The most recommended Richard III books

Who picked these books? Meet our 19 experts.

19 authors created a book list connected to Richard III of England, and here are their favorite Richard III of England books.
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Book cover of Under the Hog: A Novel of Richard III

Stephen Morillo Author Of War and Conflict in the Middle Ages: A Global Perspective.

From my list on about medieval warfare globally.

Why am I passionate about this?

I fell in love with medieval military history in high school, and have been studying and writing about it as an undergraduate at Harvard, as a graduate student at Oxford, and as a professor of history ever since, eventually bringing the comparative methods and urge to generalize of a world historian to the task. I’ve written ten books and numerous articles. Good history gives me the thrill of time travel without the risk of the bubonic plague, and it has spawned related interests in sword and sorcery fantasy lit and wargaming, alongside my interests in painting, cartooning, and cooking the food of my native New Orleans. My motto: Have fun!

Stephen's book list on about medieval warfare globally

Stephen Morillo Why did Stephen love this book?

Academic books too dry? Primary sources too intimidating? Find a copy of Under the Hog, a historical novel set in the War of the Roses in 15th century England that is perhaps the best historical novel ever — certainly the best written by a pseudonymous author! It gives a variety of close-up views of medieval combat, politics, and culture, and is a favorite among folks who think that king Richard III of England (yes, the evil hunchback of Shakespeare’s depiction) got a reputational raw deal from the Bard. 

By Patrick Carleton,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Under the Hog as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

‘This is still one of the best novels on the life of Richard III’ - The Richard III Society

England, 1471.

In a kingdom rent by civil strife Richard, Duke of Gloucester, is determined to keep the Royal House of York on the throne and bring peace to England.

His unswerving support of his brother, Edward IV, against the conspiracies of both their turncoat brother George, Duke of Clarence, and the powerful Lancastrian claimants, wins him many enemies.

And when fate destines him to take the throne, he is forced to quell the rebellions of Lord Rivers and the Duke…


Book cover of Richard III and the Princes in the Tower

Derek Birks Author Of Feud

From my list on the Wars of the Roses from a historian and author.

Why am I passionate about this?

I write historical fiction some of which is set during the Wars of the Roses - a period that has always fascinated me. My two series, Rebels and Brothers & the Craft of Kings span the whole topic. But underlying the fiction there is a wealth of knowledge because I have studied or taught about this period for the best part of fifty years. I have also produced in recent years over forty podcasts on the subject which have been very well received by listeners – including students currently wrestling with the sometimes labyrinthine complexities of the topic. 

Derek's book list on the Wars of the Roses from a historian and author

Derek Birks Why did Derek love this book?

There are so many books about these two boys that one could be forgiven for not reading any of them. But, if you are going to read one make it this one. Pollard knows what he is talking about because he has a background of authoritative historical study second to none. What you’ll find in this book is as near as anyone is going to get to a balanced account. Forget all the dark myths and whitewashes of Richard III and just read this book.

By A.J. Pollard,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Richard III and the Princes in the Tower as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Richard III has divided opinion for over 500 years. Traditionally, he has been perceived as a villain, a bloody tyrant and the monstrous murderer of his innocent nephews. To others he was and remains a wronged victim who did his best for kingdom and family, a noble prince and enlightened statesman tragically slain. This work explores the story of Richard III and the tales that have been woven around the historic events, and discusses his life and reign and the disappearance of the princes in the tower. It also assesses the original sources upon which much of the "history" is…


Book cover of Year of the King: An Actor's Diary and Sketchbook

Maxine Rose Schur Author Of Places in Time: Reflections on a Journey

From Maxine's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Creative Reader World Traveler Writing Instructor

Maxine's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Maxine Rose Schur Why did Maxine love this book?

I majored in dramatic arts in college and later became a professional actress. Though I haven’t acted in years, I wanted to read this book because I’m a huge fan of the book’s author, the late Antony Sher.

Antony Sher was one of the great English actors. As a teenager, Antony left his home in South Africa to try his luck as an actor in England. Though he failed to be accepted to the Royal Academy of Dramatic Arts, he gradually learned the art of being an actor, became a leading player with the Royal Shakespeare Company, and was given a knighthood.

