Royal Mysteries: The Medieval Period (Hardback)
Imprint: Pen & Sword History
Series: Royal Mysteries
Pages: 248
ISBN: 9781526780515
Published: 21st September 2021
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Royal murder mysteries never fail to intrigue readers and TV viewers. Here are some of the most haunting and even horrific episodes from the middle ages, based on latest historical research and historiography, and authentic and rare sources, including archaeology and DNA evidence, uncovering wonderful tales of pathos, tragedy, suffering and romance. This is history for specialists and general readers - and sceptics - given the intense media coverage, including TV, and interest in exciting and accessible popular history. The famous and also less well-known mysteries, which may be new to readers, surrounding British Royalty, are included from around the 11th to the 15th centuries.
The murder mysteries show personal and individual tragedy but are also a vehicle for historical analysis. William II - William Rufus - was he murdered or killed accidentally by a 'stray arrow', allowing brother Henry to seize the throne, or was it God's punishment for William's irreligious living and persecution of the church? Or was Edward II murdered at the instigation of Queen Isabella - 'she-wolf of France' - and her lover, Roger Mortimer. who assumed the throne? Did he survive to live peaceably in Italy? Richard II resembled Edward II, as a rather inadequate figure, and was deposed by his rival, Henry IV. Did he die, and if so, was it murder or suicide? Was Edward IV a bigamist? Mystery, if not murder, but wrapped in dynastic rivalry and sex scandal, and usurpation of the throne. The 'Princes in the Tower' and who who killed them if anyone? A beguiling mystery for over 500 years with their usurping uncle Richard III's guilt contested by 'Ricardians'.
Some popular mysteries of historical royals uncovered. ‘Academical historical analysis, but for general readers and specialists including sceptics’ is a really good way to describe this book.
For the Love of Books
If you’ve got an interest in some of the historical stories of royal mysteries that have been passed down the centuries, covered in TV documentaries, and even as TV news items, this book will enlighten and entertain you.
A treat for lovers of history.
"It supplied me with a fair amount of information than I had not had previously."
Family and Community Historical Research Society Newsletter, Volume 23, February 2022
I must admit to liking a Timothy Venning book, purely because he is very well qualified in his writing and always writes in a well balanced and interesting way, as I have previously read his King Arthur Mysteries book. This new book looks at a series of unfortunate events in medieval history such as William II, was it an accident, Edward II, was it murder or escape, Richard II, murder or suicide, the Princes in the Tower, who killed them? And Edward VI, was he a bigamist? These are all very interesting questions and some we’ll never really know the answers to for various reasons. Venning gives the reader the story and the various side to the various arguments but ultimately leaves the reader to come up with their own opinion. All in this is a thoroughly good book that helps you learn so much more about individual situations that happen. Whilst I have my opinions on some of the questions asked I will leave others to decide their own. I would recommend this book to any newbies to the subject or even if you are well versed.
UK Historian
Read the full review here
Sinister Doings…
NetGalley, Ruth Giles
Mysteries from the Middle Ages, explored using research from various sources, and compiled in a clear and well formatted account which is also extremely readable. Some sinister doings the reader may be aware of, and some not, but all make for a fascinating and informative read. Very enjoyable.
An informative and well researched book containing details which makes one think about medieval times. This was an enjoyable read that I'd recommend for anyone interested in Medieval History.
NetGalley, Jay Freer
It is a great book, I can’t recommend it enough.
Coffee and Books
Read the full review here
Featured in article: 'Past Life: Exploring Hampshire's Fascinating History' - October 2021
Hampshire Life
I love a good mystery! The older - the better! There are some humdingers that are hiding within the pages of history, and while we can sniff out a good one while reading a book - there is something about having an amazing book of some of the bigger mysteries of the medieval period.
NetGalley, Rebecca Hill
This book takes you through several of the mysterious happenings of England - was it murder or suicide? Did someone really kill the princes in the tower, or were they spirited away for their protection?
Dive into the Royal Mysteries: Medieval Period, and see what you can discover. There might be a few surprises waiting for you in the pages of this book! Grab your fave beverage and settle down for a night of mysterious happenings, royal deaths, and a whole lot of who dun it, and persons of interest! You will not be disappointed!
A well-researched book that goes into great detail... It would be very useful for anyone writing books set in those times, or who wants to learn more about that period. Recommend.
NetGalley, Helen Pryke
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
NetGalley, Lional Jones
A well researched book in graphic detail which makes you think about what was really going on in medieval times. I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend it to anyone interested in history from this time.
It was incredibly informative though and definitely a recommended read for all of those interested in royalty during the medieval period. There’s so much to learn from this book!
NetGalley, Nicola Wilton
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
NetGalley, Michelle Coates
Wow what a book!... Recommend you buy this book!
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
NetGalley, Sheila Paul
There is absolutely no doubt that this author knows the medieval time period, royalty, and nobility inside out... I definitely recommend this book for those interested in medieval royalty.
Rating: 5 out of 5 stars
NetGalley, Emma Potter
An in depth look at some of the most famous Medieval mysteries.
The book analyses them in depth, and tries to sort out the unfounded rumours and 'fake news' from the plausible ones.
Timothy Venning has done an amazing job in researching this fascinating book, and attempting to provide an independent point of view.
About Dr Timothy Venning
Timothy Venning obtained his BA, followed by PhD at King's College, University of London, on Cromwell's Foreign Policy and is a gifted historian, deep and critical researcher and attractive writer, with wide range of historical interests. He can slip easily and effectually into early history, the middle ages and to the early modern period with the academic rigour, accessibility, and with both non-specialists, students and academic reference in mind. Publications: Dictionary if National Biography contributions (OUP 1996-2001); Cromwellian Foreign Policy (Palgrave 1995); A Compendium of British Office-Holders Palgrave 2005); A Chronology of the Byzantine Empire (Palgrave 2006); A Chronology of the Roman Empire (Continuum 2010); A Chronology of the Crusades (Routledge 2015); A Chronology of Early Medieval Britain and Europe, AD 450-1066 (Routledge 2017); Anglo-Saxon Kings and Queens; The Kings and Queens of Wales; The Kings and Queens of Scotland; Lords of the Isles; Kingmakers: Lords of the Welsh Marches (Amberley 2011-2016); If Rome Had Survived (Pen and Sword 2010); Alternative History of Britain: The Anglo-Saxon Age; The Hundred Years War; Normans and Plantgenets; The Tudors; The English Civil War; (all Pen and Sword 2013-2014); plus e-books and currently with Pen and Sword: Cromwell's Failed and the Monarchy; The Fall of the British Republic and Return of the King: From Cromwell's Commonwealth to Stuart Monarchy, 1657-1670; The King Arthur Mysteries: Arthur's Britain and Early Medieval World; The Anglo-Saxons and Early Britain; Royal Mysteries of the Medieval Period; Royal Mysteries of the Tudor Period.
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