. For Richard, or for himself? Depends on how clever he is. Some of his moves are questionable at best, appalling at worst. We must read a bit between the lines, leaving some of the worst possibilities open to interpretation. Regardless, he doesn’t try to make excuses; the end justifies the means. Nonetheless, to Buckingham’s disgust, Richard doesn’t appreciate his efforts, nor does anyone else.
Naturally, the book takes us into the highly controversial fate of the princes in the Tower, as well as the aborted Tudor rebellion. Taken at face value, many of Buckingham’s perplexing moves are explained in a way that makes sense; for instance, why support a rebellion to put another person on the throne? I was quite satisfied with the interpretation of his motives. It’s very hard to sympathize with this character, but on the other hand, if put into his shoes, perhaps we wouldn’t have felt much different about the awkward situation he was placed in.
Naturally, the book takes us into the highly controversial fate of the princes in the Tower, as well as the aborted Tudor rebellion. Taken at face value, many of Buckingham’s perplexing moves are explained in a way that makes sense; for instance, why support a rebellion to put another person on the throne? I was quite satisfied with the interpretation of his motives. It’s very hard to sympathize with this character, but on the other hand, if put into his shoes, perhaps we wouldn’t have felt much different about the awkward situation he was placed in.
July 1, 2021
A Man Who Would Be King: The Duke of Buckingham and Richard III by J.P. Reedman
Henry Stafford, 2nd Duke of Buckingham lies at Salisbury on all soul's eve awaiting sentencing for treason. He reflects on his life.
This is a historical tale narrated from the Duke's first-person point of view on the War of the Roses. This was a series of fifteenth-century English civil wars fought over control of the throne of England, between supporters of two rival cadet branches of the royal House of Plantagenet: the House of Lancaster - Henry Stafford, represented by a red rose, and the House of York - Richard III, represented by a white rose. Eventually, the wars eliminated the male lines of both families leading to the end of the Plantagenet reign and the subsequent rise of the Tudor Dynasty.
The book is very dry, slow-paced, and reads like a textbook. The author assumes you know the history and cast of characters. They are not well developed and come by as names that have no meaning. Even worse, the same characters go by different names and it makes it even harder to follow. I never got into the book and struggled to finish it.
Not recommended!
Henry Stafford, 2nd Duke of Buckingham lies at Salisbury on all soul's eve awaiting sentencing for treason. He reflects on his life.
This is a historical tale narrated from the Duke's first-person point of view on the War of the Roses. This was a series of fifteenth-century English civil wars fought over control of the throne of England, between supporters of two rival cadet branches of the royal House of Plantagenet: the House of Lancaster - Henry Stafford, represented by a red rose, and the House of York - Richard III, represented by a white rose. Eventually, the wars eliminated the male lines of both families leading to the end of the Plantagenet reign and the subsequent rise of the Tudor Dynasty.
The book is very dry, slow-paced, and reads like a textbook. The author assumes you know the history and cast of characters. They are not well developed and come by as names that have no meaning. Even worse, the same characters go by different names and it makes it even harder to follow. I never got into the book and struggled to finish it.
Not recommended!
February 19, 2021
Buckingham’s motives in the period following the death of Edward IV are elusive, but this story told in the first person does a fairly good job of portraying a man filled with vanity and an inflated sense of self-importance that could have prompted his actions.. And there is plenty of humor: Buckingham literally has the rug pulled out from under him as Elizabeth Woodville orders the servants to bring carpets into sanctuary with her. I also enjoyed the portrayal of Prince Edward/ Edward V as a spoiled brat who throws a tantrum when he sees Buckingham consume the lion’s share of a cake.
August 26, 2023
Loved the element of history told from a minor player’s viewpoint. Lots of typos and grammatical errors in the second half of the book got pretty distracting at times.
July 9, 2020
The main character/narrator, Henry, Duke of Buckingham, is an absolute jerk with intense anger and impulse control issues, which makes for quite a change of pace, to spend the time of a book with someone you don't feel at all bad about knowing how it ends for them.
