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Shadows of the Crown #3
Within the Hollow Crown
"Within the hollow crown that rounds the mortal temples of a king..."—Shakespeare, The Tragedy of King Richard II.
Unlike his father, the Black Prince, or his namesake, King Richard the Lionheart, Richard II never really wanted to be king. But the mantle of royalty is thrust upon his shoulders at age 11, at a time when England is racked by unrest and class warfare. A leader as unexpected as he is inexperienced, young Richard must find a way to triumph over a fierce conflict more destructive than any foreign enemy.
Richard's love for his wife, Anne of Bohemia, gave him the strength to outwit the schemes of his enemies and govern as he saw fit, providing England with years of prosperity under his reign. But when tragedy strikes, Richard begins to loose the common touch by which he had ruled so brilliantly, and begins a downward spiral from which his detractors would derive strength.
Unlike his father, the Black Prince, or his namesake, King Richard the Lionheart, Richard II never really wanted to be king. But the mantle of royalty is thrust upon his shoulders at age 11, at a time when England is racked by unrest and class warfare. A leader as unexpected as he is inexperienced, young Richard must find a way to triumph over a fierce conflict more destructive than any foreign enemy.
Richard's love for his wife, Anne of Bohemia, gave him the strength to outwit the schemes of his enemies and govern as he saw fit, providing England with years of prosperity under his reign. But when tragedy strikes, Richard begins to loose the common touch by which he had ruled so brilliantly, and begins a downward spiral from which his detractors would derive strength.
368 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1947
44 people are currently reading
2138 people want to read
About the author
Margaret Campbell Barnes
35 books174 followersMargaret Campbell Wood was born on 17 February 1891 in Rotherfield, Sussex, England, UK. She was the youngest of ten children, who had a happy childhood in the Sussex country side. She was eventually educated at small private schools in Paris and London.
She married Peter Barnes in 1917,( a furniture salesman), and the couple had two sons, Michael and John. Michael, a Royal Armoured Corps Lieutenant, was killed during WW II.
She died on 1 April 1962 in Yarmouth, Isle of Wight.
Her books are historical novels, called Shadows of the Crown, that follow the history of the English Crown. The majority of her books were written between the 1940's and 1950's. Her last and posthumous novel Lady on the Coin was finished by the novelist Hebe Elsna
Over two million copies of Margaret's historical novels have been sold worldwide.
She married Peter Barnes in 1917,( a furniture salesman), and the couple had two sons, Michael and John. Michael, a Royal Armoured Corps Lieutenant, was killed during WW II.
She died on 1 April 1962 in Yarmouth, Isle of Wight.
Her books are historical novels, called Shadows of the Crown, that follow the history of the English Crown. The majority of her books were written between the 1940's and 1950's. Her last and posthumous novel Lady on the Coin was finished by the novelist Hebe Elsna
Over two million copies of Margaret's historical novels have been sold worldwide.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 67 reviews
July 12, 2017
Richard II is the Plantagenet English monarch discussed here in a historical fiction setting. I had never read anything about this monarch before and it was an okay introduction but it left me with a lot of questions regarding the three sections of his life- his youth, his marriage, and his violent death. What an absolute enigma of a man he appeared to be.
September 22, 2019
King Richard II is known for two main contributions to English history: the uproarious ‘Peasants’ Revolt’ during his reign and for being disposed by his cousin, Henry Bolingbroke and dying under suspicious circumstances. Richard’s life is an interesting one but yet not as obsessively pored over as other English monarchs. Historical fiction author Margaret Campbell Barnes steps outside the norm and showcases Richard II in, “Within the Hollow Crown”.
Being first published in 1947, means “Within the Hollow Crown” smoothly follows the style of historical fiction novels of the period plus her own template of infusing the novel’s pages with more history than fiction. Barnes dives into the story without a fluffy introduction and eschews a ‘buildup’ to the multitude of characters and figures surrounding Richard II. This offers a complex depth that is classical in strain but could be a set-up to cause reader confusion and an uneasy feeling of being overwhelmed.
Barnes exemplifies her classic lit-like writing methods beautifully by composing figurative sentences with delectable illustrative and visionary allusions that are neither contrived nor over-the-top. Barnes finds the perfect ratio of fictional storytelling to more pressing history.
Elaborating on this, “Within the Hollow Crown” sticks mostly to credible historical fact with only slight deviations that are occasionally ‘silly’. These do not hinder the merit of the novel but do help to maintain the pace and keep reader attention.
The character development of Richard II is evident in its growth portraying him as a teen King lacking confidence to a spirited, calculated adult ruler. The maturity is relatable and readers will gain a sense of that man that Richard II truly encapsulated. Barnes certainly creates and spins a strong connection between the character and readers.
On a negative end, Barnes has the habit of skipping chronologically ahead in subsequent chapters without any warning or allusion making “Within the Hollow Crown” occasionally difficult to understand and thus making the novel slightly disjointed and choppy in texture. Furthermore, some of the historical events during Richard’s reign, such as the Peasants’ Revolt; could have used more detail and are glossed over more than preferred.
Strikingly, Barnes infuses “Within the Hollow Crown” with philosophical candor and riveting tidbits that are breath-taking in a literary scope and result in deep contemplation from the reader. These are strong not only on their own account but also within the context of the entire story. These tactics piece together to make “Within the Hollow Crown” a lofty novel filled with various layers, emotions, and descriptions that truly pique readers’ attentions.
As “Within the Hollow Crown” progresses to focus on the rebellion of Henry Bolingbroke and the usurpation of Richard’s throne; Barnes increases the momentum and enriches the pace. The novel encourages page-turning with bold suspense. Sadly, this is not maintained as the conclusion of “Within the Hollow Crown” is both anticlimactic and abrupt with a purely fictionalized speculation that doesn’t fit the rest of the novel (regarding Richard’s mysterious death). The ending is disappointing without any memorable impact. Although “Within a Hollow Crown” is still a strong piece despite this flaw; it certainly lessens the credibility.
In usual Barnes fashion and in-line with historical fiction novel of yesteryear; “Within the Hollow Crown” doesn’t contain an ‘Author’s Note’ explaining any historical liberties taken throughout the text. Also missing are any genealogical tables; both of which “Within the Hollow Crown” would have benefited from exponentially.
“Within the Hollow Crown” is another Barnes success following the mold of ‘classic’ historical fiction novels. The text gloriously recreates the life and events of Richard II and in a vivid and illustrative way that is still heavy on the history. “Within the Hollow Crown” is recommended for all readers interested in English history and/or Richard II.
Being first published in 1947, means “Within the Hollow Crown” smoothly follows the style of historical fiction novels of the period plus her own template of infusing the novel’s pages with more history than fiction. Barnes dives into the story without a fluffy introduction and eschews a ‘buildup’ to the multitude of characters and figures surrounding Richard II. This offers a complex depth that is classical in strain but could be a set-up to cause reader confusion and an uneasy feeling of being overwhelmed.
Barnes exemplifies her classic lit-like writing methods beautifully by composing figurative sentences with delectable illustrative and visionary allusions that are neither contrived nor over-the-top. Barnes finds the perfect ratio of fictional storytelling to more pressing history.
Elaborating on this, “Within the Hollow Crown” sticks mostly to credible historical fact with only slight deviations that are occasionally ‘silly’. These do not hinder the merit of the novel but do help to maintain the pace and keep reader attention.
