Lost Heirs of the Medieval Crown: The Kings and Queens Who Never Were

by J.F. Andrews

"A fascinating study of the also-rans and almost-made-its of medieval history . . . Beautifully written and well researched, it is an engaging read." --History . . . The Interesting Bits!

When William the Conqueror died in 1087, he left the throne of England to William Rufus . . . his second son. The result was an immediate war as Rufus's elder brother Robert fought to gain the crown he saw as rightfully his; this conflict marked the start of 400 years of bloody disputes as the English monarchy's line of hereditary succession was bent, twisted and finally broken when the last Plantagenet king, Richard III, fell at Bosworth in 1485.

The Anglo-Norman and Plantagenet dynasties were renowned for their internecine strife, and in Lost Heirs we will unearth the hidden stories of fratricidal brothers, usurping cousins and murderous uncles; the many kings--and the occasional queen--who should have been but never were. History is written by the winners, but every game of thrones has its losers too, and their fascinating stories bring richness and depth to what is a colorful period of history. King John would not have gained the crown had he not murdered his young nephew, who was in line to become England's first King Arthur; Henry V would never have been at Agincourt had his father not seized the throne by usurping and killing his cousin; and as the rival houses of York and Lancaster fought bloodily over the crown during the Wars of the Roses, life suddenly became very dangerous indeed for a young boy named Edmund.

"A journey through the minefield of opposing factions fighting for the crown of England." --Books Monthly

Genres: History, Nonfiction, British Literature, Medieval, Biography, Audiobook, European History

216 pages, ebook

Published October 30, 2019

Reviews

[BAM doesn’t answer to her real name · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note: why does Warwick remind me so much of general MacArthur? Maybe because they are both serious fuckalls? They come out like that beautiful Andy Kaufman Mighty Mouse skit throw their sword arms in the air then ruin all progress by shoving everyone 22 steps back. Or in MacArthur's case he just flies to Australia and screws with their plan after trashing the Philippines advantage.

You know this is a slow moving read. I’ve finally gotten to Empress Matilda, the great daughter, wife and mother of the Henry’s. I’ve always had a ton of respect for her. There would have never been a me-too moment in her life. She is Royal business or suck my D#@*.

[Becky · Rating 5 out of 5]

First sentence: William the Conqueror died on 9 September 1087. He had held England in his iron grip for almost twenty-one years, wiping out the old aristocracy and causing untold misery and suffering across large parts of the realm as he went. He had seized the throne by violence in 1066, but he did not want his own death to result in another Hastings, or in a revival of any Anglo-Saxon claims; no, he would create his own AngloNorman dynasty, which would rule England by blood right. With this in mind, he made it clear that the English crown should pass to his son … his second son. Naturally, his eldest son had a few thoughts of his own on the subject, and thus began four centuries of bloody disputes as the English monarchy’s line of hereditary succession was bent, twisted out of shape and finally broken when the last Plantagenet king fell in battle in 1485.

Premise/plot: This book focuses on the "lost" heirs that never reigned or ruled England. (The book begins with the death of William the Conqueror and ends with Henry VII on the throne.) The reasons WHY the "lost" heir never got the crown vary from person to person--as you'd expect. The author states the premise quite clearly, "This book will tell the stories of all of these people and more; the many medieval kings–and the occasional queen–who could have been but never were. It features a very distinct group of people: it does not include illegitimate children who had no expectation of ruling; nor those who sought to invade and claim the throne by conquest...Instead it focuses on those who were genuinely considered to be next in line to the throne and who expected to be crowned but who–for a number of different reasons–never made it to the top. Very few of them reached old age; those who did went to their graves disappointed or imprisoned, and those who did not were in many cases the victims of violence or murder."

My thoughts: Does this book have an audience? YES. Is it probably a SMALL audience? YES. But that small audience I'm guessing is ENTHUSIASTIC and a bit OBSESSED. I did a little squeal when I read the description of this one. Why? Because not only did I know it would appeal to ME as a reader and lover of history and all things royal. BUT because I know it would make my MOM super-happy. I'm hoping that the library will order a copy. Mom reads and rereads books about the medieval royals ALL THE TIME. She almost always has a book checked out on the subject.