Success didn’t come easily or quickly. Sher struggled with being an outsider: a South African, a Jew, and a gay man in England. Most of all, he struggled with self-doubt that plagued him his entire life. The book recounts in great part his detailed crafting of his first…

By Antony Sher,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Year of the King as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Anthony Sher's mesmerizing performance as Richard III, for which he won the Standard Award for Best Actor of 1985, was warmly received by both critics and audiences. This book records the making of this historic theatrical event. It follows the events of a year in the life of Anthony Sher, both as the character and himself. The text is interspersed with the author's own personal sketches.


Book cover of No Beast So Fierce

Amer Anwar Author Of Brothers in Blood

From my list on ex-con characters you can’t help but root for.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a British crime writer and am the winner of the CWA Debut Dagger and have been longlisted for the CWA Gold Dagger. I have been reading crime thrillers for most of my life and while I love reading about cops and detectives, I seem to have a special liking for amateur detectives, criminals with good hearts, and ex-cons. In my own novels, two crime thrillers set in west London, my main character, Zaq Khan, is an ex-con who gets caught up in dangerous situations and, along with his best friend, tries to get out of them alive. The books I’ve recommended have all inspired and influenced what I write.

Amer's book list on ex-con characters you can’t help but root for

Amer Anwar Why did Amer love this book?

Edward Bunker didn’t just talk the talk, he walked the walk, spending over 25 years in prison for various crimes including armed robbery.

That experience of life in and out of prison meant he knew exactly what he was writing about and the authenticity drips from the page.

No Beast So Fierce is a blistering tale about an ex-con trying his damndest to go straight while the pull of the criminal life tugs harder and harder at him.

It captures that life in all its rawness and brutality. Not an easy read, it’s not for the faint-hearted.

Quentin Tarantino was such a fan of the book he gave Edward Bunker the role of Mr. Blue in his movie, Reservoir Dogs.

By Edward Bunker,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked No Beast So Fierce as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

'No beast so fierce but knows some touch of pity' - Richard III, Act 1, Scene 2

An angry and mercilessly suspenseful novel about an ex-con's attempt to negotiate the "straight world" and his swan dive back into the paradoxical security of crime. It is airtight in its construction, almost photorealistic in its portrayal of L.A. lowlife and utterly knowledgeable about the terrors of liberty, the high of the quick score and the rage that makes the finger tighten on the trigger of the gun.

No Beast So Fierce was Eddie Bunker's debut novel and has the searing intensity of…


Book cover of Domenico Mancini: De Occupatione Regni Anglie

Philippa Langley Author Of The Lost King: The Search for Richard III

From my list on Richard III by the writer who discovered his grave.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a British writer/producer with a 30-year interest in Richard III (1452-1485). A visit to Bosworth Field, the penultimate battle of the Wars of the Roses changed my life irrevocably. This haunting place captured my imagination and with it the story of the last Plantagenet monarch who died fighting in this small corner of Leicestershire for crown and country.

Philippa's book list on Richard III by the writer who discovered his grave

Philippa Langley Why did Philippa love this book?

Domenico Mancini was an Italian visitor to London in 1483 who witnessed Richard III’s rise from Protector to King, and wrote the only genuinely contemporary account. His short narrative, less than 7,000 words, is so important that it’s used and quoted by every commentator who has anything to say about Richard III. This translation renders Mancini up-to-date and accessible for today’s readers. 

By D. Mancini, Annette Carson (translator),

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Domenico Mancini as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Annette Carson, a member of the team that found Richard III s grave, has produced this new edition of Mancini s important eyewitness report. Domenico Mancini was an Italian visitor to London in 1483 who witnessed Richard III s rise from Protector to King, and wrote the only genuinely contemporary account.
His short narrative, less than 7,000 words, was originally published in the 1930s in an edition that, for modern historians, leaves much to be desired. The title and a number of key passages were mistranslated. In addition, Mancini s misunderstanding of England s laws and governance, and his omission…


Book cover of The Survival of Princes in the Tower: Murder, Mystery and Myth

Philippa Langley Author Of The Lost King: The Search for Richard III

From my list on Richard III by the writer who discovered his grave.

Why am I passionate about this?