The events of the end of the War of the Roses and Richard III's reign has a lot of questions behind them, ripe for many possible interpretations. Here, we see the duke of Buckingham being the one who caused a lot of actions to happen, which was plausible - especially with how he is portrayed here, as someone who can't wait to see a few extra heads on London Bridge, preferably from the Woodville family. Although, realistically, everyone has their own agenda, and he is not the only one stirring the pot. (Wow, Margaret Beaufort is scary here!)
The disappearance of the Princes in the Tower is also his fault here. It mixes together a few version of What Happened and ends up being a little too convoluted, but I think it - sort of - works.
Henry spends the book being very angry, losing his sh*t on a regular basis, and dropping quite a lot of f-bombs, which did take me out of the story sometimes. The use of modern language in a historical fiction story can work, when done right, but its tricky to pull off and I don't think Reedman quite nailed it here.
Overall, not the absolute best version I've seen of Richard III, but pretty f-@$&*% good.
April 19, 2022
A first-person account of one of history's most reviled villains by the amazing J.P. Reedman!
If that is not enough to entice you, then a darker view of some of the seminal moments of British history as told through the eyes of a man so disgraced in his death that much of his life remains shrouded in mystery should do it. And, the Princes in the Tower! The story is masterfully woven through known historical events and conjecture, putting motivations inside the troubled mind of one of history's greatest enigmas.
Henry Stafford, the Duke, is one of my distant relatives, although not a direct ancestor, so what motivated his actions is of great interest to me from multiple perspectives. So little is known of this nobleman who achieved such fleeting fame that no portraits of him survive. Yet he remains one of the 4 major suspects in perhaps the greatest historical mystery of all, the disappearance of Princes in the Tower.
I will not spoil the story, but I have always been a Richardian regarding the fate of the Princes in the Tower. After reading J.P. Reedman's potential solution, I have to agree that her version is very likely what transpired, or something quite like it. It reads like a Plantagenet version of FARGO, a foolhardy dark comedy of errors. Could she have solved this mystery?
This is a fantastic read, fully worthy of all 5-stars, and I cannot wait to dive into the next Reedman book!
If that is not enough to entice you, then a darker view of some of the seminal moments of British history as told through the eyes of a man so disgraced in his death that much of his life remains shrouded in mystery should do it. And, the Princes in the Tower! The story is masterfully woven through known historical events and conjecture, putting motivations inside the troubled mind of one of history's greatest enigmas.
Henry Stafford, the Duke, is one of my distant relatives, although not a direct ancestor, so what motivated his actions is of great interest to me from multiple perspectives. So little is known of this nobleman who achieved such fleeting fame that no portraits of him survive. Yet he remains one of the 4 major suspects in perhaps the greatest historical mystery of all, the disappearance of Princes in the Tower.
I will not spoil the story, but I have always been a Richardian regarding the fate of the Princes in the Tower. After reading J.P. Reedman's potential solution, I have to agree that her version is very likely what transpired, or something quite like it. It reads like a Plantagenet version of FARGO, a foolhardy dark comedy of errors. Could she have solved this mystery?
This is a fantastic read, fully worthy of all 5-stars, and I cannot wait to dive into the next Reedman book!
October 7, 2018
Would be king
This was the third book in what was a series of four, but it wasn't until I was away through that I learned the entire series encompasses not four but five books. I don't think any of book is strong enough to stand alone as a story because a great deal of the weight and therefore the continuity of the narrative is heavily dependent on your grasp of family names, titles, and properties held as gifts of royalties. I found myself bogged down in genealogy any number of times. "I, Richard" certainly was enjoyable but by the time I got around to this book I seemed to need a refreshing of the huge number of characters. Now that I know there is at least one more story waiting for me, I'm just going to take a pass and bring my reading back to more contemporary settings and plot lines. It isn't that I have lost interest in the historical genre, but I really need a break from the 15th century and especially from the gutters which were The Wars the Roses. This is escapism just as much as books who cast aliens as heroes or villains are, but I've had enough of this timeframe for quite awhile. Maybe I'll come back for the next book, but knowing most of the basic elements and storylines from this point makes that u likely.