So I loved how each chapter started with a family tree. I loved how clearly it was written and organized. The genealogy of the royal family COULD be a super-tangled mess, but, the author was great in keeping the flow going and explaining how all the pieces fit together. I loved the stories.

One of my favorite time-wasting daydreams is imagining the PERFECT book that I'd love to read. It would be a series of novellas or short-stories possibly. Each would be set in an alternate world with a different what-if question answered. It would span the centuries. Each what-if would be based on a matter of succession/rule. I've been imagining this book for years now--probably five or more. So when I saw this book, it was like HALF a dream at least had been realized.

If the book has a flaw, it would be that the author believes Richard III guilty. (He so wasn't!)

[ConstantReader · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is definitely one of the best books I've read this year. Many of us can recite the names of kings and queens who occupied the throne in medieval England but how many of us can remember the names of people who came very close to being crowned? Their lives and fates are no less interesting, and I'm glad they stepped out of the shadows in this fantastic book.
There are biographies of seventeen people, men and women, who were heirs to the crown but never became kings and queens. The book starts with Robert Curthose & William Clito (Chapter 1) and ends with Edward V (one of the "Princes in the Tower"), Edward of Middleham (Richard III's son) & Edward of Warwick (Chapter 10).
My favourite chapters were those about William Adelin & Empress Matilda, Eustace, William & Mary of Blois and the ones covering the succession during Wars of the Roses (Chapters 2, 3, 8, 9, 10).
The author is very knowledgeable about history of medieval England but she never assumes that readers know everything so she explains terms and intricate politics of the period very well. It's a rare skill to tell a story as complex as this one without being tedious, and J.F. Andrews managed to capture my attention - I couldn't stop reading. This book is a page-turner if you are lover of medieval history. I will certainly look for more tittles from this author.

[Lois · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was well researched and easily accessible to casual readers of history.

My favorite aspect of this text is that it not only avoided falling into sexist traps when dealing with women royals in positions of ruling but actually called out the sexism in the source texts with examples of double standards.
This was stellar and not at all boring.

I would say a basic knowledge of British Royalty in the Medieval period is expected to already be base knowledge with this book. For example this only briefly covers Henry III through Edward III because there aren't lost heirs from that period. I mean like a paragraph mention before jumping to Edward the Black Prince. There's discussion of the sons of William the Conqueror which may be confusing if one isn't that familiar with how that story plays out. So I'd advise a base knowledge of the players or this may not be as easily accessible.

[Melisende · Rating 3 out of 5]

This will make a nice little addition to anyone's history shelf. It is, as I mentioned, a very readable narrative on those who came so close and yet lost it all .... "there are very few happy endings ...".

" .... every game of thrones has its losers too .." and they are here in spades. The author is quite upfront when stating that the focus is on "genuine contenders not imposters" - so this means those, who in different circumstances, could have legitimately inherited the English throne.

We begin with the reign of the Normans in England, and the battle for the throne between the sons of William the Conqueror, and finish up with the tragic sons of the York brothers. Each chapter begins with the family tree - so you know who is who in the scheme of things - followed by a history of events. Then we conclude with a brief exploration and analysis of how and why they failed, and an assessment of each claimant's potential as a ruler based on what is known about each.

The chapters are easy to read and the narrative not overly cumbersome or dry. There are extensive notes for those who wish to read further - I have quite a few of these resources myself!

Even though I was familiar with all of the stories, I was happy to revisit them again.

note: whilst I took over a week to read, had I not been distracted by life, I could quite easily have read this in one day.

[M.J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lost Heirs of the Medieval Crown is an engaging study of exactly that. Taking the reader from the years after the Norman Conquest until the beginning of the Tudor era, there is much to learn about those who should have been king or queen had happenstance been a little different.

The author has an engaging writing style, and if, every so often, the opinions offered are purely based on the author’s personal preference, it can be overlooked, as most historians will always have a personal favourite or enemy from the time period that they study, and the author does make it clear when offering a personal opinion.