The character development of Richard II is evident in its growth portraying him as a teen King lacking confidence to a spirited, calculated adult ruler. The maturity is relatable and readers will gain a sense of that man that Richard II truly encapsulated. Barnes certainly creates and spins a strong connection between the character and readers.
On a negative end, Barnes has the habit of skipping chronologically ahead in subsequent chapters without any warning or allusion making “Within the Hollow Crown” occasionally difficult to understand and thus making the novel slightly disjointed and choppy in texture. Furthermore, some of the historical events during Richard’s reign, such as the Peasants’ Revolt; could have used more detail and are glossed over more than preferred.
Strikingly, Barnes infuses “Within the Hollow Crown” with philosophical candor and riveting tidbits that are breath-taking in a literary scope and result in deep contemplation from the reader. These are strong not only on their own account but also within the context of the entire story. These tactics piece together to make “Within the Hollow Crown” a lofty novel filled with various layers, emotions, and descriptions that truly pique readers’ attentions.
As “Within the Hollow Crown” progresses to focus on the rebellion of Henry Bolingbroke and the usurpation of Richard’s throne; Barnes increases the momentum and enriches the pace. The novel encourages page-turning with bold suspense. Sadly, this is not maintained as the conclusion of “Within the Hollow Crown” is both anticlimactic and abrupt with a purely fictionalized speculation that doesn’t fit the rest of the novel (regarding Richard’s mysterious death). The ending is disappointing without any memorable impact. Although “Within a Hollow Crown” is still a strong piece despite this flaw; it certainly lessens the credibility.
In usual Barnes fashion and in-line with historical fiction novel of yesteryear; “Within the Hollow Crown” doesn’t contain an ‘Author’s Note’ explaining any historical liberties taken throughout the text. Also missing are any genealogical tables; both of which “Within the Hollow Crown” would have benefited from exponentially.
“Within the Hollow Crown” is another Barnes success following the mold of ‘classic’ historical fiction novels. The text gloriously recreates the life and events of Richard II and in a vivid and illustrative way that is still heavy on the history. “Within the Hollow Crown” is recommended for all readers interested in English history and/or Richard II.
February 6, 2019
Barnes’ story of Richard II is beautifully written and approaches being a psychological study of why the young king went from being popular with his subjects but became a tyrant who was deposed by his cousin. You find yourself wish you could change history.
October 13, 2018
The shadows of his father and grandfather, both renowned military leaders, hang over Richard II as he comes to the throne of England. Yet peace-loving, cultured and aware of the cost of war, Richard does not want to continue their legacy, but make a new, peaceful England. As he faces setbacks and the ambitions of his court and parliament, he finds solace and strength with his beloved wife, Anne of Bohemia. Yet even as he emerges victorious, tragedy waits in the wings.
Within The Hollow Crown is a 1947 novel by Margaret Campbell Barnes about Richard II. As is clear by the subtitle (“A Reluctant King, a Desperate Nation, and the Most Misunderstood Reign in History”), this takes the view that Richard II’s reign has been misunderstood, seen through the propaganda of others – notably in the novel, his usurper Henry IV and his ambitious uncle, Thomas, Duke of Gloucester.
This is a fairly solid read and one that I really enjoyed. The quality of the writing is pretty good, although a few passages struck me as seeming too modern or too florid. The character of Richard II is utterly sympathetic and nudging towards complex. It is a romanticised, idealised view of him and I personally believe that the real Richard II was a lot more prickly than depicted here, but since I get tetchy about villainous depictions of him, I instantly forgave Barnes.
The novel is divided into three parts. The first deals with the so-called Peasants’ Uprising of 1381. I really enjoyed this section, though I did query the veracity of having Richard and his retinue riding through various uprisings on their way back to London, being witnesses to the moment Wat Tyler became a rebel. It is a thoroughly exciting read and far outstripped the other two novels I’ve read that deal with the Uprising. Barnes’ versions of events, in which Richard II is sympathetic to the rebels and forced to go back on his word by his council (namely Gloucester and the Earl of Arundel), felt surprisingly modern as it is consistent with Juliet Barker’s interpretation of events in England, Arise: The People, the King and the Great Revolt of 1381, published in 2014.
The second part is the longest, picking up after Richard’s marriage to Anne of Bohemia and told, in part, through her eyes as well as Richard’s. This covers the Appellant Crisis, Richard’s return to power and popularity before concluding with Anne’s death. Again, this is a strong, exciting read, and I loved the supportive relationship between Anne and Richard. However, the chief weakness of this book makes its first appearance here, as we jump through time again and again. A chapter will finish on an action about to commence, the next chapter begins long after that action has been completed and summarises what happens.
For example, one chapter ends with Richard's tutor, Simon Burley, about to be executed, and the next begins a year later with a reference to how the past year has been dark and difficult. In another chapter, Richard thinks about how awful it was hearing that his best friend, Robert de Vere, had fled from battle, believed to be dead and before escaping into exile. Even though Barnes’s use of close third person POV might prevent us from seeing those events as they happened, dramatizing Richard finding out those things while effectively trapped and under the threat of deposition would make for a great chapter, and it’s utterly bewildering why Barnes didn’t exploit this potential.
This issue is worse in the third and final part, which deals with Richard’s second marriage to Isabel de Valois, revenge on the Appellants and his deposition and death. The actual scenes are great, but so much is skipped over and given in summary it’s hard to keep up or understand why Richard was deposed. For example, John of Gaunt’s death happens between-chapters and Richard’s decision to seize the Lancastrian inheritance is dealt with in a couple of paragraphs, explained away as him yielding to temptation.
Obviously, with a book this old, it’s hard to fairly judge how historically accurate this is. There are some hiccups with Richard’s age – at the start he’s said to be fifteen but a little while on he’s said to be fourteen, the latter of which is correct (his birthdate was 6 January 1367, the novel begins in 1381). The historical Richard also had a fairly close relationship with Edward, Duke of Aumale and Earl of Rutland, who he called his brother. Here, however, Aumale is largely absent and when he finally appears Richard is only shown as disliking and mistrusting him. Additionally, when Richard’s skeleton was examined in 1871, no marks of violence were found on it and modern historians tend to believe that he was starved to death, as opposed to being involved in a violent clash with his murderers, which is what Barnes depicts.
As I said, the idealised image of Richard’s character is not one that I personally think is likely – I don’t think he was that ‘nice’. Barnes’s way of dealing with Richard II’s queer reputation (it was a vicious rumour planted by his scheming uncle Gloucester to discredit him) does make me sad, but historical context that this was written and published in (twenty years before homosexual acts were decriminalised in England) makes it understandable why a more nuanced take wasn’t used.
This is a fairly solid, albeit rushed, read with much to enjoy and much that could have been better. 3.5 stars.
Within The Hollow Crown is a 1947 novel by Margaret Campbell Barnes about Richard II. As is clear by the subtitle (“A Reluctant King, a Desperate Nation, and the Most Misunderstood Reign in History”), this takes the view that Richard II’s reign has been misunderstood, seen through the propaganda of others – notably in the novel, his usurper Henry IV and his ambitious uncle, Thomas, Duke of Gloucester.
This is a fairly solid read and one that I really enjoyed. The quality of the writing is pretty good, although a few passages struck me as seeming too modern or too florid. The character of Richard II is utterly sympathetic and nudging towards complex. It is a romanticised, idealised view of him and I personally believe that the real Richard II was a lot more prickly than depicted here, but since I get tetchy about villainous depictions of him, I instantly forgave Barnes.