This was the third book in what was a series of four, but it wasn't until I was away through that I learned the entire series encompasses not four but five books. I don't think any of book is strong enough to stand alone as a story because a great deal of the weight and therefore the continuity of the narrative is heavily dependent on your grasp of family names, titles, and properties held as gifts of royalties. I found myself bogged down in genealogy any number of times. "I, Richard" certainly was enjoyable but by the time I got around to this book I seemed to need a refreshing of the huge number of characters. Now that I know there is at least one more story waiting for me, I'm just going to take a pass and bring my reading back to more contemporary settings and plot lines. It isn't that I have lost interest in the historical genre, but I really need a break from the 15th century and especially from the gutters which were The Wars the Roses. This is escapism just as much as books who cast aliens as heroes or villains are, but I've had enough of this timeframe for quite awhile. Maybe I'll come back for the next book, but knowing most of the basic elements and storylines from this point makes that u likely.
July 7, 2020
Compelling historical fiction for fans of Richard III
This is the first book I have read from this author but he has clearly researched the period meticulously. The story is from the point of view of the Duke of Buckingham, a contemporary of Richard III and someone with a similar claim to the throne of England. I became more and more fascinated as the young Henry came to manhood and became a rather questionable character - not the usual protagonist that we would want to warm to. As Richard grappled with the dangerous politics concerning the child heir left by the untimely death of King Edward IV, and what to do about the young princes, Buckingham's own ideas of the throne took shape. I became more and more gripped by the plot and did not want the story to end. I think this book is a brilliant accompaniment to 'The Sunne in Splendour' by Sharon Penman and a terrific read for fans of the Wars of the Roses and Richard III. I award it 5 stars, despite there being a few minor editing issues, because I enjoyed it immensely.
This is the first book I have read from this author but he has clearly researched the period meticulously. The story is from the point of view of the Duke of Buckingham, a contemporary of Richard III and someone with a similar claim to the throne of England. I became more and more fascinated as the young Henry came to manhood and became a rather questionable character - not the usual protagonist that we would want to warm to. As Richard grappled with the dangerous politics concerning the child heir left by the untimely death of King Edward IV, and what to do about the young princes, Buckingham's own ideas of the throne took shape. I became more and more gripped by the plot and did not want the story to end. I think this book is a brilliant accompaniment to 'The Sunne in Splendour' by Sharon Penman and a terrific read for fans of the Wars of the Roses and Richard III. I award it 5 stars, despite there being a few minor editing issues, because I enjoyed it immensely.
July 4, 2021
I enjoyed this book a great deal. It is rich in historical detail, well written, and maintained my interest from start to finish.
It is in the form of a frame story: there is an introduction that pauses prior to the final scene, moves to the background leading to the final events, before transitioning back to the final scene.
The characters are well developed. However, I recommend a handy piece of paper on which to jot the characters. There are a good number of players and a scorecard is necessary to track them all.
Certainly Richard III is an actual historical figure; I'm not certain about the Duke of Buckingham, but I suspect he is as well. If so, the author has done an admirable job of recreating a reasonable view of the history. if not, it is a great yarn!
well done J.P. Reedman.
It is in the form of a frame story: there is an introduction that pauses prior to the final scene, moves to the background leading to the final events, before transitioning back to the final scene.
The characters are well developed. However, I recommend a handy piece of paper on which to jot the characters. There are a good number of players and a scorecard is necessary to track them all.
Certainly Richard III is an actual historical figure; I'm not certain about the Duke of Buckingham, but I suspect he is as well. If so, the author has done an admirable job of recreating a reasonable view of the history. if not, it is a great yarn!
well done J.P. Reedman.
November 27, 2019
Enlightening
This book kept my attention because I am not knowledgeable about Richard III being more familiar with the reigns of Edward IV and Henry VII. I enjoyed learning about Richard although the book was written about Buckingham. The two men became closer with each other when they are adults although they knew each other when they were children and at one point lived together.
