Brought to you by Penguin Audio.
In this captivating audiobook, historian Helen Castor chronicles the intertwined lives of Richard II and Henry IV, two cousins whose rivalry pushed England to the brink of disintegration.
Listeners will journey through the childhood of Richard of Bordeaux and Henry Bolingbroke, who were born just three months apart and initially stood together as king and lord. As they grew older, their contrasting traits shaped their destinies: Richard, a thin-skinned narcissist represented by the white hart, and Henry, the inspirational hero symbolized by the eagle. Their story unfolds against a backdrop of conspiracies and power struggles, culminating in Henry’s audacious return from exile to confront Richard’s tyrannical reign. The audiobook offers a reflective exploration of masculinity and the nature of power in a time of crisis, unraveling the dramatic parallels in the lives of these two historical figures.
With a poignant narration that brings this dynamic narrative to life, listeners are primed for a deep dive into the tragedies of ambition and the relentless quest for legitimacy. As the tale unfolds, it serves as a powerful reminder of the enduring relevance of history in understanding contemporary issues.