The Wars of the Roses

"In this sweeping history, Trevor Royle reanimates the bitter, multi-generational conflict that shaped the history of England. The Wars of the Roses and their epic display of human foibles inspired eight plays by Shakespeare. The prize was the crown of England, and the players were the rival houses of Lancaster and York. The dynastic quarrel threatened the collapse of the monarchy as a succession of weak rulers failed to deal with an overzealous aristocracy, plunging England into a series of violent encounters." "This exciting national conflict was played out against a backdrop of international turmoil, with England's position in France, Scotland, and Ireland shifting over the course of the wars. All this culminated in the rise of one of the most dynamic ruling families in England, the Tudors." "Royle covers it all-the alliances, the betrayals, the bloody battle scenes-in this elegant, fast-paced, and comprehensive history."--BOOK JACKET.