The novel is divided into three parts. The first deals with the so-called Peasants’ Uprising of 1381. I really enjoyed this section, though I did query the veracity of having Richard and his retinue riding through various uprisings on their way back to London, being witnesses to the moment Wat Tyler became a rebel. It is a thoroughly exciting read and far outstripped the other two novels I’ve read that deal with the Uprising. Barnes’ versions of events, in which Richard II is sympathetic to the rebels and forced to go back on his word by his council (namely Gloucester and the Earl of Arundel), felt surprisingly modern as it is consistent with Juliet Barker’s interpretation of events in England, Arise: The People, the King and the Great Revolt of 1381, published in 2014.
The second part is the longest, picking up after Richard’s marriage to Anne of Bohemia and told, in part, through her eyes as well as Richard’s. This covers the Appellant Crisis, Richard’s return to power and popularity before concluding with Anne’s death. Again, this is a strong, exciting read, and I loved the supportive relationship between Anne and Richard. However, the chief weakness of this book makes its first appearance here, as we jump through time again and again. A chapter will finish on an action about to commence, the next chapter begins long after that action has been completed and summarises what happens.
For example, one chapter ends with Richard's tutor, Simon Burley, about to be executed, and the next begins a year later with a reference to how the past year has been dark and difficult. In another chapter, Richard thinks about how awful it was hearing that his best friend, Robert de Vere, had fled from battle, believed to be dead and before escaping into exile. Even though Barnes’s use of close third person POV might prevent us from seeing those events as they happened, dramatizing Richard finding out those things while effectively trapped and under the threat of deposition would make for a great chapter, and it’s utterly bewildering why Barnes didn’t exploit this potential.
This issue is worse in the third and final part, which deals with Richard’s second marriage to Isabel de Valois, revenge on the Appellants and his deposition and death. The actual scenes are great, but so much is skipped over and given in summary it’s hard to keep up or understand why Richard was deposed. For example, John of Gaunt’s death happens between-chapters and Richard’s decision to seize the Lancastrian inheritance is dealt with in a couple of paragraphs, explained away as him yielding to temptation.
Obviously, with a book this old, it’s hard to fairly judge how historically accurate this is. There are some hiccups with Richard’s age – at the start he’s said to be fifteen but a little while on he’s said to be fourteen, the latter of which is correct (his birthdate was 6 January 1367, the novel begins in 1381). The historical Richard also had a fairly close relationship with Edward, Duke of Aumale and Earl of Rutland, who he called his brother. Here, however, Aumale is largely absent and when he finally appears Richard is only shown as disliking and mistrusting him. Additionally, when Richard’s skeleton was examined in 1871, no marks of violence were found on it and modern historians tend to believe that he was starved to death, as opposed to being involved in a violent clash with his murderers, which is what Barnes depicts.
As I said, the idealised image of Richard’s character is not one that I personally think is likely – I don’t think he was that ‘nice’. Barnes’s way of dealing with Richard II’s queer reputation (it was a vicious rumour planted by his scheming uncle Gloucester to discredit him) does make me sad, but historical context that this was written and published in (twenty years before homosexual acts were decriminalised in England) makes it understandable why a more nuanced take wasn’t used.
This is a fairly solid, albeit rushed, read with much to enjoy and much that could have been better. 3.5 stars.
August 12, 2014
The majority of this book is a no fuss, no frills, solid read about Richard II - perfect if you're fairly new to the finer points of his reign, as I am. By strange contrast though, after so much interest and detail about his earlier years, the crux of his story - Henry Bolingbroke’s usurpation - felt rushed and empty, with no build-up, explanation or reasoning. Had I not already known the history, I’d have been left scratching my head wondering what the hell had happened, and more importantly, why it had happened. After an 'educational' read, the last few chapters seemed a waste; a frustrating end to an otherwise very decent book.
Buddy read with Jemidar :-)
Buddy read with Jemidar :-)
March 11, 2010
Margaret Campbell Barnes was a popular historical writer of her day, which was fifty years ago. She doesn't write as dramatically as popular historical fiction writers of today, but she weaves us through the story as deftly as possible. Within The Hollow Crown features the young king, Richard II who 'ruled' from 1377 (at age ten) to 1399. Barnes attempts to recreate this tumultuous rule as he grows a bit older, marries Anne of Bohemia and ultimately loses control of his noblemen. It is interesting to watch the behind the scenes events along with more differences between Lancaster versus York factions in their beginnings towards the Wars of the Roses.
The characterizations are what sets Barnes apart, and are the highlight of this novel. The uncles who are vying for power such as Thomas of Gloucester who is portrayed as one to be wary of. Yet as history tells us, it is Lancaster's son Henry Bolingbroke who becomes the next king of England although John Gaunt of Lancaster was not as much of a significant threat to Richard as Thomas was throughout the novel. It is these uncles and their peers whom Richard has let take control of Parliament and the kingdom, and Richard has had little say in most matters until he finally decides to take the reins after watching the others rule for him.
There are many historical details that Barnes leaves out in the novel, which is quite understandable since this is a novel focused mostly on Richard and his character, perhaps in efforts by the author to bring a maligned king to justice. His spirit is captured in an amazing way that I have not seen before. The historical backdrop of the Peasant Revolt lasted at least 100 pages as Richard dealt with the peasants and the nobles and the grievances. Richard was attempting to prove himself worthy of the status of a king, even though he really didn't seem to want the title. He did handle the peasant revolt without the guidance of the council, as they seemed wholly inept at the art of dealing with the commoners. After the revolt was suppressed, something happened where the council members turned on him and forced Richard to seek sanctuary in the tower. The novel jumped from the one thing to the next and I could not even fathom why this was occurring, except for the fact that he had some greedy council members. This part is where Barnes lost me. The chronology and minor historical details are slanted to fit the continuity of the story, so those who prefer pure historical accuracy may be a little turned off.
An absolutely splendid scene occurs a little more than halfway through the book, where Richard stands up to his uncles and members of the council and asks them how old that he is. He is twenty-two, and fully ready to take charge of the kingdom, and for once, be a King. He takes the chancellor's seal from him, and he will choose a new chancellor, the point being that it is he who will choose. The council is stunned speechless. Throughout the novel Henry Bolingbroke is referenced, but he is not portrayed as an evil usurper as one would expect. If one hadn't known the true history of the situation, a novice would never have thought that this Henry would take the crown from Richard, which happened somewhat easily towards the end of the novel.
One of the best aspects of the novel was the relationship between Richard and his wife, Anne of Bohemia. It was charming and pleasant to watch them grow to love each other and support one another. Ultimately Richard is forced to take another wife, and that marriage is also portrayed as sweet and tender as possible. Richard's mother, Joan of Kent, was also a major figure in the beginning of the novel as Richard is shown to have relied on her presence and enjoyed having her with him. On the other hand, Uncle Tom of Gloucester and his sidekick Arundel, and the other major historical figures of the time were part of the story as Barnes sets up the surroundings of Richard II and makes us love him.
