Within the Hollow Crown: A Valiant King's Struggle to Save His Country, His Dynasty, and His Love

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"Within the hollow crown that rounds the mortal temples of a king..."-Shakespeare, The Tragedy of King Richard IIUnlike his father, the Black Prince, or his namesake, King Richard the Lionheart, Richard II never really wanted to be king. But the mantle of royalty is thrust upon his shoulders at age 11, at a time when England is racked by unrest and class warefare. A leader as unexpected as he is inexperienced, young Richard must find a way to triumph over a fierce conflict more destructive than any foreign enemy."Ms. Barnes captures the flavor, pageantry, and color of the Middle Ages...a distinguished novel."-Philadelphia InquirerRichard's love for his wife, Anne of Bohemia, gave him the strength to outwit the schemes of his enemies and govern as he saw fit, providing England with years of properity under his reign. But when tragedy strikes, Richard begins to loose the common touch by which he had ruled so brilliantly, and begins a downward spiral from which his detractors would derive strength..."Sympathetic picture of sensitive, peace-loving, and ill-beset Richard II, who had it in him to be one of the best kings England ever had."-Booklist(20100315)ReviewThis is a fascinating work of biographical fiction that will remind readers of the Shakespeare tragedy as a great ruler falls apart after his heart dies along with his beloved Anne. (Harriet Klausner Amazon.com #1 Reviewer 20100415)Intelligently written, sympathetic account of Richard II and his reign. (Carla Nayland Carla Nayland Historical Fiction 20100415)Barnes focuses on the human side of Richard which really made this story magnificent. (Marie Burton The Burton Review 20100415)A highly emotional story... that will make you feel sorry for this young man born of privilege for he is not exempt from the cruelties of life as most of us would think. (Terra Studer Yankee Romance Reviewers 20100415)Margaret Campbell Barnes truly deserves the accolades given her. Read this work, and you will see why. (Barbara Ligens BookLoons.com 20100415)Filled with all sorts of court intrigue, treason, murder,lots of secondary characters and even romance. (Kathleen CelticLady's Reviews 20100415)The author did a splendid job of helping the reader actually feel what it would be like to be Richard II. (Svea Love Confessions of a Muse in the Fog 20100415)The author really brings to life this enigmatic figure of history and explores a different angle to this infamous king than the one portrayed in Shakespeare's Richard II. (Alaine Bucknall Queen of Happy Endings 20100421)Barnes masterfully takes command and tells an exquisitely written tale of the last reigning Plantagenet King. (Jennifer Higgins Rundpinne 20100422)A very enjoyable book about a very tragic King. (Patty Woodland The Broken Teepee 20100422)a spirited quick read... the authors use of a richly worded text enhances the reading experience. (Renee Renee's Reads 20100426)Amazing twists and plots, murder, love, and intrigue. (Monica The Bibliophilic Book Blog 20100427)A fascinating work of biographical fiction... brings to life the late fourteenth century England. (Harriet Klausner Genre Go Round 20100428)Campbell Barnes is a wonderful writer. (She Read a Book )Definitely a great read for those who love historical fiction. (Nicole A Blog of Books )Margaret Campbell Barnes is an amazing historical fiction writer. Her characterization is impeccable. (Jennifer Mrs. Q Book Reviews ) About the AuthorNew York Times bestseller Margaret Campbell Barnes wrote several historical novels, including Brief Gaudy Hour, My Lady of Cleves, King's Fool, and The Tudor Rose. Her novels have sold more than 2 million copies worldwide.