Publisher Description

Henry VI (1422-61) was one of the most spectacularly inadequate kings of England, and his reign dissolved into the conflict known as the Wars of the Roses. Yet he held on to his throne for thirty-nine years and, for almost thirty of them, without much difficulty. What was the nature of Henry's inadequacy, and why did it have such ambivalent and complicated results? Since the 1970s most histories of fifteenth-century England have focused on the individual interests and private connections of politicians as a means of making sense of politics. By contrast, this work argues that we can understand what happened in Henry VI's reign only if we look at common interests and public connections as well. Ultimately it is the problem of establishing royal authority which emerges as paramount, with the supposedly factious and 'overmighty' nobility appearing as doomed but devoted servants of the state.

Table of Contents

Preface; List of Abbreviations; 1. Introduction: ideas and politics in fifteenth-century history; 2. The conceptual framework; 3. Government; 4. Features of Henry VI's polity; 5. The years of transition, 1435-45; 6. The rule of the court, 1445-50; 7. The search for authority, 1450-61; 8. Conclusion; Bibliography; Index.

Review

'... the most original study of the reign of Henry VI to have appeared for a long time, striking out for a fresh interpretation of its troubles ... This is an important book, incorporating highly intelligent historical thinking which promises to throw new light on other English reigns besides that of Henry VI.' M. H. Keen, Nottingham Medieval Studies '... historians will find in this well-written and stimulating book an essential guide to the politics of Henry VI's court.' Simon Walker, The Times Literary Supplement

Review Quote

"...Watts has written a convincing argument.... The book, ...will engender much debate on this maligned monarch. For this, Watts has made a notable contribution to fifteenth-century English historical studies." Ronald Edward Zupko, The Historian

Promotional "Headline"

A re-evaluation of politics and political structure in the reign of Henry VI (1422-61), first published in 1996.

Description for Bookstore

Henry VI (1422-61) was one of the most spectacularly inadequate kings of England, and his reign dissolved into the conflict known as the Wars of the Roses. In explaining the nature of Henry's inadequacy, this 1996 book lays the emphasis on the political system, and thus offers the first truly structured narrative of the reign.

Description for Library

Henry VI (1422-61) was one of the most spectacularly inadequate kings of England, and his reign dissolved into the conflict known as the Wars of the Roses. In explaining the nature of Henry's inadequacy, this 1996 book lays the emphasis on the political system, and thus offers the first truly structured narrative of the reign.

Details