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Death Keeps His Court

The Rule of Richard II

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Death Keeps His Court

By: Anselm Audley
Narrated by: James Warrior
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About this listen

A tyrant on the throne....

Richard II was young, handsome, and elegant. Last living child of the brilliant Black Prince, he came to the throne bearing the hopes of his people on his shoulders. His court glittered; his tastes were refined; his portraits shone with gold. Regal, composed, aloof, he was the very picture of majesty. He became a murderous, capricious tyrant. His favorites plotted against his family. He rewrote the laws of England to give himself absolute power. He raised an army against his own subjects. His subjects deposed him. Twice.

This is the story of the forgotten civil war of 1387, which saw Richard set against his brave, ill-starred uncle, Thomas of Woodstock. Of how a boy's bright promise turned deadly, provoking his nobles to fear, flight, and finally open war. Of how a humiliated king set out on a course of vengeance that would cost him his life and sow the first fatal seeds of the Wars of the Roses.

From royal banquets to battles in the mist, Death Keeps His Court tells a tale of real-life tyranny, treachery, and tragedy in the age that inspired A Game of Thrones. Anselm Audley holds BA and master's degrees in ancient history from Oxford as well as a degree in planetary science from University College London. He is a published fantasy novelist, the author of Heresy, Inquisition, Crusade, and Vespera.

©2015 Anselm Audley (P)2015 Audible, Inc.
Ancient Great Britain Medieval England Royalty War King Tudor
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What listeners say about Death Keeps His Court

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Really interesting

The narrator takes a bit of getting used to, but the story is fascinating.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Loved it

Plenty of drama, where truth is more compelling than fiction. This is a great tale worth telling and listening to.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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a tour de force of historical narrative

Despite only choosing to concentrate on one part of Richard II's reign, Audley fleshes out his principal set of characters to create an engaging and informative look at the period.

The choice of Warrior as the narrator is an inspired one, as he deftly holds the reins and guides the reader through the winning post.

Absolute triumph. Dear Mr. Audley, please write more on medieval history.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A fourteenth century horror story !

No sugarcoating of medieval Kingship or the operation of fifteenth century livery and maintenance in this well written, well constructed and well read short piece covering the period that shaped Richard the Seconds unhappy reign. Next time you read some Medieval historian Spouting off about the merits of Kings or nobles remember what you have just read and bear in mind there were no good guys or bad guys just ruthless men caught up in a cycle of violence from which they could not escape. History at its best and thoroughly recommended.

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1 person found this helpful

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Good brief introduction

Good brief introduction to the tragic story of Richard II and his sad ruinous reign.

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Great!

The narrator was great as I really enjoyed his voice and the story was just as enjoyable. However, I did get a little confused at some points and have to rewind. Most likely, this was due to me doing other activities whilst listening. This was also a great price as it was something like £3 but it would not be worth your free credit as you could get something considerably longer. From what I can tell, this seems to be the best book that exclusively focuses on this particular historical era available through audible. This is going off topic but I'd really like a book on Charles II otherwise known as the 'merry monarch'.

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Very interesting

A clear historical analysis of Richard II's turbulent reign and the circumstances that led to his deposition. Ideal listen for those who would like to understand more about this controversial monarch (and Shakespearean anti-hero) and 14th-century England.

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great book.

absolutely amazing. always to the point and not allowing the narrative to leave the main point. very special

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Well read but missing a few chapters

This story of R2s reign ends abiut 3 quarters of the way through his reign. I assumed there was another chapter but no! it stops with Richard's revenge and doesn't venture into his final overthrowing by Henry, a key point in what would lead to the war if the roses. Very well read but also lacked detail. A disappointing book overall.

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interesting account

it is an interesting account. it is worth a listen. historical interests. royal history interest.

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