Those readers who are new to this specific period in the medieval era have a chance of being bored off their rocker with this read. This is not a good starting point due to the lack of dramatization in the beginning of the novel. Those who do have a specific interest in Richard II and the political machinations of the time should enjoy this read, although I had lost track of the historic timeline when I think years had passed at times and I didn't really know it. Some of the importance of historical events were downplayed or just hinted at, so that those who have no idea of the period would not have recognized the implications of certain details that were imparted. I really did enjoy the prose of Margaret Campbell Barnes, but I was beginning to have the feeling of having missed out on something tangible until I reached the last half and I was utterly beholden to Richard as Barnes had achieved her goal of portraying Richard as a great person, but perhaps not a wonderful king.
History tells us more details of what happened to Richard and around his reign, but Barnes focuses on the human side of Richard which really made this story magnificent. I hold a large appreciation for what Barnes has done to rectify the sullied reputation of Richard II. I can say that I feel that I've gained an accurate feel for the sensitive character of Richard II that I otherwise would not have achieved without this read. I would recommend this for those who would like to gain that same sense of characterization and a glimpse into the reign of Richard II, the second son of the infamous Edward the Black Prince.
November 18, 2009
This is one of the very few books where Richard II is presented as a hero, so it earns at least one star just for that as far as I am concerned.
As to history - well, let's say certain things are twisted till they break, while the chronology is about as accurate as in Shakespeare's Richard III. There's some nice characterisation, particularly Richard himself and Anne, but most of the others are not really fully drawn. There's a slightly odd sub plot involving Edward Dalyngrigge and his wife - the latter being keen to get Richard into bed. As this doesn't fit history very well at all, the dates are all wrong for starters, I can only think the author really, really liked Bodiam Castle and wanted to include it.
In summary, a pleasant enough light read, but do NOT rely on it for its historical content.
As to history - well, let's say certain things are twisted till they break, while the chronology is about as accurate as in Shakespeare's Richard III. There's some nice characterisation, particularly Richard himself and Anne, but most of the others are not really fully drawn. There's a slightly odd sub plot involving Edward Dalyngrigge and his wife - the latter being keen to get Richard into bed. As this doesn't fit history very well at all, the dates are all wrong for starters, I can only think the author really, really liked Bodiam Castle and wanted to include it.
In summary, a pleasant enough light read, but do NOT rely on it for its historical content.
September 25, 2013
More like 3.5 stars.
Good solid, old school historical fiction about Richard II of England and his tragic reign which avoids getting overly bogged down in the politics of the time. The pluses of this are obvious but can lead to a little confusion why everyone is so against poor Richard and it also tends to romanticize his reign somewhat, although not in a sickly sweet and syrupy way. Recommended but you may need to reference Wikipedia occasionally if you are more interested in the nitty gritty history than the romance.
Buddy read with Anna :-).
November 29, 2011
This is another book Ive had on my tbr pile for about a year and finally felt in the mood to read, having recently read Crown in Candlelight which deals with the immediate aftermath of Richard II's usurpation and death. Written in 1948 I must say I quite enjoyed the style of the dialogue spoken which reflects the time in which the book was written. It very much made me think of old films made in the 1940's and 50's and I couldnt help reading the book imagining it as an old film starring Joan Fontaine and possibly Leslie Howard as the leading players! All very British and stiff upper lip! All the other leading characters/villains could easily have been the usual faces that regularly pop up in those old historical films. I'm aware I'm in danger of giving my age away here but I swear I'm not that old!
The story starts with Richard as an 11 year old boy-king, the son of the Black Prince and grandson of Edward III, completely under the thumb of and overshadowed by his 3 ambitious, powerful and overbearing uncles acting as his Regency Council, especially the war loving and bullying Thomas, Duke of Gloucester whom Richard hates. Richard is a sensitive, delicate and intelligent boy and not warlike at all. He appreciates fine clothes, art and culture and above all wants peace for England. A few years on at the age of 14 he singlehandedly rides out and quells the Peasants Revolt led by Wat Tyler. After that he has a few more difficult and frustrating years with his uncles but then he then marries Anne of Bohemia and, after a shaky start, the marriage proves to be very happy and with her love and support this proves to be his salvation and with people like Simon Burley, Geoffrey Chaucer and Richard's devoted friend, Robert de Vere in his Court, he finds the strength to shake off the dominance of his uncles and reigns with Anne for 8 eight peaceful and prosperous years.
Then tragically Anne dies of the Black Death and Richard is devastated. A darker side of his character emerges and his bitterness at his tragic fortune turns him a tyrant. He does not realise that he is turning his people against him. Amongst other things, he banishes his cousin Henry Bolingbroke, who by now is gaining popularity with the people, and he keeps Henry's land and estates. He is also suspected of having the Duke of Gloucester murdered.
In an effort to keep the peace with France on an even keel and eventually to beget an heir, he marries the 9 year old Isobel of Valois, daughter of the King of France and has a gentle and protective, albeit platonic, relationship with her. But he is on a downward spiral and his enemies take full advantage of his unpopularity. Bolingbroke, now returned from exile, captures Richard first keeping him in the Tower and then imprisoning him in Pontefract Castle for 5 months. He is slowly starved and finally brutally murdered.
Although written over 60 years ago and very much of its time, the book still stands up as a classic historical novel, well researched and based on fact. It contains flowery, flights of fancy passages which was the style of writing then and which I'm not a fan of. I found that aspect of the book a bit tedious and tended to skim over them. It didnt grab me and hold my interest as much as Sharon Penman and Elizabeth Chadwick's novels do but I'm glad I read it and I would recommend it anyone who is interested in medieval history.
The story starts with Richard as an 11 year old boy-king, the son of the Black Prince and grandson of Edward III, completely under the thumb of and overshadowed by his 3 ambitious, powerful and overbearing uncles acting as his Regency Council, especially the war loving and bullying Thomas, Duke of Gloucester whom Richard hates. Richard is a sensitive, delicate and intelligent boy and not warlike at all. He appreciates fine clothes, art and culture and above all wants peace for England. A few years on at the age of 14 he singlehandedly rides out and quells the Peasants Revolt led by Wat Tyler. After that he has a few more difficult and frustrating years with his uncles but then he then marries Anne of Bohemia and, after a shaky start, the marriage proves to be very happy and with her love and support this proves to be his salvation and with people like Simon Burley, Geoffrey Chaucer and Richard's devoted friend, Robert de Vere in his Court, he finds the strength to shake off the dominance of his uncles and reigns with Anne for 8 eight peaceful and prosperous years.
Then tragically Anne dies of the Black Death and Richard is devastated. A darker side of his character emerges and his bitterness at his tragic fortune turns him a tyrant. He does not realise that he is turning his people against him. Amongst other things, he banishes his cousin Henry Bolingbroke, who by now is gaining popularity with the people, and he keeps Henry's land and estates. He is also suspected of having the Duke of Gloucester murdered.
In an effort to keep the peace with France on an even keel and eventually to beget an heir, he marries the 9 year old Isobel of Valois, daughter of the King of France and has a gentle and protective, albeit platonic, relationship with her. But he is on a downward spiral and his enemies take full advantage of his unpopularity. Bolingbroke, now returned from exile, captures Richard first keeping him in the Tower and then imprisoning him in Pontefract Castle for 5 months. He is slowly starved and finally brutally murdered.
Although written over 60 years ago and very much of its time, the book still stands up as a classic historical novel, well researched and based on fact. It contains flowery, flights of fancy passages which was the style of writing then and which I'm not a fan of. I found that aspect of the book a bit tedious and tended to skim over them. It didnt grab me and hold my interest as much as Sharon Penman and Elizabeth Chadwick's novels do but I'm glad I read it and I would recommend it anyone who is interested in medieval history.