It is a very readable book, and I particularly enjoyed reading about Lady Constance at the beginning of the 1400s (as I’ve just read a fiction book about her). Neither does the author shy away from such difficult topics as the murder of the lost heirs, and is as even-handed when recounting the lives of the Black Prince, as those who suffered at the hands of over-mighty uncles.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for my review copy.

[Amanda Richardson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lost Heirs of the Medieval Crown was a thorough look into historical queens. I have a bit of an obsession with reading/learning all I can about medieval people and historical figures. This book was a great insight into the lives of the queens who ruled after William the Conquerer. Very educational.

[Alexandra · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really interesting look at the other members of the monarchy through the Middle Ages. A great start to see them and the family dynamic through war, politics, debt and more. A good read for those who like the history of kings and queens or English history between 1060 and 1400s.

[Moniek Bloks · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are many what-ifs in history, and perhaps the lost Kings and Queens are the most interesting ones; a single life that could have potentially altered the history of the world. Or in this case, the history of England as Lost Heirs of the Medieval Crown covers only English history.

Of the ten chapters, only three include women, the most important being, of course, Empress Matilda whose son eventually became King Henry II. The second woman is Mary of Blois, a daughter of King Stephen. The third is Eleanor of Brittany, the eldest daughter of Geoffrey II, Duke of Brittany, the fourth son of King Henry II of England, who had a claim to England, Anjou, and Aquitaine as well as Brittany after the death of her younger brother. She was imprisoned for 39 years long years and was perceived as a threat, despite having little support. The other potential heirs in the book are, unsurprisingly, male. 

Lost Heirs of the Medieval Crown by J.F. Andrews is an interesting book that covers quite a few people. It's very easy to read and has a nice flow to it. I really enjoyed reading it, despite it having so few women in it. Overall, I'd highly recommend it. 

There is just one question that keeps nagging me. Why use a pseudonym, dear J.F. Andrews.... whoever you are! 

[Jacob Stelling · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting history of the medieval period told through the lives of those who would never make the final step to the throne. Through the stories of these would-be kings, we get a sense of a realm in stasis, with ideas of nationhood and inheritance constantly evolving.

Told in a concise and well-organised narrative, this book is a fab insight into so many alternative histories of medieval England.

[Marie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A readable and accessible account of the Kings and Queens of England that never were.

The author never strays off track and keeps the narrative flowing. I actually found that the hardest part about reading this book was remembering to put it down and get on with work.

[Emilija · Rating 4 out of 5]

2024 52 Book Challenge - 12) Title Starting With The Letter "L"

I really enjoyed this book. I thought, from the title, that it might be a little dry to read, but it was actually quite engaging.

There were bits that felt a little dragged out and convoluted, especially the parts around Edward V, Richard III and Henry VII, and I wish that there had been a wider family tree to explain how Henry VII was related to them that could have been referred to while reading that chapter. That bit could get quite easily muddled.

The rest of the book was really accessible, and quite good for a general overview of these characters from history that unwillingly or accidentally lost the claim to the throne, or had it stolen from them. I particularly liked the part that linked the throne passing from Stephen I to Henry II with the disinheritance of Eustace to the same sort of passing the throne later on between Henry VI, Richard, Duke of York and his son, Edward IV.

[Heidi Malagisi · Rating 4 out of 5]

In history, we tend to focus on those who were crowned kings and queens of different nations. Their strengths and their weaknesses. Their accessions and the legacies that they left behind. With every story of someone who triumphed in gaining the throne, there are tales of those who were close to the throne but were never able to achieve the ultimate goal of ruling a nation. These “lost heirs” fall into two categories; either their names live on in infamy or they are thrown into the dust of the past. Who were these men and women and why did they lose their chances to sit on the throne? These questions are explored in J.F. Andrews’ book, “Lost Heirs of the Medieval Crown: The Kings and Queens Who Never Were”.

I would like to thank Pen and Sword Books for sending me a copy of this book. The title was what drew me into reading it, since these figures rarely get attention, let alone have an entire book dedicated to their lives. I have never read a book by J.F. Andrews, which is not surprising since it is a pseudonym for a historian who has a Ph.D. in Medieval Studies. I want to know who the historian really is since, in the historical field, it is a rarity to use a pseudonym, but that may just be my own personal curiosity.

