Death Keeps His Court

The Rule of Richard II

By: Anselm Audley

Narrated by: James Warrior

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.

Well done

I found it all very interesting. A lot of intrigue and a very good story.

the Lords Appellant kept Richard's Court

very good introduction. I picked this up in order to gain a better historical background before continuing with Shakespeare's Richard II. I would not recommend this to anyone else for this purpose ; however, Anselm's analysis and bavkground of Richard's favorites versus the Lords Appellant -- this is a very very good introduction and summary.

Royal Vendettas

This was an interesting account of Richard II's battle with his courtiers, novels and Parliament. It reads like a soap opera. A young boy who carried the hopes and dreams of a country, turns out to be a petty tyrant who rewards his friends and cronies to the detriment of everything and everyone else. His reign is not a good one and his insecurities and ill temper don't make him popular. When Parliament refused to accept his demands, he attempts a power play that backfired. A group of Appellates strips him of his power, and worse to Richard, his loyal friends, who they hate for corruption. The highlight of the book is the nine years of waiting for Richard to extract his revenge. He finally learns to hold his temper and grow up. The appellates learn too late that he holds a grudge, doesn't forgive or forget. It also teaches everyone that he can never be trusted, which ultimately leads to his downfall. A great short read, with good narration.

Lacking in detail

This audiobook could have been good if it went into a little more detail. It only briefly touches on a few well-known issues with the reign of Richard II. I would not recommend using a credit for this book.