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Quick answer: The best books on the Wars of the Roses cover the battles between the houses of Lancaster and York for the English throne from 1455 to 1485. Start with The Wars of the Roses by Dan Jones, Lancaster and York by Alison Weir, Blood Sisters by Sarah Gristwood, Bosworth by Chris Skidmore and the novel The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey.
The Wars of the Roses were a series of civil wars between two branches of the royal Plantagenet family, Lancaster and York, from 1455 to 1485. The weak Henry VI, the warrior Edward IV, the scheming Earl of Warwick, the formidable Margaret of Anjou and the controversial Richard III all fought for power. Richard’s two young nephews, the Princes in the Tower, disappeared in 1483. The wars ended when Henry Tudor defeated Richard at Bosworth in 1485 and married Elizabeth of York, uniting the houses. In 2012, Richard III’s skeleton was found under a parking lot in Leicester. The books below include the best histories, biographies, the Richard III debate and great novels.
Table of Contents
Quick Picks at a Glance
| Book | Author | Type | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| The Wars of the Roses | Dan Jones | Narrative history | The best introduction |
| Lancaster and York | Alison Weir | Narrative history | The early wars |
| The Wars of the Roses | John Gillingham | History | Military and political history |
| A Brief History of the Wars of the Roses | Desmond Seward | Short history | A quick overview |
| Blood Sisters | Sarah Gristwood | History | The women of the wars |
| Bosworth | Chris Skidmore | Narrative history | The final battle |
| Richard III | Charles Ross | Biography | A balanced life |
| The Princes in the Tower | Alison Weir | History | The great mystery |
| The King’s Grave | Philippa Langley and Michael Jones | History | Finding Richard III |
| Richard III | William Shakespeare | Play | Literature lovers |
| The Daughter of Time | Josephine Tey | Mystery novel | Mystery lovers |
| The Sunne in Splendour | Sharon Kay Penman | Historical novel | Epic fiction fans |
| The White Queen | Philippa Gregory | Historical novel | Fans of the TV series |
| Stormbird | Conn Iggulden | Historical novel | Action lovers |
| The Black Arrow | Robert Louis Stevenson | Classic novel | Teens and adventure lovers |
1. The Wars of the Roses by Dan Jones
Jones tells the story of the wars and the rise of the Tudors with energy and color. It’s published in the UK as The Hollow Crown.
2. Lancaster and York by Alison Weir
Weir’s history covers the conflict up to 1471 in vivid detail. It’s popular history full of personalities. It’s also published as The Wars of the Roses.
3. The Wars of the Roses by John Gillingham
Gillingham’s classic explains how the wars were fought and why they were less destructive for ordinary people than often thought.
4. A Brief History of the Wars of the Roses by Desmond Seward
Seward tells the story through five people who lived through it. It’s short and readable.
5. Blood Sisters by Sarah Gristwood
Gristwood tells the story through seven women, including Margaret of Anjou, Elizabeth Woodville and Margaret Beaufort. It’s fresh and fascinating.
6. Bosworth by Chris Skidmore
Skidmore tells the story of Henry Tudor’s rise and the battle that ended the wars. It’s gripping and well researched.
7. Richard III by Charles Ross
Ross’s biography in the Yale English Monarchs series examines Richard III carefully. It’s the standard scholarly account.
8. The Princes in the Tower by Alison Weir
Weir examines what happened to Edward IV’s sons and concludes that Richard III was responsible. Many readers disagree, which makes it great for debate.
9. The King’s Grave by Philippa Langley and Michael Jones
Langley, who led the search for Richard III’s remains, tells how his skeleton was found under a Leicester parking lot in 2012.
10. Richard III by William Shakespeare
Shakespeare’s villainous Richard is one of his most famous characters, and the play shaped Richard’s reputation for centuries.
11. The Daughter of Time by Josephine Tey
A bedridden detective investigates whether Richard III really murdered the princes. This 1951 classic has been voted one of the greatest crime novels ever.
12. The Sunne in Splendour by Sharon Kay Penman
Penman’s huge novel tells Richard III’s story sympathetically, from childhood to Bosworth. It’s rich and moving.
13. The White Queen by Philippa Gregory
Gregory tells the story of Elizabeth Woodville, who married Edward IV in secret. It’s dramatic and romantic.
14. Stormbird by Conn Iggulden
The first book of Iggulden’s Wars of the Roses series begins with Henry VI and Margaret of Anjou. It’s fast and exciting.
15. The Black Arrow by Robert Louis Stevenson
Stevenson’s adventure follows a young man caught up in the wars, with outlaws and a mysterious band of archers. It’s a fun classic.
Tips for Reading About the Wars of the Roses
- Start with Dan Jones. His book makes a confusing story clear.
- Keep a family tree handy. Everyone is related, and many share the same names.
- Read about the women. Blood Sisters shows who really held power behind the scenes.
- Join the Richard III debate. Read Weir and Tey to see both sides.
- Visit Leicester. The King Richard III Visitor Centre tells the story of the discovery.
- Watch The White Queen. It pairs well with Philippa Gregory’s novels.
Related: best books on the Tudors and best books on the Hundred Years’ War.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best book on the Wars of the Roses?
The Wars of the Roses by Dan Jones is the best introduction, and Lancaster and York by Alison Weir is a detailed popular history.
Did Richard III kill the Princes in the Tower?
Many historians think it’s likely, but it has never been proven. Alison Weir argues he did, while Josephine Tey’s novel and many Ricardians argue he didn’t.
What novel is about the Wars of the Roses?
The Sunne in Splendour by Sharon Kay Penman and The White Queen by Philippa Gregory are two of the most popular.