pickLoving Jonathan Bailey and stalking him on google, I knew he played Shakespeare's Richard II earlier this year. I also adore Gaunt's and Kathryn Swynford's love story.
I learned so much from this book, such as Gaunt and his son, the future Henry IV, supported Richard. His arrogance and entitlement ruined his chances of a successful reign. Henry had even gone into exile peacefully until his inheritance was stolen.
I really want to read the play.
Recent acquisition:
📖 The Eagle and the Hart: The Tragedy of Richard II and Henry IV by Helen Castor
pickI liked this book enough that it‘s tough to review here. There is just too much I want to talk about. Shakespeare, Richard II, king at 10, riding out amongst the mob of the Peasants Revolt in 1381, his disinterest in his country, and quest for absolute power. Henry IV, who usurped the throne, was his cousin, the same age, and loyal until he felt threatened. Also - Richard was never insane. An awesome book on the Women‘s Prize longlist.
pickBlame it on an upcoming trip to London, but this royal history about Richard II & Henry IV from the Women's Prize Nonfiction Longlist piqued my interest. Also helped that I've read the Shakespeare plays about these kings. At 20+ hours, it was a commitment. My interest waned near the end. But I was immersed for the first 3/4. War, intrigue, rebellion. Nothing was stable for long. Castor is THOROUGH & has a soft spot for Henry IV & his father 👇
While listening to this one, I put together this kit and just had to show it to you all. I think it came out great!
so-soI have mixed feelings about this one. I do think it‘s well written, but I also know I am not the audience for it. I knew nothing about these men and felt some sort of prior knowledge was imperative to fully enjoying this book. I never would have made it through the print; the audio was well done.
My new audiobook - and my second from the 2025 Women‘s Prize for Nonfiction. Lots of Shakespeare in the introduction 🥰
Rather relevant, timely and apposite introduction to this book about Richard II and Henry IV (who were both born in 1367)!
pan#wpnf25
I should have waited for the shortlist and hibernated this book. I'd be very surprised if it makes it, as I really struggled with it and could have bailed on it if it hadn't made it.
#atozultimatechallenge #c #authorsurname #e #booktitle #f #birdonthecover #h #itemoncover (hart) @AudiobookingWithLeah
#aty25 #animalvegetableormineralinthetitle @BarbaraBB
bailedI tried, I really did. For the right reader, this would be fantastic.
But I don‘t get on great with ‘Kings & Queens history‘. Sadly this was‘t the book to convince me otherwise. (Social history, great! Kings, Queens, dates & power machinations - no). I got through 4 hours of it. There were 16 more go. Obviously it‘s not my thing, but I don‘t see what makes it uniquely prizeworthy. So I‘m bailing.
I did learn who Wat Tyler was, so there is that!
The Eagle and the Hart: The Tragedy of Richard II and Henry IV | 