November 15, 2013
I was led to read this after viewing the recent PBS production of Shakespeare's Richard II. This was a pleasant novel, with a positive portrayal of Richard II, the last Plantagenet king, son of Edward, the Black Prince. I'd award this ***1/2, were this rating available. Outstanding was the vivid picture of 14th century England this novel gave.
At age 11, Richard Plantagenet becomes king upon his father's death. The novel is the story of his reign and his doom. He is overawed by and frightened of his uncles as a child. Upon reaching maturity and hampered at every turn by them, the idealistic king finds courage and tries to overcome their intrigues. Responding to his first crisis, the young Richard turns aside the mob of the Wat Tyler Rebellion with his soft words, but that rebellion does end in bloodshed. It is not of Richard's doing; it is that of his overzealous retainers. Richard wishes to be fair to high and low classes alike. For seven or eight years he succeeds and England enjoys peace and prosperity. A lover of the arts, Richard encourages Geoffrey Chaucer in his writing. At one point, one of Richard's sympathizers saves Chaucer's life. Anne of Bohemia becomes Richard's gentle and common-sense wife, the love of his life. Anne's death is the breaking point for Richard. Power goes to his head; he rules as a despot. His ambitious cousin Henry Bolingbroke [eventually Henry IV] usurps the throne after forcing Richard to abdicate. Richard bravely meets his fate.
This novel was very well-written and the descriptions of the England of Richard's time were impressive. The author wrote in her 'Author's Notes', although Richard's reputation was completely tarnished after Bolingbroke took over, a manuscript was later found that cast Richard in a much more positive light than the Lancastrians had written of him. The author has taken this interpretation as the jumping-off place for her novel. I must say Richard was a most sympathetic, decent character in this novel. I was glad, contrary to the custom of much of the nobility, no mistress for him! I liked some of the descriptions of jousts; the sweet relationship Richard had with his second wife, the eight-year-old Isabel of Valois; his handling of the Wat Tyler Affair, although he couldn't control the outcome. I was disappointed that the Bolingbroke coup and the finale felt rushed. The rest of the novel had flowed so smoothly, although I feel some episodes could have been curtailed in their telling; others stretched out. The cover was misleading; the protagonist was a male.
Recommended for those who wish to read historical fiction set in the English Middle Ages and more particularly, about Richard II.
At age 11, Richard Plantagenet becomes king upon his father's death. The novel is the story of his reign and his doom. He is overawed by and frightened of his uncles as a child. Upon reaching maturity and hampered at every turn by them, the idealistic king finds courage and tries to overcome their intrigues. Responding to his first crisis, the young Richard turns aside the mob of the Wat Tyler Rebellion with his soft words, but that rebellion does end in bloodshed. It is not of Richard's doing; it is that of his overzealous retainers. Richard wishes to be fair to high and low classes alike. For seven or eight years he succeeds and England enjoys peace and prosperity. A lover of the arts, Richard encourages Geoffrey Chaucer in his writing. At one point, one of Richard's sympathizers saves Chaucer's life. Anne of Bohemia becomes Richard's gentle and common-sense wife, the love of his life. Anne's death is the breaking point for Richard. Power goes to his head; he rules as a despot. His ambitious cousin Henry Bolingbroke [eventually Henry IV] usurps the throne after forcing Richard to abdicate. Richard bravely meets his fate.
This novel was very well-written and the descriptions of the England of Richard's time were impressive. The author wrote in her 'Author's Notes', although Richard's reputation was completely tarnished after Bolingbroke took over, a manuscript was later found that cast Richard in a much more positive light than the Lancastrians had written of him. The author has taken this interpretation as the jumping-off place for her novel. I must say Richard was a most sympathetic, decent character in this novel. I was glad, contrary to the custom of much of the nobility, no mistress for him! I liked some of the descriptions of jousts; the sweet relationship Richard had with his second wife, the eight-year-old Isabel of Valois; his handling of the Wat Tyler Affair, although he couldn't control the outcome. I was disappointed that the Bolingbroke coup and the finale felt rushed. The rest of the novel had flowed so smoothly, although I feel some episodes could have been curtailed in their telling; others stretched out. The cover was misleading; the protagonist was a male.
Recommended for those who wish to read historical fiction set in the English Middle Ages and more particularly, about Richard II.
August 26, 2012
A marvelous reinterpretation of Richard II. Ms. Campbell attempts to portray the King as a man who fell deeply in love with his wife Anne, after they wed. This love allowed Richard to bring peace to his realm and attempt to restore England to financial solvency, after decades of brutal taxation to fund glamorous foreign wars. Tragically, his beloved is taken from him. Without the strength and stability Queen Anne provided the King, he gradually--albeit unawares--became consumed by his repressed rage. Slowly Richard cut himself off from any joy and possible pleasure companionship might have brought. A deep melancholy ultimately consumed him, yet he continued to rationalize to himself his actions as not only justifiable, but wholly unavoidable. Still, he knowingly allowed his lust for revenge to potentially expose himself to eternal damnation, forever depriving himself of being reunited with his beloved Anne, in the afterlife. Ms. Campbell attempts to examine what she considers a misunderstood reign by portraying Richard II as a victim of his upbringing and circumstances. His downfall is presented as a consequence of his losing the one person he loved most--Anne--and by the gradual betrayal and/or death of his most trusted friends and advisors. Once stripped all he held dear, the King's moral compass failed him and his downfall becomes inevitable.
Kudos to Ms. Campbell for writing a marvelous reexamination of a monarch so frequently reviled down through the ages. While this book was written more than half a century ago, the author seems to have been decades before her time. Her usage of contemporary psychological evaluation of what, when, how and why a person is shaped by their childhood and life altering events presents a more understanding portrait of Richard II. To me, her tools also heighten the tragedy of what might have been...
Kudos to Ms. Campbell for writing a marvelous reexamination of a monarch so frequently reviled down through the ages. While this book was written more than half a century ago, the author seems to have been decades before her time. Her usage of contemporary psychological evaluation of what, when, how and why a person is shaped by their childhood and life altering events presents a more understanding portrait of Richard II. To me, her tools also heighten the tragedy of what might have been...
June 28, 2015
Marking this as read is cheating. I read 1/3rd and then skimmed. This is not history or even history light, IMHO. So I couldn't give it the time for the value taken. Writing Richard II as empathetic or sympathetic or "nice" or giving him first a "sweetie" and then gone to "nasty" personality change without telling the politics in detail?
Well, the style and the license taken are not in the proper "eyes" for the century. Some facts of his life are there but it is not Richard II's rise and downfall. Some authors like Hilary Mantel can write fiction that parses with reality. This instead is a vindication of some sort, or a semi-romance genre? I won't read any more of hers, as most of her history doesn't hold the understanding of the moving or political power associations that carve the events and these people within their society and belief systems. This book is far too simplistic for those crux issues.
When I choose historical fiction it has to core in motivations and the forces within competing powers. The who and the why and the how. Not just the "is".
Well, the style and the license taken are not in the proper "eyes" for the century. Some facts of his life are there but it is not Richard II's rise and downfall. Some authors like Hilary Mantel can write fiction that parses with reality. This instead is a vindication of some sort, or a semi-romance genre? I won't read any more of hers, as most of her history doesn't hold the understanding of the moving or political power associations that carve the events and these people within their society and belief systems. This book is far too simplistic for those crux issues.
