Lancaster and York cover art

Lancaster and York

The Wars of the Roses

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Lancaster and York

By: Alison Weir
Narrated by: Maggie Mash
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About this listen

Lancater and York is a riveting account of the Wars of the Roses, from the beloved and best-selling historian Alison Weir. The war between the houses of Lancaster and York was characterised by treachery, deceit, and bloody battles. Alison Weir's lucid and gripping account focuses on the human side of history. At the centre of the book stands Henry VI, the pious king whose mental instability led to political chaos, and his wife Margaret of Anjou, who took up her arms in her husband's cause and battled in a violent man's world.

©1995 Alison Weir (P)2012 W F Howes Ltd Europe Great Britain Historical Medieval Military & War Politicians Politics & Activism Royalty War England Middle Ages Marriage United Kingdom Military Tudor

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All stars
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Very good book, but spoiled by the narration. Magpie Mash over-does the "quotes'" by trying to act the character's voice. I found this to be very irritating, and it seemed over-indulgent on her part. Apart from this, she reads very well, but someone needs to have a word with her!
Having said that, I have listened to this book time and time again. This period of history is very interesting but, as I listen in bed, I fall asleep so there is always something I have missed!
I would recommend to anyone interested in medieval history.

Good value for money

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This is an excellent book and a clear account of a fascinating period in English history. Marred however by the ridiculous and off putting voices used by the narrator for quotes from contemporaneous chronicles. I also felt that Weir showed a prejudice against Margaret of Anjou rather than maintaining a historians impartiality.

A fascinating history.

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I thoroughly enjoyed this audio book. The content level was, in the words of Goldilocks, "just right." It was not too detailed nor too light. The narration was very good, very clear and well paced. Don't know why the narrator did not pronounce the "h" in adhere and similar words. I guess it is in the same order as the word scone.

Excellent

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Not finished book yet, but have to write a review before finishing, the narrator has a lovely voice but insists on doing the most ridiculous accents throughout. So far the complex information from the wars of the roses has been explained very clearly, hope it continues!!!

Accents are cringe worthy

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I feel like the structure of the book is almost backwards. There is a very lengthy build up to the actual War of the Roses, starting with Richard II and Henry IV usurping the throne. Weir makes good arguments as to why the origins of the war starts back there but this build up is a significant part of the book. At the other end of the book, after the restoration of Edward IV we speed through at a remarkable speed with a brief explanation of the rest of the war and its end and then the book is over. I would have prefered a shorter lead in and to finish the rest of the war properly. I think more so because I recently read Dan Jones' Henry V and felt like I was already knew a lot of it as that book was much more detailed on the lives of Henry IV and V. Maggie Mash's normal reading was good but the accents she gave each person became annoying.

Could have been so much more

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I loved the book, being very interested in medieval history, however, like others I was annoyed by the "narration". I've listened to other books on subjects such as this (ie books of Dan Jones), the books have just been "read" and I've enjoyed them greatly. Whilst I do not doubt the narrator's skill, I was irked by the accents employed, I knew it would annoy me within the first 5 minutes, and it did. But pleased I persevered as it's an interesting book.

Great book let down by "narration"

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A good ebook, but incomplete, as it doesn't cover the end of the wars, ie the rise of King Henry VII and the demise of Richard III, but otherwise an good read!

A Good History

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It may sound a cliche but it really did bring history to life. Accessable and informative

A brilliantly research well told history

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I enjoyed reading this book and finding out a lot more about a period in history about which I only knew a little before now. I enjoy the books from this author because I like that she focuses on social history and the personalities of the people involved, rather than simply focusing on military history and battles.
I have listened to a number of titles narrated by this particular person and, overall, I find them to be enjoyable. The narration is expressive and clear and helps to keep things engaging when there is a lot of detail about dates and so on. However, my one criticism which does great on my nerves somewhat is her attempts at various accents. They are not particularly well done and not particularly well maintained, and can distract from the quality of the story and listening experience.

Engaging and informative

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Well written. Clear. Easy to follow.
Narration was wonderful - one of best I have ever heard.
So glad I listened

Brilliant

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