The Eagle and the Hart: The Tragedy of Richard II and Henry IV

Helen Castor offers a gripping dual biography of Richard II and Henry IV, two kings whose intertwined fates reshaped England’s monarchy. With her hallmark clarity, she brings political intrigue, personal rivalry, and high-stakes drama into sharp focus. Castor uses contemporary chronicles to illuminate how power was negotiated, performed, and contested in the late medieval period. Her storytelling is elegant and immersive, revealing both the human flaws of the rulers and the fragility of medieval governance. It’s a book that will satisfy history lovers and newcomers alike.