The sources for women's lives in this period are scanty but these women - the wives, mothers & daughters of kings, had more chance of entering the historical record than any other women of the time. Focusing on the women of the period is a fascinating way to look at the events from a different but no less political angle. Sarah Gristwood's new book examines the tumultuous 15th century from a different angle, through the lives of seven women who were intimately involved in the struggle. The fact that there are several Elizabeths, Margarets, Edwards & Richards among the cast only add to the potential confusion. It's handy to have a detailed family tree by your side when reading about this period, especially as the genealogical intricacies of the descendents of Edward III are crucial. The struggles between the Houses of Lancaster & York for the English crown began with the usurpation of Richard II in 1399, erupted into civil war in the 1450s & didn't really end until the Tudor dynasty exiled or executed the last remaining Yorkist pretenders in the 16th century. The Wars of the Roses or the Cousins' War as it's becoming known is one of those fascinating yet potentially confusing periods of history.
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