Of English Wars

Classic accounts of the great English wars of the 15th and 17th centuries



The author of the two books in this unique Leonaur edition was an undisputed expert in the literary craft of 'historical faction.' This genre concerns real incidents where the principal character-often the narrator-views, participates in and describes the events of his world. It is difficult to do entirely successfully, for more than just a dry knowledge of history is required. Language, social attitudes and the understanding of the minutia of everyday life must be accurate. At its best, as with Erckmann-Chatrian's highly regarded descriptions of the Battle of Waterloo, this form of writing can provide unparalleled historical information and atmosphere. In this book, William Church successfully persuades the reader to accept the authenticity of his characters voice. He concentrates on two of the most significant wars to be fought on British soil, the War of the Roses,1455-85, and the English Civil War, 1642-51. Church's narrative leans heavily on observation rather than conventional fictional plotting, something that is all but absent in these pages, and he provides us with excellent and evocative descriptions of life on military campaign and riveting portrayals of the battles of Bloreheath, Barnet, Flodden, Copredy Bridge and Naseby.

Leonaur editions are newly typeset and are not facsimiles; each title is available in softcover and hardback with dustjacket; our hardbacks are cloth bound and feature gold foil lettering on their spines and fabric head and tail bands.