Andrews’ book begins with the death of William the Conqueror and extends through the reign of Henry VII. With over 500 years of Medieval English history (with the main focus being on the Plantagenet family), it can get a bit confusing to figure out how everyone is connected, but Andrews provides a simplified family tree at the beginning of each chapter to help the reader out. It is a brilliant move and it also shows how vast Andrews’ knowledge of Medieval England’s royal families truly is.

When we tend to think about those would inherit the throne, we tend to think about the firstborn sons, like Robert Curthose, Henry the Young King, Edward the Black Prince, and Edward V. However, as the reader will learn, they were not the only ones who had a chance at the throne. Men, like Richard duke of York, believed that their claim to the throne was stronger than the person who was king. There were also those who were seen as a threat to the king who sat on the throne because of their lineage. They were all legitimate, as Andrews chose not to include those who were illegitimate.

Another factor that united all of these stories was that they all ended in tragedy. Some died from medical conditions at a young age. Others were either imprisoned, never to be heard from again. Yet the majority died in battle, either fighting for or against the king who sat on the throne at the time. Most of them, except for Richard duke of York, died relatively young, which makes us as readers wonder what their reigns might have been like if they were able to be crowned king or queen respectfully.

Overall, I found this book rather informative. Andrews’ writing is enjoyable and is easy to follow. This book really makes you wonder what if these lost heirs became kings and queens, how different history would have been. If you want to read an intriguing book about some mysterious men and women in history, I highly recommend you read, “Lost Heirs of the Medieval Crown: The Kings and Queens Who Never Were” by J.F. Andrews.

[Rebecca Hill · Rating 5 out of 5]

When it comes to the lives of the rich and famous, we can never get enough. When it comes to royal history, the older the better. The Lost Heirs of the Medieval Crown delves into the lives of the medieval heirs were never assured, and this book goes into great detail on many of the rulers that would never be. This book was the best when it comes to lining out what happened to the would-be monarchs who never came to be.

Publish Date: Available now

Publisher: Pen and Sword Books

Star Rating: 5/5

Goodreads.com Excerpt:

When William the Conqueror died in 1087 he left the throne of England to William Rufus ... his second son. The result was an immediate war as Rufus's elder brother Robert fought to gain the crown he saw as rightfully his; this conflict marked the start of 400 years of bloody disputes as the English monarchy's line of hereditary succession was bent, twisted and finally broken when the last Plantagenet king, Richard III, fell at Bosworth in 1485.

The Anglo-Norman and Plantagenet dynasties were renowned for their internecine strife, and in Lost Heirs we will unearth the hidden stories of fratricidal brothers, usurping cousins and murderous uncles; the many kings - and the occasional queen - who should have been but never were. History is written by the winners, but every game of thrones has its losers too, and their fascinating stories bring richness and depth to what is a colorful period of history. King John would not have gained the crown had he not murdered his young nephew, who was in line to become England's first King Arthur; Henry V would never have been at Agincourt had his father not seized the throne by usurping and killing his cousin; and as the rival houses of York and Lancaster fought bloodily over the crown during the Wars of the Roses, life suddenly became very dangerous indeed for a young boy named Edmund.

My Review of Lost Heirs of The Medieval Crown

Medival history is full of death and uncertainty. Death did not discriminate from poor or rich when it came to who lived or died. In fact, the path to the crown could often be more deadly than those who did not have such high ambitions. Whether accidental, sickness or downright homicide, death could come in all forms.

Each chapter in this book starts out with a breakdown of the family, who fits where, and what was going on at the time. All of this plays into each of the chapters that will follow. The bloodiest dynasty in medieval history was not coined without cause, and this book breaks that down.

I really enjoyed the read. Each of the characters was familiar to me, through historical studies. However, the breakdown and clarification on a lot of smaller details were quite helpful. The chapters were not super long, which kept me engaged and attentive throughout the entire read. I was impressed with the amount of research, and the depth of the knowledge that the author portrayed in their writing.