I am a British writer/producer with a 30-year interest in Richard III (1452-1485). A visit to Bosworth Field, the penultimate battle of the Wars of the Roses changed my life irrevocably. This haunting place captured my imagination and with it the story of the last Plantagenet monarch who died fighting in this small corner of Leicestershire for crown and country.

Philippa's book list on Richard III by the writer who discovered his grave

Philippa Langley Why did Philippa love this book?

The murder of the ‘Princes in the Tower’ is the most famous cold case in British history. Matthew Lewis delves into the context of the disappearance and the characters of the suspects and asks a crucial but often overlooked question: what if there was no murder? Lewis provides a rounded and complete assessment of this most fascinating historical mystery.

By Matthew Lewis,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The Survival of Princes in the Tower as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The murder of the Princes in the Tower is the most famous cold case in British history. Traditionally considered victims of a ruthless uncle, there are other suspects too often and too easily discounted. There may be no definitive answer, but by delving into the context of their disappearance and the characters of the suspects Matthew Lewis examines the motives and opportunities afresh as well as asking a crucial but often overlooked question: what if there was no murder? What if Edward V and his brother Richard, Duke of York survived their uncle's reign and even that of their brother-in-law…


Book cover of Henry

Juliana Cummings Author Of Medicine in the Middle Ages: Surviving the Times

From my list on for those with a fascination for filth and torture.

Why am I passionate about this?

I have always been fascinated by the history of medicine, particularly the more macabre details. While researching my family lineage, I became especially interested in medieval medicine and the lives of English monarchs. I was honored to be asked to write a book on medicine in the middle ages, and I dove into the research head first. I have been lucky enough to write for several other publications, and I have self-published on Amazon. I enjoy writing historical fiction and my novel, Sleeping with the Impaler, was a book I truly enjoyed writing. I hope the books I recommended spark your interest as they will stay with me forever.

Juliana's book list on for those with a fascination for filth and torture

Juliana Cummings Why did Juliana love this book?

Henry VII holds a special place in my heart, and I was hooked on Tony’s book immediately. It was so refreshing to read a historical novel on my favorite monarch. Tony truly brought Henry to life. Henry’s love not only for country but for his beloved wife was so beautifully described. I intend to read the rest of the trilogy!

By Tony Riches,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Henry as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Would you become King of England...

If you had to win the crown by conquest?

Henry Tudor’s victory over King Richard III at Bosworth is only the beginning.

Can he end the Wars of the Roses through marriage to the beautiful Princess Elizabeth - and unite the warring houses of Lancaster and York?

Resentment, treachery, rebels and pretenders threaten Henry’s throne.

It seems his prayers are answered, then disaster strikes and Henry must ensure the future of the Tudors.

The third book in the international best-selling Tudor trilogy is based on actual events of courage, adventure, and belief in the…


Book cover of The White Queen

Madina Papadopoulos Author Of The Step-Spinsters

From my list on transporting you to medieval life.

Why am I passionate about this?

Madina Papadopoulos is a New Orleans-born, New York-based freelance writer and author. She is currently working on the sequel to The Step-Spinsters, the first in the Unspun Fairytale series, which retells classic princess stories set in the late Middle Ages. She studied French and Italian at Tulane University and received her MFA in screenwriting at UCLA. After teaching foreign languages at the university level, as well as in childhood and elementary school programs, she developed and illustrated foreign language coloring workbooks for preschoolers. As a freelance writer, she focuses on food, drinks, and entertainment.

Madina's book list on transporting you to medieval life

Madina Papadopoulos Why did Madina love this book?

It’s often said that the golden rule for storytelling is “thou shalt not bore.” While as a history buff, I get a kick out of historical fiction even when it might read more non-fiction than fiction, the genre risks falling prey to having to balance fact over fun. This is not the case with esteemed historical fiction author, Philippa Gregory. For those who like their history with a touch of steam and can forgive historical “embellishments,” Gregory delivers heavily researched stories that put character arcs and plot twists front and center. These tempting books follow the women in power behind the scenes of the War of the Roses. As a prolific writer, Gregory bestows upon us a bounty of six books in this series, carrying the reader on more of a year abroad than just a quick vacation. 

