9 July 2008 — fuzzyhistory
The son of Philippa and Edward III, Edward (1330-1376) preceded his father in death by a little more than a year, and thus, never became king. History recognizes his prowess as a military leader against the French during the Hundred Years’ War. According to Thomas Costain, he earned the sobriquet because “he wore black armor at the battle of Crecy, [which was] supplied by his father” (The Three Edwards, 1962, p. 267). But the title came later, after his death.
Edward married Joan of Kent in what was probably a love-match. They had 2 children – Edward, who died in childhood, and the future Richard II.
Use the resources available in Find Books to locate copies of these novels. Green titles comprise those I really enjoyed (Excellent to Very Good rating). If there is no comment following the title, I haven’t read the book.
The Archer’s Tale by Bernard Cornwell. The Hundred Years’ War supplies the background to this tale about the quest for the holy grail. Edward makes an appearance. The U.K. title is Harlequin.
The Black Plantagenet Pamela Bennetts.
The First Princess of Wales by Karen Harper. On Joan of Kent’s romance with Edward. Criticized for historical inaccuracy.
Katherine by Anya Seton. On John of Gaunt’s romance with Katherine Swynford. Edward and Joan appear within.
Lady of the Garter by Juliet Dymoke. The story centers around Joan of Kent, who married Edward for love after 2 previous marriages.
The Lady Royal by Molly Costain Haycraft. Biographical fiction about Edward’s sister, Isabella de Coucy.
Passage to Pontefract by Jean Plaidy. As Richard II and Henry IV struggle for the throne, the rivalry between Edward and John of Gaunt is provided as background.
Sir Nigel by Arthur Conan Doyle. Takes place during the Hundred Years’ War. While not focusing on Edward, the Black Prince appears within.
The White Company by Arthur Conan Doyle. Takes place during the Hundred Years’ War. While not focusing on Edward, the Black Prince appears within.
by Josephine Tey. Inspector Grant of Scotland Yard assesses the character of Richard III from his hospital bed. Somewhat dated ideas. Pro-Ricardian.
by Cynthia Harrod-Eagles. First in a series that stretches from the Wars of the Roses to present day, this story features brief appearances from Richard III. It’s sympathic.
by Elizabeth Peters. While I enjoyed the early books in the author’s Amelia Peabody mystery series, I couldn’t finish this one. Roxane C. Murph, past chairman of the American Branch of the Richard III Society, said this about it: ”The Murders of Richard III has been rather controversial. I enjoyed the book, and was surprised by the unfavorable reactions of some Ricardians. Peters pokes fun at some of the more uncritical defenders of the king, but there is no malice in her work. I suppose it just proves that some of us are over-sensitive on the subject, or perhaps we take ourselves too seriously at times.”
by Vanora Bennett. A sub-plot centers around what happened to one of the princes, but the book itself is not about Richard III. Major characters include Sir Thomas More and the German artist, Hans Holbein.
by Shakespeare. Largely exaggerated, historically inaccurate, but nonetheless a great classic.
by Eleanor Fairburn. Book 3 in a four-part series on Cicely Neville, Richard III’s mother. This one covers 1461 to the death of Edward IV in 1483. Other titles in the series: The Rose in Spring (#1), White Rose, Dark Summer (#2) and Winter’s Rose (#4).
by Anne Easter Smith. An imagined love story about Richard III and his fictional mistress, Kate Haute.
by Sandra Worth. This title is the first in a series. I thought the characterizations were over-the-top. Purple prose. Pro-Ricardian. There are two more in the series: Crown of Destiny
and Fall from Grace
.
by Reay Tannahill. A bit on the dry side, the author gives a balanced portrayal of Richard III. He’s neither evil nor a saint.
by Sharon Kay Penman. An epic novel of the reigns of Edward IV and Richard III. Pro-Ricardian.
by Robin Maxwell.
by Meredith Whitford.
by Rosemary Hawley Jarman. I haven’t read this one. Romantic. Pro-Ricardian.