The author admits that this was a difficult book to write due to the lack of information pertaining to Buckingham. Even though I enjoyed learning about the two men, I really didn't like the book which I suspect is because neither of them were very likeable people. I honestly can't tell if that is the reason, or if it's due to author's writing style.
This book kept my attention because I am not knowledgeable about Richard III being more familiar with the reigns of Edward IV and Henry VII. I enjoyed learning about Richard although the book was written about Buckingham. The two men became closer with each other when they are adults although they knew each other when they were children and at one point lived together.
The author admits that this was a difficult book to write due to the lack of information pertaining to Buckingham. Even though I enjoyed learning about the two men, I really didn't like the book which I suspect is because neither of them were very likeable people. I honestly can't tell if that is the reason, or if it's due to author's writing style.
November 20, 2021
compelling………..
This is such a splendid, well-written story that I absolutely loved. The story is compelling, a roller-coaster ride through some of the most turbulent times in English history - the War of the Roses. It’s the story if Henry Stafford, Duke of Buckingham, cousin to the Plantagenet brothers, Edward Earl of March, later King of England, George Duke of Clarence, and Richard Duke of Gloucester, later King Richard III. There is so much intrigue, politics, and power struggle contained within the pages, that literally swept me away. These ambitious men and women scheme to attain the power that they crave, and and will sacrifice anything and anyone to get what they want. Can anyone be trusted, and if so, for how long? Thoroughly enjoyed this book, and recommend.
This is such a splendid, well-written story that I absolutely loved. The story is compelling, a roller-coaster ride through some of the most turbulent times in English history - the War of the Roses. It’s the story if Henry Stafford, Duke of Buckingham, cousin to the Plantagenet brothers, Edward Earl of March, later King of England, George Duke of Clarence, and Richard Duke of Gloucester, later King Richard III. There is so much intrigue, politics, and power struggle contained within the pages, that literally swept me away. These ambitious men and women scheme to attain the power that they crave, and and will sacrifice anything and anyone to get what they want. Can anyone be trusted, and if so, for how long? Thoroughly enjoyed this book, and recommend.
January 3, 2020
Terrific
What a wonderful book. Told from the point of view of the duke of Buckingham it's his story about his life and relationship with Richard III. I couldn't put this book down. I have read many books about Richard and Buckingham has always been in them but to read in his words grants you a different perspective. I also loved the theory on the princes in the tower. I love this author and look forward to reading more. A must read for all historical fiction fans.
What a wonderful book. Told from the point of view of the duke of Buckingham it's his story about his life and relationship with Richard III. I couldn't put this book down. I have read many books about Richard and Buckingham has always been in them but to read in his words grants you a different perspective. I also loved the theory on the princes in the tower. I love this author and look forward to reading more. A must read for all historical fiction fans.
June 22, 2021
Richard III
Richard III . I have read several books about Richard III, and everyone is different. It would be nice if his true story was known. It would also be good if the transcribers had a little education. They used Richard Two, Henry Six etc dozens of times in this book, instead of Richard III or Henry VI. Roman numerals are not interchangeable with the numbers 1 and 3 or any other number. Hard to believe anyone would think that.
Richard III . I have read several books about Richard III, and everyone is different. It would be nice if his true story was known. It would also be good if the transcribers had a little education. They used Richard Two, Henry Six etc dozens of times in this book, instead of Richard III or Henry VI. Roman numerals are not interchangeable with the numbers 1 and 3 or any other number. Hard to believe anyone would think that.
June 30, 2021
Realistic historical fiction
The unvarnished evil of Shakespeare's Richard III often struck me as likely Tudor propaganda. Reedman's Buckingham provides a possible alternative. Indeed, England had no shortage of conspirators during the Wars of the Roses. The plausible plot is guided by actual events and the characters & settings are accurate.
