Anthony Woodville: Sophisticate or Schemer?

Despite occupying a prominent role in a key family during the War of the Roses, Anthony Woodville's life has been woefully ignored. This new biography changes that. Skewering misconceptions and bringing Woodville's story to the fore, this is an important reassessment of an important player in one of the most fascinating periods of our history. ''A very well-researched biography.'' ''I was pleased to see the full transcript of Anthony Woodville''s will at the end of the book, together with his poignant last poem. I particularly liked Danielle''s engaging writing style, and feel I understand Anthony Woodville much better after reading her new book, which I am happy to recommend.'' ''A much-needed addition to the study of the Wars of the Roses, highlighting a man of great influence who is often overlooked in favour of his royal contemporaries. It is an impressive piece of work.''

The Woodville family are synonymous with the Wars of the Roses. While much has been published on the family as a whole, especially Elizabeth, wife of Edward IV, Anthony Woodville – the favourite sibling of Elizabeth – has been largely overlooked by history. He is famed for his arrest and execution in June 1483, but there is much more to learn from his life. Woodville was a man with an important cultural role. He was a knight, had a successful jousting career, and worked with the printing pioneer William Caxton. He was the printer’s only long-lasting patron in England and acted as translator for him, using the books printed by Caxton to educate Edward, Prince of Wales, the future Edward V.

This book seeks to bring Anthony Woodville out of the shadows of history, giving him the recognition he deserves and challenging the negative perceptions around him by investigating his personality and personal achievements in military, diplomatic and literary capacities.

• | Author: Danielle Burton
• | Publisher: Amberley Publishing
• | Publication Date: Feb 15, 2024
• | Number of Pages:
• | Language:
• | Binding: Hardback
• | ISBN-13: 9781398114692
• | ISBN-10: 1398114693