The Brothers York: An English Tragedy by Thomas Penn
The Brothers York: An English Tragedy by Thomas Penn tells the story of Edward, George and Richard of the House of York during the Wars of the Roses. The 688-page history follows their rise and the conflict and family struggles that ended with Richard III's death at Bosworth in 1485.
At a glance
- Centres on Edward IV, George and Richard, the three York brothers who shaped the dynasty.
- Covers the Wars of the Roses and the political and family conflicts culminating at Bosworth in 1485.
- The publisher describes it as a history of a dynasty that rose to power and then destroyed itself.
Often bought together
Pros and cons
Pros
- A broad 688-page account provides room for the dynasty's political story and family relationships.
- The subject connects the York brothers' rivalry to the wider Wars of the Roses.
Technical specifications
8 specifications| Publisher | Penguin |
|---|---|
| Publication date | 2 April 2020 |
| Language | English |
| Print length | 688 pages |
| ISBN-10 | 0718197283 |
| ISBN-13 | 978-0718197285 |
| Dimensions | 12.9 x 3 x 19.8 cm |
|---|---|
| Weight listed | 440 g |
What to know before buying
- The publisher frames the book as a history of the York dynasty, while customer feedback reports mixed views on its accuracy and perceived bias, including criticism of its treatment of Richard. Readers seeking a neutral interpretation may want to compare accounts.
Who is it for?
A good fit for
- Readers interested in the Wars of the Roses and the House of York.
- Those looking for a detailed narrative about Edward IV, George and Richard and their political conflicts.
Less suited to
- Readers seeking a short introduction rather than a 688-page history.
- Readers who want an account without interpretive framing or who prefer to avoid disputed historical interpretations.
Customer reviews on Amazon
- 5 stars
70% 70% - 4 stars
20% 20% - 3 stars
7% 7% - 2 stars
1% 1% - 1 star
2% 2%
Customer feedback highlights engaging, readable writing and a detailed account that brings historical dates and facts to life. Readers also value the narrative's treatment of the York brothers' complicated lives. Views are mixed on accuracy and framing, including criticism of perceived bias against Richard. For a 688-page account of the Wars of the Roses, this suggests a narrative-led read that may suit readers comfortable weighing an author's interpretation alongside other histories.
Positive themes
- Customers describe the writing as engaging and readable, and praise the detailed historical narrative.
Mixed feedback
- Feedback is divided on the book's accuracy and perceived bias, particularly in its treatment of Richard.
Frequently asked questions
What period does The Brothers York cover?
It follows the York dynasty during the Wars of the Roses, with the narrative ending at Richard III's death at Bosworth in 1485.
Who are the brothers in the book's focus?
The book centres on Edward, George and Richard, the three brothers of the House of York.
How long is the book?
The listing gives a print length of 688 pages.
Is the book considered unbiased by customers?
Customer feedback is mixed on accuracy and perceived bias. Some describe it as factual, while others object to its framing of Richard, so readers seeking varied perspectives may wish to consult other histories too.
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