When I choose historical fiction it has to core in motivations and the forces within competing powers. The who and the why and the how. Not just the "is".
April 3, 2010
Both his father and grandfather have passed away and now Richard II, who is just a boy, is the new King of England. Being a child he was only able to rule with the Regency Council. As he grew to be a teenage, the council was null and he was able to make decisions for his people as he saw fit. He also fell in love and took a wife, Anne of Bohemia at this important time in his life.
There are so many things that happen in this book. King Richard's life is like a roller coaster. There's drama, romance, murder and more. This is a fun fictional portrait of King Richard II.
There are so many things that happen in this book. King Richard's life is like a roller coaster. There's drama, romance, murder and more. This is a fun fictional portrait of King Richard II.
June 12, 2015
I really liked this book. I have read a number of books by this author and always finish the books feeling like I have learned some history as well as having a thoroughly good read.
March 7, 2023
I didn't realize this book was written so long ago (1947) - it suffers from sounding like a book written in 1947.
I am totally fascinated with the Plantagenet line of royals, and usually pick up anything that is set around that time period as there are so few books that do center on this period (vs. the veritable swarms of books about all things Tudor.) Reading this, I realized that I knew little to nothing about Richard II, or if I did know something at one point, I'd forgotten it. (I cut my Plantagenet-loving teeth back in the '80's on the books by Thomas B. Costain)
It's not a bad book, it just reads as kind of dated, although it comes pretty close to discussing Richard's possible homosexuality, which I find intriguing for a book written in the '40's. Of course, it's hard to write about some of these people simply because there is so little firm knowledge remaining of how they lived. Interestingly enough, when I looked up Richard II on the Internet, I found that most sites had a much different take on his personality. This book portrays him as a romantic and artistic soul with good intentions to start with who was forced by consequences to become harsh and jaded by life. Much of the current things I've read have been far less complimentary (forgiving?) about his overall reign.
The story is ultimately pretty bleak - it's amazing how little power the kingship actually had during those times and how easy it would be to eliminate any member of society, including the aristocracy. He ended up as quite a pathetic character and the end of his life reads as quite bleak. Very different from the chokehold that some of the later rulers (i.e. Henry VIII) exerted.
Interesting but definitely not riveting.
I am totally fascinated with the Plantagenet line of royals, and usually pick up anything that is set around that time period as there are so few books that do center on this period (vs. the veritable swarms of books about all things Tudor.) Reading this, I realized that I knew little to nothing about Richard II, or if I did know something at one point, I'd forgotten it. (I cut my Plantagenet-loving teeth back in the '80's on the books by Thomas B. Costain)
It's not a bad book, it just reads as kind of dated, although it comes pretty close to discussing Richard's possible homosexuality, which I find intriguing for a book written in the '40's. Of course, it's hard to write about some of these people simply because there is so little firm knowledge remaining of how they lived. Interestingly enough, when I looked up Richard II on the Internet, I found that most sites had a much different take on his personality. This book portrays him as a romantic and artistic soul with good intentions to start with who was forced by consequences to become harsh and jaded by life. Much of the current things I've read have been far less complimentary (forgiving?) about his overall reign.
The story is ultimately pretty bleak - it's amazing how little power the kingship actually had during those times and how easy it would be to eliminate any member of society, including the aristocracy. He ended up as quite a pathetic character and the end of his life reads as quite bleak. Very different from the chokehold that some of the later rulers (i.e. Henry VIII) exerted.
Interesting but definitely not riveting.
April 25, 2024
I don’t know, man. I mean, if you’re intimately familiar with Richard’s story (I am), many parts of this book simply feels like a slightly fictionalized account of his life - which then of course doesn’t make for a very interesting reading experience.
Part 2 and 3 feel very rushed compared to part 1, and I definitely preferred the slower pacing of the book’s earlier chapters, as well as the author’s characterization of the king as a young man full of dreams for the future and visions of leadership - despite, or perhaps because of, his obvious inexperience.
I like the book’s atmosphere and world-building - it’s rich in swords and silk and portcullises - and several of the characters are quite complex and interesting to think about as you make your way through the chapters. Richard, of course, but also Anne, Mundina and Mathe (yes, the old, OLD dog).
It’s a shame, though, that some narrative elements feel very significant as you read about them, and yet they’re either just not mentioned again or their part in the story is never fully developed or tied up nicely at the end.
I’m glad to have read the book, of course. It’s a sympathetic portrait of Richard, who has so often been misunderstood, and for that I appreciate it. I certainly could have done without the author’s blatant homophobia and the world “womanlike”, but I guess that would have been too much to ask of the 1940s.
Part 2 and 3 feel very rushed compared to part 1, and I definitely preferred the slower pacing of the book’s earlier chapters, as well as the author’s characterization of the king as a young man full of dreams for the future and visions of leadership - despite, or perhaps because of, his obvious inexperience.
I like the book’s atmosphere and world-building - it’s rich in swords and silk and portcullises - and several of the characters are quite complex and interesting to think about as you make your way through the chapters. Richard, of course, but also Anne, Mundina and Mathe (yes, the old, OLD dog).
It’s a shame, though, that some narrative elements feel very significant as you read about them, and yet they’re either just not mentioned again or their part in the story is never fully developed or tied up nicely at the end.
I’m glad to have read the book, of course. It’s a sympathetic portrait of Richard, who has so often been misunderstood, and for that I appreciate it. I certainly could have done without the author’s blatant homophobia and the world “womanlike”, but I guess that would have been too much to ask of the 1940s.
July 19, 2018
I always enjoy Barnes historical novels. As always, books of this genre depend on the author’s imagination in great part, and I appreciate the fact that she doesn’t pull us into what goes on between the sheets. That is almost always pure imagination and really unnecessary. However, for some reason, and I’m not sure why, this one didn’t grab me as much as her other works I’ve read over the years.
This food be because I’ve read other novels which have portrayed Richard II in a less than favorable light. Or because there was a great deal of emphasis placed detailing politics. Politics are very necessary to the story, but I often had trouble remembering who was who. I think this is because Barnes isn’t very consistent in the named she chooses to use during the novel. These men had titles, first and last names and often were related to each other. I can’t remember if one young man, who was the son of a well-known son of Edward III, was revealed to be his first born until late in the book.
I was intrigued at Barnes’ take on the motivations of pivotal decisions Richard made. She also portrayed his relationships with the women in his life, some of whom I had not heard of, in ways I had not expected.
Overall, despite my misgivings, this is a very well written book and I Yeni ugh to keep me reading it night after night.
This food be because I’ve read other novels which have portrayed Richard II in a less than favorable light. Or because there was a great deal of emphasis placed detailing politics. Politics are very necessary to the story, but I often had trouble remembering who was who. I think this is because Barnes isn’t very consistent in the named she chooses to use during the novel. These men had titles, first and last names and often were related to each other. I can’t remember if one young man, who was the son of a well-known son of Edward III, was revealed to be his first born until late in the book.
I was intrigued at Barnes’ take on the motivations of pivotal decisions Richard made. She also portrayed his relationships with the women in his life, some of whom I had not heard of, in ways I had not expected.
Overall, despite my misgivings, this is a very well written book and I Yeni ugh to keep me reading it night after night.
