Richard the Third

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Summary: THE book on Richard
Review: Complete without being boringly detailed, written like a historical novel--in fact, some parts are, as Kendall admits, slightly fictionalized--this bio of Richard was for many years the standard one. The fiction, while reviled by more scholarly authors, does not destroy the worth of the book, however; those parts are obvious and can be easily separated from the rest of the text. Especially valuable are the two appendices--one giving a history of Richard's reputation that in itself destroys many of the charges made against Richard, and the other on The Princes in the Tower, which gives a survey of all sources as well as putting forth modern theories, which Kendall critiques. He also puts forward, for the first time, the suggestion that the Duke of Buckingham might have murdered the Princes in the Tower, building an excellent case but then, apparently fearful of being ridiculed by traditionalists--a perfectly legitimate fear--, Kendall backs off and says, well, it's just a suggestion. This tendency to belittle his own ideas and sometimes be wishy-washy hurts the book, but it remains an essential source on Richard for its thoroughness, its clarity, and its arguments, even if they are only given tentatively. There are too few books sympathetic to Richard; this is one of the best.

Rating:
Summary: Great, even if you're not an expert
Review: I am no expert on medieval England, I simply find it as a hobby to read about it now and again. That said, I must say that I found this book very well written. It tells not only the story of Richard, but a fairly good description of the War of the Roses. I found this book very informitive about his life, and it tells it in a very readable way, sometimes it is as if you are reading a novel, not history, such is Kendall's skill at telling stories. It brings a fresh new perspective to the life of Richard, discarding all the Tudor propaganda.
It makes Richard out to be a real person, not the monster that the Tudors made him out to be. It even contains an excellent essay about who murdered the Princes,it does not discard Richard as a suspect, but also explains how others could have done it.
My one complaint, however, is that at some points, particularly in the middle, it can get a bit boring, and it is sometimes hard to keep all the names strait. But over all I must give this book a very good rating for keeping my attention with the vivid battle discriptions, while still informing me about the world and life,of Richard III

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Summary: Richard III - without the Tudor stain
Review: I first read this book many years ago after "slandering" Richard's name to my Grandmother who stonily said "read this book and then comment". I have read it several times since allways with the same sad despair that so fine a person should have suffered such calumny at the hands of the Tudors. The writing style is so fluent and passionate the equal of any novel.

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Summary: Kendall's "Richard III"
Review: I have read every biography and reference source about Richard III, and Kendall's biography still stands as the best introduction to a study of this monarch and his times, and to the controversy which still, despite all the recent scholarship, surrounds him. Kendall is often criticised for his romanticised approach to his subject and for his slightly purple prose, but his book is intensely readable, clear, and scholarly. Later research ahs produced evidence which outdates some of Kendall's points, but his overview of the era and characters continues to be the best. If you're new to the period/subject, or want to get someone else interested, kendall's "Richard III" is the best starting point. I find it an invaluable research tool. Kendall's "The Yorkist Age" is also the best book I have ever found for an understanding of the era. Sources like the Richard III Society website will guide any interested reader to many other reputable sources, but Kendall stands out as the place to start. (And, unlike many writers who claim to be historians, Kendall uses historical sources, not prejudices and second-hand information.) Highly recommended.

Rating:
Summary: The standard Ricardian biography of Richard III
Review: Paul Murray Kendall's work on Richard III is considered by most historians as the standard for Ricardian scholarship. By "Ricardian" I mean pro-Richard, as opposed to "traditionalist," which characterizes those historians, such as Charles Ross, who support the theory that Richard III murdered his nephews, the princes in the Tower. Kendall's treatment of Richard III, in contrast to Ross's, is more like a historical novel than a work of dry historical prose. For those interested in the story of Richard III's life without all the minutiae, Kendall's biography is the place to being. Anyone wishing to research more deeply the reign and policies of Richard III should consult the biography by Charles Ross. And those who like Kendall's work but desire a more literary treatment should read Sharon Kay Penman's novel about Richard III, entitled 'The Sunne in Splendour,' which is loosely based on Kendall's biography.

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Summary: Richard III as a man.....
Review: Personally speaking, I thought this was a well written and well researched biography that must be on mandatory reading list for anyone intersting in the life and time of King Richard III. However, it should be noted that the author proves to be very sympathic in nature toward Richard and although he does his best to clear all the Shakespearean myths about Richard, it could be said that he probably went too far in some cases in creating a Richard that may be too good. In one case, the case of the missing and presumably murdered Princes in the Tower, Kendall does go all out to proves Richard's innoence. I can lived with that but Kendall failed to realized why so many believed that Richard had a hand in it. Why? Well....the Princes disappeared as he took power and never seen again after he did. Sure, Henry Tudor could have done it and host of many, but like Edward II, Richard II and Henry VI, these princes were rightly considered as the direct threat to reigning ruler's throne which was bit shaky to begin with. Their termination would be logical, necessary and poltically acute - even in our time period. I think Kendall was one of the movers of the Richard the Innocent Man concept regarding the Princes' murders. Many books have been written to back him up or to condemn him. Just for that, the book needs to be read and enjoyed. Kendall proves to be an excellent writer, good historian and got a sense of justice even if you don't agreed.

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Summary: O.K., I'm biased, but I had to check in.
Review: Since I'm Paul Murray Kendall's daughter, and since I wrote the introduction to this edition, my predilection for my father's meticulous scholarship and his way of making biography come alive, is obvious. This book, however (my favoritism aside), has corrected a multitude of misconceptions about Richard -- and, though I say it, the book's a good read. I just couldn't help writing this.

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Summary: As good an un-biased book as you will find.
Review: This author has attempted an un-biased, historically accurate tale of Richard III. He uses all available references to present the story of an often misunderstood King. While he is not always successful in being unbiased, this book is worth the read

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Summary: One of the best pro-Richard III books ever!
Review: This book makes me happy just thinking about it! It's a wonderful, friendly view of Richard III, chock full of historical facts. Kendall also puts in his own conjectures concerning many events (i.e. murder of the Princes) which are extremely interesting. A completely wonderful, informative read

Rating:
Summary: Superior, academic biography
Review: You have to forgive Mr. Kendall his dilligent and thorough exposition at times. Once you do, you'll be amazed by this story of Richard III. A complex era, to be sure, and Kendall's Richard seems at times ruthless, at other times an amazingly disciplined and loyal member of his society--a sort of Heracles figure on occassion. I read this book straight through, no stops. Only Shelby Foote has come as close for me in terms of readability.