If you enjoy history, I definitely recommend this book!

[KM · Rating 4 out of 5]

In ‘Lost Heirs of the Medieval Crown’, JF Andrews distills what could have been insanely complicated political and genealogical history into easy-to-follow stories of British royalty who came very close to sitting on England’s throne, but were denied by rival royals, sexist standards of the day, unfortunate mishaps, outright misadventure, or disease. These tales are highly entertaining even as they illicit a cringe—both because these unfortunates (some of whom were highly capable and compelling candidates) were real people, and because it’s achingly relatable to see someone put everything on the line for a high stakes opportunity, only to fall short. In some cases, these poor souls didn’t even seek power, but were thwarted again and again in their efforts to just live a nice life because being born with royal relatives was (quite literally) a double-edged sword.

What I appreciated most was JF Andrews’ ability to, as I said earlier, distill these histories down to their relative points, and keep them succinct so I never felt I was being bogged down by data, nor given too little. I walked away feeling I knew as much as I needed about each individual royal, but also had avenues of research to pursue if I wanted to delve further into a particular generation’s shenanigans. Not once did I feel bored, the narratives never dragged, and I left each chapter eager to read about the next generation of royal unfortunates.

People who habitually consume media about Britain’s royalty will recognize some of the names in this book—like Edward V and Richard, the Princes in the Tower. But I was pleased to see that there were other royals that I was less familiar with being brought out of obscurity—such as Empress Matilda and Edward of Woodstock (known primarily as “the Black” by historians and touted not so much as an almost-king but as one of Britain’s greatest knights). Furthermore, showing the succession in terms of who didn’t get the throne and why helped to show angles of history that made me question who I would have really supported in some of these conflicts.

All-in-all, a quick and highly satisfying read for anyone who enjoys stories about England’s outrageous and tumultuous royal history.

[Sandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very well researched and well written account that I highly recommend. I was very familiar with the Plantagenet kings but still learned more.

I liked that the author didn’t just repeat earlier texts, some of which were tainted by the propaganda of the time - Empress Mathilda and Richard III come to mind. I did wish’s the author had delved more into the Princes of the Tower and the more recent supposition that Henry VII could have had them killed vs the prevailing theory that Richard did it.


Just two things:
1. There were a lot of repeated names and titles (like Edward) and sometimes certain names were used interchangeably (rather than saying Edward IV or king Edward consistently to differentiate him from at least 3 other Edwards at the time. This led to some confusion at times.
2. The simple trees at the beginning of chapters were helpful but I wished a more comprehensive tree - or a few , especially with the many intertwining descendants of Edward III - had been included. A tree with spouses -again especially with the later chapters on the Wars of the Roses - would have helped in following the narrative when several spouses were important, considering their lineage. I finally found a decent tree online to help me keep things straight.

Still it was an engaging and very informative read.

[Emily Hird · Rating 4 out of 5]

A really interesting book covering individuals that have often been forgotten by history. It is clear to see that the the fate of England could have been very different if these individuals had become kings/queens.

The writing is very simple, I liked this as it means the majority of people could read this book without an issue. This is not always the case when reading books on medieval history or history in general. The author tries to keep to the fact and evidence as much as possible only straying into speculation when necessary. They explain elements of history that are needed for the reader to understand but do not get bogged down in the intricate politics of the 100 years war or the wars of the roses. I like this as it meant the booked stayed on topic. Other specialist works explain those intricacies and they weren’t needed for this book.

I would recommend this book if you like historical books on the British monarchy or medieval England. Especially if you are tired of reading about the same only people, this may give you some fresh stories to explore.

[Amy Turner · Rating 4 out of 5]

History is full of what-ifs, and many historians speculate on the possibilities had certain events happened differently. Few, however, expand on those suppositions at great length as J.F. Andrews does in Lost Heirs of the Medieval Crown: Kings and Queens Who Never Were. Lost Heirs explores the lives of royal sons and daughters who never ascended the English throne between 1087 and 1485.

