YALE ENGLISH MONARCHSCONSULTANT EDITOR ~ J.J. SCARISBRICK'a classic series, arguably the classic series in historical biography' - Jeremy Black, University of ExeterRichard IIThis book - the first full-length biography of Richard II in more than fifty years - offers a radical reinterpretation of a complex king whose reign was characterized by a mixture of high principle and despotic legislation.Nigel Saul is Professor of Medieval History at Royal Holloway College, University of London.'A magisterial biography' - D.A. Carpenter, Times Literary Supplement'I very much doubt whether the next fifty [years] will see [this book] surpassed in scholarship, comprehensiveness, or in the biographer's insight into his subject's character ... Saul is an elegant and persuasive writer.' - P.D. James, The Sunday Times'It commands great respect from the academics and delights the general reader.' - Philip Ziegler, Daily Telegraph'Saul's study of the King is revisionist history at its best: courteous to opposing interpretations, balanced in correctives, clear in exposition, and readable. It is also a useful guide to the nature of political society in the second half of the Middle Ages, so that the general reader, if he or she encountered no other work, would get a very good idea of what medieval government was like from this one alone.' - Edward Norman, Church TimesCover illustration: Portrait of Richard II, wood panel painting, c. 1395. (By courtesy of the Dean and Chapter of Westminster)For thirty years the English Monarchs series has brought the highest standards of historical scholarship to the widest possible readership. Harnessing the latest research, leading historians scrutinise the lives of the kings and queens of England and explore the cumulative impact of the longest permanent governing institution in Europe.