2020 was the year I read more books than ever! LIke a lot of other people, I'm sure. Whilst there were a few gems, there was an awful lot of, erm, dross. I was amazed by the amount of it! So, I shall focus on the positive and list my best reads of 2020, in no particular order.
1. The Tudors in 100 Objects by John Matusiak Fascinating book and there are some amazing objects in there - for example the cell door of Thomas Cranmer as he awaited his sentence.
2. Sons of York - Thomas Penn. I really enjoyed this book! And for once, George of Clarence didn't come out that badly. Penn looks at how Edward IV treated both his brothers, and how he had begun to marginalise both George and Richard, after raising their expectations.
3. Uncrowned Queen - Nicola Tallis. I have enjoyed the previous two books by Nicola Tallis, and this latest one didn't disappoint. I'm a huge supporter of Margaret Beaufort, and have been really dismayed at the recent attacks on her which stem from her portrayal by P Gregory. Margaret has become one of the most maligned people in history, whereas she should be among the most celebrated. Considering her position as one of the great heiresses of her time, Margaret's survival and her protection of her son is admirable. That she was plotting his ascent to the throne is just ludicrous. Tallis tells us that faith was very important to Margaret, although she did like her comforts, and that she was an astute manager of her estates. She got on well with her daughter-in-law, but woe betide anyone who crossed her! A fascinating woman.
4. The Clare Sisters by Kathryn Warner. Another excellent book by Kathryn Warner. This tells the story of the nieces of Edward II - including Margaret, wife of Piesr, Gaveston, who may, gosh, have actually been happily married to him! And why wouldn't she be, married to the handsome, chivalrous Earl of Cornwall. This book actually changed my perception of the eldest, Eleanor, and made me think about her in a negative way. Read the book and find out why!
5. 'The Mirror and the Light' by Hilary Mantel. Like many others, I've been waiting a long time for this book, and it didn't disappoint! Of course, we all know what will happen to Thomas Cromwell, but reading it was enthralling, and I found myself thinking repeatedly"'why didn't Cromwell see the threat of 'Call me Risley?'" Of course he did,. but he was just too busy before it was too late.
6. Thomas Cromwell by Diarmaid MacCullouch . Everything you wanted to know about Thomas Cromwell. And I mean everything. Loved the references to G R Elton.
7. 'The Shadow King, Henry VI' by Lauren Johnson. Enjoyed this book although I was hoping to learn more. Fact is, there isn't that much more to know that isn't covered in the many books of the Wars of the Roses. But at least it is called contained in 1 book.
8. Who Wrote Shakespeare's plays? by W Rubinstein I'm a firm believer that Shakespeare wrote Shakespeare - but of course, that begs the question who was Shakespeare? I actually think Shakespeare was Shakespeare, and wrote in collaboration with others, which makes me a traditionalist. I am interested in reading about the authorship challenges though, and this book puts it simply with the pros and cons of each candidate.
9. Shakespeare's Shrine - the Bard's birthplace and the invention of Stratford-Upon- Avon by Julia Thomas. An unusual book about one of my favourite places. I love to visit 'Shakespeare's Birthplace' and I often wonder how much of it is genuine. Apparently about 20%! This is a quirky book about the fascinating history of the house in Henley Street.
10. Richard III - Michael Hicks. I always enjoy Michael Hicks books, and this one is no exception.