The first chapter centers on Robert Curthose - eldest son of William the Conqueror - and his son, William Clito. The second and third chapters focus on the Angevin and early Plantagenet dynasties. It begins with the succession dispute between Henry I's daughter Empress Matilda and her cousin Stephen of Blois and continues with Stephen's children Eustace, William, and Mary. Empress Matilda's descendants feature in Chapters Four and Five. The remaining chapters continue with various scions of the remarkably fertile Edward III, including Edward the Black Prince; Richard, Duke of York; Edward of Middleham; Edward of Lancaster, son of Henry VI; Edward V; and Edward, Earl of Warwick.

The crown rarely passed smoothly from father to heir in medieval England due to a slew of factors. Andrews’ work fills a unique niche in the study of early medieval English politics.

I found Lost Heirs an excellent introduction to some of those lesser-known royals whose existence could have changed history under different circumstances. What would have happened had Empress Matilda ascended the throne or had Eleanor of Brittany been allowed to marry? How might the sons of Stephen of Blois have contested the provision which prevented them from becoming king? Would Richard, Duke of York, have faced a challenge from Edward of Westminster and Margaret of Anjou had both duke and prince survived the Battle of Wakefield and the Battle of Tewkesbury respectively? It's hard to know for certain, of course, but there's plenty upon which we can speculate.

Andrews employs sufficient primary and secondary research and analysis to make a compelling read. It's important to note, however, that the author only included “lost heirs” who were expected to inherit their respective titles. Not included were illegitimate children, those who wanted to take the throne by force, or presumed impostors. So if you're looking for information on players such as Philip of Cognac, Louis VIII, or Perkins Warbeck and Lambert Simnel, you'll want to look elsewhere. It's a wise approach; otherwise, mapping out all possible branches could easily bloat the narrative.

Lost Heirs provides excellent insight into the politics of medieval succession. Though limited in scope to England (with some comparisons to France for its relatively stable royal succession through the same timeframe), the book offers readers a glimpse into a past where one's birthright could mean ascending a throne just as much as losing it to the next bloke who claims the Treasury and throws a coronation. I appreciated the mentions of female heirs including Empress Matilda and Eleanor of Brittany; I'd have liked to see more discussion on females, especially in relation to Salic law may have impacted Anglo-Norman inheritance, but I found this book an engaging read.

Andrews' inclusion of her thoughts on the disappearance of King Edward V and Richard of Shrewsbury, Duke of York - the Princes in the Tower - comes as the only part of the book I found unnecessary. She wrote that, “[L]est it be a disappointment to readers of this book to have come this far and not find any possible explanation, we will add to the conjecture. It is the opinion of this author that Edward and Richard were murdered; that this happened sometime in the late summer or autumn of 1483; that the murders were carried out on the orders of Richard III; and that Richard was motivated by fear – that this had not been his original plan, but that he had worked himself into a position where it ended up appearing the only possible option.” This isn't to say the treatment isn't worthwhile, especially in a book of “lost heirs”. All the same, in this writer's opinion, many authors cover the subject, and the inclusion here felt more like an afterthought than a more nuanced engagement with the known evidence and historiography.

That said, Lost Heirs of the Medieval Crown is sure to please anyone fascinated with English history, medieval history, political history, or the politics of royal succession and inheritance.

[Kelly Burns · Rating 5 out of 5]

A relatively short book but erudite and well constructed. History books can tend to be too scholarly or or too simplified and it’s always difficult to strike a good balance. This book does it. As a history graduate I knew most of the premise but the details I did need reminding on. Well researched, not too starchy and a fascinating look at the kings (and queens) of England who could have been. Arthur of Brittany has always fascinated me and his demise is straight out of game of thrones in its Machiavellian menace. Hopefully there will be a sequel as the early modern period will see Arthur Tudor, Charles I’s elder brother Henry, both of which would have made better kings than their siblings. And let’s not forget the possible ‘Jack the Ripper’ Albert Victor Duke of Clarence....

[Andrew Balog · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the kind of niche European history that is right up my alley.