The unvarnished evil of Shakespeare's Richard III often struck me as likely Tudor propaganda. Reedman's Buckingham provides a possible alternative. Indeed, England had no shortage of conspirators during the Wars of the Roses. The plausible plot is guided by actual events and the characters & settings are accurate.
July 4, 2021
I found this book unreadable and gave up after about 20 pages. The first thing that annoyed me in the writing was too many modern colloquial words being used. As I pushed myself to give the story a fair try, I found the text to by very hard to follow with a lot of repetition. Then I noticed the character of Buckingham just didn't ring true (to me, anyway). I gave up and deleted the book.
August 5, 2021
Interesting
It gives a different story of the end of the Princes which is at odds with historical accepted record. Would be of interest to anyone who enjoys alternative versions. Some of the use of modern swears was questionable because may not have been in use at the time. Otherwise writing and characters were interesting
It gives a different story of the end of the Princes which is at odds with historical accepted record. Would be of interest to anyone who enjoys alternative versions. Some of the use of modern swears was questionable because may not have been in use at the time. Otherwise writing and characters were interesting
May 9, 2023
It took me over a year to read this book as I often read a few pages and fell asleep. Not that the book was boring but that it was calming. I loosely knew the history already and it was fun to read a fictionalized version of possibilities of what could have happened. That is what is great about historical fiction as it brings to life known history.
August 23, 2023
very interesting
This book was very interesting. The history surrounding this story is fascinating to me. It amazes me how someone could have so much but still be so greedy to want more. Harry basically had more than everything but it wasn’t enough. He was so easily swayed because of his pursuit of power.
This book was very interesting. The history surrounding this story is fascinating to me. It amazes me how someone could have so much but still be so greedy to want more. Harry basically had more than everything but it wasn’t enough. He was so easily swayed because of his pursuit of power.
May 3, 2018
A FANTASTIC READ!
Reedman does an excellent job at bringing the Duke of Buckingham's story to life. I really enjoyed seeing the events unfold through the Duke's perspective.
I can't wait to read more!
Reedman does an excellent job at bringing the Duke of Buckingham's story to life. I really enjoyed seeing the events unfold through the Duke's perspective.
I can't wait to read more!
June 27, 2021
Poorly written and poorly researched for period details
Glad I didn't pay for this. After 15 pages I am deleting it. I don't recommend it unless historical inaccuracy and anachronism don't bother you.
Glad I didn't pay for this. After 15 pages I am deleting it. I don't recommend it unless historical inaccuracy and anachronism don't bother you.
July 17, 2023
My comments are pretty much the same as for the other Reedman Richard lll books l have read: in summary - well researched and written, believable interpretation of motivations and actions but the proofreading/editing is shocking! Really lets the author down.
May 13, 2024
Gripping story
I have just finished reading “A Man Who Would Be King” and, as usual, I enjoyed Reedman’s pen. An interesting, introspective tale about one of the most evil character of the War of the Roses, the Duke of Buckingham.
I have just finished reading “A Man Who Would Be King” and, as usual, I enjoyed Reedman’s pen. An interesting, introspective tale about one of the most evil character of the War of the Roses, the Duke of Buckingham.
December 14, 2017
I felt this book just skimmed the surface of the real story - there was no depth to the main characters. It was an OK read but I’m not sure I’d read the others in the series.
August 3, 2018
A definite page turner.
September 12, 2018
I never knew much about the Duke of Buckingham except as the man who betrays Richard III. Interesting to learn about his upbringing.
October 4, 2018
A little different than I Richard.
But, I found it interesting to look through Buckingham 's eyes. Good historical reading for all of us how are interested.
But, I found it interesting to look through Buckingham 's eyes. Good historical reading for all of us how are interested.
October 28, 2018
Good, well written
I thought it well written, well researched, will enjoy more from this author. Love to hear a different version. Good
I thought it well written, well researched, will enjoy more from this author. Love to hear a different version. Good
April 27, 2019
A brilliant read full of hate jealousy and war.....Told in the Duke of Buckingham’s own words
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