Re: Does anyone know a good book set in the 15th century?

On 13 Nov 2003 12:47:34 -0800, [EMAIL PROTECTED] (Jonathan
Thomson) wrote:

>I noticed how much you can actual learn from a historical novel, and
>its potential for education. I speak to you as a A Level history
>student and i was wondering if there are any good books about set in
>the 15th century, revolving around the War of the Roses of
>specifically Richard III. Idealy i would like it plot based as i find
>i cannot settle down for a good read of a history reference book and
>come away with the same smile you have from reading and learning from
>a historical fiction book. So if anyone has any ideas, please let me
>know!

You might try R. Garcia y Robertson's series, beginning with _Knight
Errant_ and continuing with _Lady Robyn_.  More to follow.  It's
pre-Richard III, though he does appear as a child.

However, I'll just note that a) it's a timeslip romance, or as I call
it, a "Gabaldonade" (i.e. it involves a contemporary woman sucked back
in time and getting it on with a hot guy from the past); and b) it has
lots of magic; and c) I didn't like the first one much though the
second one was better.

So far I think it's fairly accurate as to history, but who knows?
That may change in the future.

Another fantasy, much wilder, involving Richard III is John M. Ford's
quite remarkable _The Dragon Waiting_, but it diverges extremely from
our history.

Of course the classic Richard III novel is Josephine Tey's _The
Daughter of Time_, which IMO every historical fiction fan should read,
even if you end up disagreeing with her conclusions re Richard III.
(I like to agree, but given my first name I'm generally prejudiced in
favor of him.)

And finally for the 15th Century, but not Richard III, it would be
remiss to fail to mention Dorothy Dunnett's Niccolo series.
-- 
Rich Horton | Stable Email: mailto://[EMAIL PROTECTED]
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