Chris Given-Wilson provides a full reassessment of Henry IV, the first Lancastrian king and one of England’s most neglected medieval rulers. He follows Henry’s career as crusader and magnate, his overthrow of Richard II and the formidable problem of converting successful rebellion into legitimate kingship.
The book examines the Percy revolt, Welsh resistance, parliamentary conflict, financial weakness and threats from rival claimants. Given-Wilson also shows Henry’s administrative skill, political resilience and capacity to recover from repeated crises, while illness and anxiety gradually transferred power to the future Henry V.