July 22, 2022
At the young age of eleven years old Richard was proclaimed King of England but only in name as the true authority was governed by a regency of his uncles. His father had died just the year before and now his grandfather Edward III had passed. Richard tried to rule as he saw fit but unfortunately the heavy hand of regency bears down. Richard never truly wanted to be king and although he strives for peace, he reign is filled with conflict and ultimately comes to an abrupt end.
Richard’s reign was from 1377 to 1399, it ended when he was deposed by his cousin Henry IV. The author paints him as a good person who never should of been king. The country had just recovered from the Hundred Years’ War and funds were very low. He wasn’t given the chance to rule nor was he ever taught how. A well written book that was full of research but not much emotion. The textbook portrayal and my personal inability to create a connection unfortunately make this particular read not a favorite. I will say that I enjoyed the knowledge, just wish the author would’ve made me care about the main character.
Richard’s reign was from 1377 to 1399, it ended when he was deposed by his cousin Henry IV. The author paints him as a good person who never should of been king. The country had just recovered from the Hundred Years’ War and funds were very low. He wasn’t given the chance to rule nor was he ever taught how. A well written book that was full of research but not much emotion. The textbook portrayal and my personal inability to create a connection unfortunately make this particular read not a favorite. I will say that I enjoyed the knowledge, just wish the author would’ve made me care about the main character.
August 15, 2022
The book chronicles the early days of the young Richard II ‘s life after he becomes king. He is not old enough to rule so older men rule instead, starting wars, executing the innocent, and forcing the country into poverty. As the son of the Black Prince, Richard has higher standards as he deals with the Peasants’ Revolt, and problems with the French and Scots. He married Anne of Bohemia and it turns into a live match, but she bears him no children and dies of the plague. His two enemies, Gloucester and Arundel show up at the funeral covered in mud and poorly behaved. Richard jumped over the grave and punched Arundel, softly declaring “one day I will kill you both!” Chaucer (who plays a part in the story) offers to write her epitaph, but Richard chooses to do it himself. Two years after her death he goes to their palace at Sheen and burns it down, turning it into a memory.
Richard plans a trip to France to sign a peace treaty and marry 8 year old Isabel, the French King’s daughter. All goes well till the Irish kill Mortimer, Richard’s heir.
Richard plans a trip to France to sign a peace treaty and marry 8 year old Isabel, the French King’s daughter. All goes well till the Irish kill Mortimer, Richard’s heir.
August 31, 2024
This book wasn’t bad, but it was definitely no Sharon Kay Penman. I don’t know much about the reign of Richard II, and after reading this, I don’t know much more. I knew about the Peasants Revolt, but that was one of the only things I knew. After reading this, that’s about all I know still. I enjoyed the book, but Barnes did not explain (I felt) the background information. Why were Arundel and Gloucester so antagonistic towards Richard? There was no real explanation as to why they wanted to kill his favorites. And later, when Richard decided to get his revenge, there was practically no explanation or rationale given, just boom. There it is. And then, the deposition was a single chapter; if I hadn’t read online about it, I still wouldn’t understand what happened.
But her characterization was entertaining.
But her characterization was entertaining.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 19, 2020
I liked the focus on privilege and unfairness of the system, which can often be glazed over while romanticizing the period in historical fiction. I really liked the POV- it's also different from most male ones that you'd read based in this period.
Even in Richard II, I liked the character and rooted for him. He's very nuanced here, and you felt for him so much. Parts were heart wrenching. And you saw his fall from grace and it was sad.
The time jumps could be quite jarring, especially since they weren't explained until paragraphs after you've started the chapter.
Even in Richard II, I liked the character and rooted for him. He's very nuanced here, and you felt for him so much. Parts were heart wrenching. And you saw his fall from grace and it was sad.
The time jumps could be quite jarring, especially since they weren't explained until paragraphs after you've started the chapter.
April 6, 2023
What a book! What a tale! A young king, repressed for years by overbearing advisers who usurped his power, finally takes the reigns. The intrigue and debauchery throughout is masterfully told by the author who wasn’t even there to witness. Sometimes it was very confusing with the titles and names thrown around - never calling one man just Thomas throughout. At last the king’s soul is unburdened. A great ending. Of course, I love these kind of England history-based books!
April 19, 2020
The best thing about this book was the astute psychological development of the character Richard the second. I'm not familiar enough with the history of the period to gauge the books accuracy, but as a character study it was extremely enjoyable.
April 29, 2018
Reading this book was very helpful in understanding a little bit more about the reign of Richard II.
August 29, 2018
It just dragged and the characters were hard to connect to.
January 24, 2021
Was going to rate it 3 ⭐ but damn the ending was sad 🥲
August 10, 2024
A good, not too long novel about the life of richard ii. It focuses more on his psyche and how he ended up dead.
It is also very sympathethic compared to most sources and popular opinion.
It is also very sympathethic compared to most sources and popular opinion.
March 23, 2017
Again not enough dialogue for my liking
July 21, 2017
I will also do a video review here at my channel: http://www.youtube.com/magicofbooks
"Within the Hollow Crown" by Margaret Campbell Barnes is historical fiction based on King Richard II's rule. Richard never wanted to be king and his father is a continual shadow in his life. England is in political and class warfare, and an inexperienced Richard must figure out a way to form his own kingship and not let his uncles control him.
Richard II is a bit of a vague area for me, but an area of the English monarchy that I'm trying to learn more about. The only bit I know of Richard II comes from Shakespeare's history play. So I don't quite know all of the historical details related to Richard II's life---I really only know how it all ends.
This book is a bit of a slow read at the start. I found myself zoning out on occasion and loosing focus. It didn't help either that since I don't know about all the people surrounding Richard II that I was getting overwhelmed with all the characters and their numerous titles. To put it bluntly, the first half of the novel is kind of boring, with occasional moments of interesting entertainment thrown in. The novel begins to pick up when Richard marries his first wife, Anne. Anne was a very refreshing addition to the story. Once Richard and Anne begin to form their relationship the novel continues to build up at a great pace, climaxing at Anne's death. The novel continues to be a fast read all the way through Richard marrying his second wife, the child Isabel of Valois. It's a few chapters after Richard's second marriage that I felt like the novel moved too quickly through the rest of Richard's reign all the way up to his death. It was all just so sudden in regards to Henry Bolingbroke (King Henry IV)usurping the throne and Richard being imprisoned. The novel spent so much time in the beginning showcasing Richard's early career as king and showing his faults and achievements, and then is just whizzes by the end of his reign. I think the end of Richard's reign and all the events leading up to it are so fascinating and I felt like Barnes wasted a good thing in her narrative retelling.
Richard as a character was intriguing. Like I said in my opening paragraph, he's a figure I'm not all the familiar with and the Shakespeare play was one of my first encounters with him. Richard in Barnes' novel is a man of many complexities. Richard is sensitive, passionate, demanding, and compassionate all rolled in to one. One moment he could be joyous and laughing. The next minute he could be kingly and controlling. Richard was not one dimensional by any means. I also adored his relationship with both of his wives. With Anne, he has a true companion and a soulmate. When Anne dies it's heartbreaking to see Richard's response. With Isabel, Richard has a child bride who he treats more like a daughter than a wife. After Anne's death Richard thought he'd never be able to experience joy again, but he smiles again with Isabel. As far as other memorable characters, not too many stick out (like I said, I had trouble telling a lot of them apart, especially the uncles). Robert de Vere was one of the most interesting and I liked his relationship with Richard. But it's their close relationship that starts up rumors that the two are romantically involved, which causes Richard to send Robert away to Ireland. I adored Simon Burley as well who was almost like a father figure to Richard. There weren't too many women in the novel outside of Anne and Isabel, but Richard's mother, Joan, his childhood nurse, Mundina, and Lizbeth, a woman of the court, were fascinating and domineering presences on every page. I have to say I'm disappointed with the lack of Henry Bolingbroke. Considering that he is the future King Henry IV, I was disappointed with the lack of his character and his presence in Richard's life. Bolingbroke is mostly talked about more so than shown.
