Page 95 - All About History 58 - 2017 UK

Reviews

THE WARS OF THE ROSES

Catchy bite-sized
IN 100 FACTS Medieval history

Author Matthew Lewis Publisher Amberley Publishing Price £14 Released Out now
elving into Medieval history can sometimes weren’t for all the horrific violence along the way,
feel daunting, especially for the uninitiated or that is), Lewis makes the Wars of the Roses a much
casual enthusiasts. Not only is there an often- more approachable subject for those who tend to
complex series of events to learn about, but avoid it or simply just don’t give themselves time
Dthe nature of politics and society were often to read ‘dryer’ longform literature on this key part
so vastly different from what we know today that it of English history.
adds another layer of confusion, rendering Medieval While the short chapters sometimes — and
history off-putting for many. And it’s a shame, as the quite understandably — feel contracted, especially
intricate history of events such as the Wars of the when discussing the broader reasons behind or
Roses is nothing short of fascinating. implications of the wars, most of the entries are
That’s why Matthew Lewis’ bite-sized addition perfectly self-contained nuggets of knowledge,
to this extensively covered period of upheaval balancing politics, social upheaval, character
in Medieval England is such a welcome treat for snapshots and key events in varying levels
enthusiasts of the period. of bloodshed, often providing fascinating and
By essentially dividing the most seminal, sometimes surprising insight to encourage the reader
intriguing and sometimes strange events and to seek out more in-depth material on the subject.
elements of this series of wars, conflicts and As such, Lewis’ easily digestible book should prove
battles, Lewis deftly balances his expert insight and a lasting quick-reference companion to any fan of
analysis of the period with his accessible and often Medieval English history, and one to introduce even
entertaining writing style. Not afraid to point out more people to this fascinating part of a nation’s
the strange and sometimes borderline comical (if it heritage and legacy.

THE CROWN SEASON ONE Long may it reign
Certificate 15 Director Peter Morgan Cast Claire Foy, Matt Smith, John Lithgow, Vanessa Kirby Price £25 Released Out now

hile costume dramas about kings Written by Peter Morgan, who also wrote
and queens are commonplace, 2006’s Oscar-winning The Queen, it’s perhaps
few are quite like The Crown. The no surprise that the show is so psychologically
opening scene rather graphically acute. Directed by Billy Elliot’s Stephen Daldry
W depicts George VI coughing blood for the first two episodes, the series feels
into a toilet, while the following ten episodes taught throughout (unlike so many shows
are equally unflinching. Throwing open the that are made for Netflix), even if it
doors of Buckingham Palace, The Crown bears occasionally froths with melodrama.
all of the House of Windsor’s secrets from the Reportedly costing £100 million — making
royal couple’s marital tensions, the Duke of it the most expensive TV series ever — the
Edinburgh’s gaffes, and sibling squabbles as it costumes and sets are suitably lavish.
charts the early years of Queen Elizabeth II. While The Crown refuses to bow to royal
Claire Foy plays Elizabeth, from her propriety, it paints a sympathetic portrait of
marriage to Philip (Matt Smith) in 1947 the royal family.
through to the climax of her sister Princess The Queen and
Margaret’s (Vanessa Kirby) relationship with her clan are
Peter Townsend (Ben Miles) in 1955. John revealed to be
Lithgow chews a lot of scenery as an elderly — despite their
and ailing Winston Churchill, mentoring Her best efforts to
Majesty through her new duties. Churchill’s appear morally
presence also means that the drama can upstanding
also include all those key historical moments and politically
that fall outside the royal remit — such as the neutral — regular
Soviet Union’s first atomic bomb test and the people with
Great Smog of London. human frailties.

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