I think the author does a good job at threading the needle on what the book's aim was. It's light enough, focused, and narrow so that a more casual reader won't get bored of it, but it's also rigorous and has enough scholarly weight to it that makes it valuable for history nerds like me. I was really impressed how the author added important context to sources, like with the Empress Matilda being stuck in a "damned if you do, damned if you don't" situation that any woman in power would have faced during Medieval times. Instances of nuance like that were threaded throughout the book and vastly elevates my opinion of historical scholarship when I see that.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

An amazing concept and exceedingly well-written, striking a good balance between factual recitation and narrative flair (with the occasional insertion of the author’s own conjectures and personal views, which seeing as it is clearly stated as such, I didn’t have any issues with).

I’d love to see a sequel to this covering subsequent “lost heirs” - there is certainly no shortage of interesting case studies, from Arthur Tudor and Bonnie Prince Charlie to Princess Charlotte and Prince Albert Victor.

This is a refreshing take on the Norman/Plantagenet lines of English kings, a topic that has arguably been overdone ad nauseum, and I loved every page.

[Suzanne Reed · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful read!

When I purchased this book, my first thought was that it would be dry and uninteresting. Well, I was 100% wrong! The book goes into great detail about each heir who either died as an infant/young child or died in battle. From William the Conqueror to Richard III we learn about the first born heir who did not make it long enough to inherit the crown. My only regret about the bok was that it did not include heirs up to our time. Perhaps there will be a continuation to include up to our modern-day heirs? HINT?

[Elizabeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

The casual writing style fits well with an enjoyable read while being packed with details. I found myself reading half out loud to my husband because he became so interested in the stories of people we had never realized had so much potential. There was so much to think about on if different styles of succession were used, or if sons didn't die tragically young, and more. I wish there was more of this style especially on this similar topic. J. F. Andrews please write more. I think I would put the author on an auto pre-order list if I could.

[Martin Denton]

I got this because I am very much intrigued by the history of the early Plantagenets, especially the Civil War between Queen Matilda and King Stephen. Ellis Peters does such a remarkable job evoking the strife of that period! Anyway, I never even got far enough in this book to get through the Civil War section. I always seem to think I am going to enjoy history the way I enjoy fiction, and then almost always don't! Which is not to say I won't revisit this some day...

[Amanda · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my new favorite books of all time! This reads kind of like a collection of Wikipedia articles detailing the lives and (usually brutal) deaths of heirs to the throne of England. It's concise, informative and the final chapter is really the cherry on top of a bloody sundae. I loved the violence. I loved the information, and most of all -- I loved the final chapter. Someone really needs to write a full book about poor lil Edward of Warwick...

5 BIG STARS!
2 THUMBS WAY UP!

[Thirteen.Lucky13 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Was an interesting read, there were tidbits that I picked up and learned. But, this book was filled with alot of speculation and opinions, which I didnt come here to read. Also, it just stopped with Edward of Warwick….what about Edward VIII? He became king but abdicated. I felt that he should have been included? Anyway, was an easy read. Would have been entertaining sans the opinions and speculation.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

The princes in the tower 😭😭

This whole book has been an invigorating read. Most of these events would not have taken place if they were all a tiny bit less paranoid than they were.

It sounds horrid to have lived like they all did. Constant fear of being executed for crimes you did not commit, treason being stripped of titles you were given by your king father when he died by an uncle or a cousin just because.

[Blair Hodgkinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this survey of the history of lost heirs to the medieval English crown. I was somewhat familiar with the heirs of the first half of the book but things become increasingly complicated as the Wars of the Roses materialize and the battles between the houses of Lancaster and York heat up. I learned a lot here and liked the fact that the author tells you when the evidence only allows speculation about what happened to some of the lost heirs. A good read.

[Kate Tompkins · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very nice book

A good history of the monarchy in England. Although it focuses on those who didn't become kings, the author nicely weaves the current history around the subject. I don’t agree with the author in regards to who killed the princes in the tower, but he makes his argument well. Definitely a readable book that informs and entertains.

[Deborah Makarios · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Readers should be aware that there are very few happy endings in store..." as Andrews notes in the Introduction. But it's an absolutely fascinating read, and quite an easy one, as academic works go. It would be easier to follow the byzantine twists of royal fates if there were a live-update family tree running alongside the story, but alas, that isn't possible with a book.