Overall, I did enjoy the book. It had an incredibly rough start and was boring until Anne showed up. But once the novel got going, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters, the time period, and the writing were outstanding. My biggest complaint was how quickly the novel went through Richard's reign and how quickly it went through his dethronement and death. If you want to learn more about Richard II, I do highly recommend this one.
"Within the Hollow Crown" by Margaret Campbell Barnes is historical fiction based on King Richard II's rule. Richard never wanted to be king and his father is a continual shadow in his life. England is in political and class warfare, and an inexperienced Richard must figure out a way to form his own kingship and not let his uncles control him.
Richard II is a bit of a vague area for me, but an area of the English monarchy that I'm trying to learn more about. The only bit I know of Richard II comes from Shakespeare's history play. So I don't quite know all of the historical details related to Richard II's life---I really only know how it all ends.
This book is a bit of a slow read at the start. I found myself zoning out on occasion and loosing focus. It didn't help either that since I don't know about all the people surrounding Richard II that I was getting overwhelmed with all the characters and their numerous titles. To put it bluntly, the first half of the novel is kind of boring, with occasional moments of interesting entertainment thrown in. The novel begins to pick up when Richard marries his first wife, Anne. Anne was a very refreshing addition to the story. Once Richard and Anne begin to form their relationship the novel continues to build up at a great pace, climaxing at Anne's death. The novel continues to be a fast read all the way through Richard marrying his second wife, the child Isabel of Valois. It's a few chapters after Richard's second marriage that I felt like the novel moved too quickly through the rest of Richard's reign all the way up to his death. It was all just so sudden in regards to Henry Bolingbroke (King Henry IV)usurping the throne and Richard being imprisoned. The novel spent so much time in the beginning showcasing Richard's early career as king and showing his faults and achievements, and then is just whizzes by the end of his reign. I think the end of Richard's reign and all the events leading up to it are so fascinating and I felt like Barnes wasted a good thing in her narrative retelling.
Richard as a character was intriguing. Like I said in my opening paragraph, he's a figure I'm not all the familiar with and the Shakespeare play was one of my first encounters with him. Richard in Barnes' novel is a man of many complexities. Richard is sensitive, passionate, demanding, and compassionate all rolled in to one. One moment he could be joyous and laughing. The next minute he could be kingly and controlling. Richard was not one dimensional by any means. I also adored his relationship with both of his wives. With Anne, he has a true companion and a soulmate. When Anne dies it's heartbreaking to see Richard's response. With Isabel, Richard has a child bride who he treats more like a daughter than a wife. After Anne's death Richard thought he'd never be able to experience joy again, but he smiles again with Isabel. As far as other memorable characters, not too many stick out (like I said, I had trouble telling a lot of them apart, especially the uncles). Robert de Vere was one of the most interesting and I liked his relationship with Richard. But it's their close relationship that starts up rumors that the two are romantically involved, which causes Richard to send Robert away to Ireland. I adored Simon Burley as well who was almost like a father figure to Richard. There weren't too many women in the novel outside of Anne and Isabel, but Richard's mother, Joan, his childhood nurse, Mundina, and Lizbeth, a woman of the court, were fascinating and domineering presences on every page. I have to say I'm disappointed with the lack of Henry Bolingbroke. Considering that he is the future King Henry IV, I was disappointed with the lack of his character and his presence in Richard's life. Bolingbroke is mostly talked about more so than shown.
Overall, I did enjoy the book. It had an incredibly rough start and was boring until Anne showed up. But once the novel got going, I thoroughly enjoyed it. The characters, the time period, and the writing were outstanding. My biggest complaint was how quickly the novel went through Richard's reign and how quickly it went through his dethronement and death. If you want to learn more about Richard II, I do highly recommend this one.
April 11, 2018
$3.99 – 2.5 stars
I have been reading to learn more about Richard II, but this book while labeled historical fiction was heavy on the fiction and very light on the history. The author took more creative license than I would have cared for her to do. Richard II remains an enigma, and while history hasn’t been kind to him (far from it), could it be possible that he was completely misunderstood and totally unprepared to rule? Some men are born to be king. Others definitely aren’t. Unfortunately Richard was one of the latter.
Born to the Black Prince, the oldest son of Edward III, much was expected and hoped for from Richard, but he wasn’t raised at court and unfortunately his father was sick for a great deal of his life. When his grandfather passed away, he was heir apparent at only 10 years old. He received a lot of counseling and input, but for some reason Richard was not ever able to develop long and healthy relationships and trust in his own abilities.
When the peasants revolt in 1381, he does his best to see things from their side, but the nobility is not ready to listen. Things need to change but those in power like the status quo just as it is. Richard wants peace and unlike many of his ancestors, he doesn’t care for war. Did he ever want to be king? Perhaps not although he certainly enjoyed the lavish lifestyle.
While reading this book, I had more thoughts come to my mind about Richard because there was so much fiction in these pages. And yet when things got messy and dirty and nasty, the author jumped ahead until such events were finished. You don’t really get a feel of the politics of what was happening, and Chaucer was not saved by Queen Anne, although he was living during this time. It is more likely that he was in the household of the Duke of Lancaster since his sister-in-law was married to him. And while Richard thought about Edward II (at least in this book) and his fate, he didn’t learn from his mistakes and his favorites paid the price, just as he did in the end.
I have been reading to learn more about Richard II, but this book while labeled historical fiction was heavy on the fiction and very light on the history. The author took more creative license than I would have cared for her to do. Richard II remains an enigma, and while history hasn’t been kind to him (far from it), could it be possible that he was completely misunderstood and totally unprepared to rule? Some men are born to be king. Others definitely aren’t. Unfortunately Richard was one of the latter.
Born to the Black Prince, the oldest son of Edward III, much was expected and hoped for from Richard, but he wasn’t raised at court and unfortunately his father was sick for a great deal of his life. When his grandfather passed away, he was heir apparent at only 10 years old. He received a lot of counseling and input, but for some reason Richard was not ever able to develop long and healthy relationships and trust in his own abilities.
When the peasants revolt in 1381, he does his best to see things from their side, but the nobility is not ready to listen. Things need to change but those in power like the status quo just as it is. Richard wants peace and unlike many of his ancestors, he doesn’t care for war. Did he ever want to be king? Perhaps not although he certainly enjoyed the lavish lifestyle.
While reading this book, I had more thoughts come to my mind about Richard because there was so much fiction in these pages. And yet when things got messy and dirty and nasty, the author jumped ahead until such events were finished. You don’t really get a feel of the politics of what was happening, and Chaucer was not saved by Queen Anne, although he was living during this time. It is more likely that he was in the household of the Duke of Lancaster since his sister-in-law was married to him. And while Richard thought about Edward II (at least in this book) and his fate, he didn’t learn from his mistakes and his favorites paid the price, just as he did in the end.
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