By Philippa Gregory,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked The White Queen as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

The inspiration for the critically acclaimed Starz miniseries The White Queen, #1 New York Times bestselling author Philippa Gregory brings to life the extraordinary story of Elizabeth Woodville, a woman who rises from obscurity to become Queen of England, and changes the course of history forever.

Elizabeth Woodville is a woman of extraordinary beauty and ambition. Her mother is Jacquetta, also known as the mystical lady of the rivers, and she is even more determined to bring power and wealth to the family line. While riding in the woods one day, Elizabeth captures the attentions of the newly crowned King…


Book cover of The Drift

Richard Cosgrove Author Of I Was a Teenage Rock Fan

From Richard's 3 favorite reads in 2023.

Why am I passionate about this?

Author Reader Musician Animal lover Nerd

Richard's 3 favorite reads in 2023

Richard Cosgrove Why did Richard love this book?

The Drift takes the classic trope of having what initially appear to be three very distinct and separate stories gradually converge on each other and delivers a masterclass on how to pull it off with style and aplomb.

The phrase ‘page-turner’ is often bandied about, but I genuinely found I couldn’t stop reading due to CJ Tudor’s effective use of short chapters and advancing each of the stories in a rapid-fire round-robin manner. Each chapter ends with a tantalizing hook that encourages you to push on until, finally, the pieces all fall into place in a series of powerful but logical revelations.

The Drift is only Tudor’s fifth book, but already, she has become one of only a handful of authors that I make a point of picking up on release day.

By C. J. Tudor,

Why should I read it?

3 authors picked The Drift as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

PRE-ORDER THE HEART-POUNDING NEW NOVEL FROM THE SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING AUTHOR OF THE CHALK MAN AND RICHARD & JUDY PICK THE BURNING GIRLS

'The wildest thriller of the year is three thrillers in one. Buckle up' LINWOOD BARCLAY

'An exceptional thriller that blew me away with its original, high-octane plot, jaw-dropping twists and characters I cared about. When I wasn't reading The Drift I was thinking about it. A writer at the top of her game' CLAIRE DOUGLAS

'A truly terrifying, ice-cold chiller from the master of macabre. C.J. Tudor should be on everyone's must-read list' CHRIS WHITAKER

'Taut, action-packed…


Book cover of Fortune Like the Moon (Hawkenlye Mysteries)

Felicity Pulman Author Of Blood Oath

From my list on medieval murders and mysteries.

Why am I passionate about this?

After enjoying Josephine Tey’s wonderful Daughter of Time, in which she exonerates Richard III from the crime of murdering the princes in the tower, followed by the Brother Cadfael mysteries, I became hooked on historical crimes and decided to try writing them myself! It was quite a challenge researching both the history and the settings from Australia, but the novels became a wonderful excuse for lengthy visits to travel around Great Britain and France. As well as writing the Janna Chronicles, my passion for history has also prompted several other published novels and series, including the Shalott trilogy.

Felicity's book list on medieval murders and mysteries

Felicity Pulman Why did Felicity love this book?

Because my character Janna seeks refuge in an abbey while on her quest to find her father, I found it interesting and instructive to read about Abbess Helewise and life at Hawkenlye Abbey in more detail. I also enjoyed trying to second-guess whodunit as the Abbess and her helpmate, lord of the manor, Josse d’Acquin, solve the many crimes that come their way. And I was intrigued by the supernatural elements introduced by Alys Clare, with the abbey being situated so close to the ancient forest in the Great Weald, and how the two worlds often intertwine. 

By Alys Clare,

Why should I read it?

1 author picked Fortune Like the Moon (Hawkenlye Mysteries) as one of their favorite books, and they share why you should read it.

What is this book about?

Shortly before his unexpected coronation, King Richard passed a law letting all of England's prisoners go free. Shortly afterwards a young nun is found, gruesomely murdered. Richard swiftly employs an old military colleague of his, Josse d'Acquin, to unravel this hideous mystery. Who could have wanted to kill this innocent young novice, and, more worryingly, why?

Josse goes to Hawkenlye Abbey to find out the answers to these questions. He is having little success until meets the Abbess Helewise, a woman who quickly proves herself to be his equal, both as an amateur sleuth, and as a figure the community…