The Eagle and the Hart

The Tragedy of Richard II and Henry IV

De: Helen Castor

Narrado por: Helen Castor

From an acclaimed historian comes an epic tale of power and betrayal: the dual biography of Richard II and Henry IV, two cousins whose tumultuous reigns shaped the course of English history.

Richard of Bordeaux and Henry of Bolingbroke, cousins born just three months apart, were ten years old when Richard became king of England. They were thirty-two when Henry deposed him and became king in his place. Now, the story behind one of the strangest and most fateful events in English history (and the inspiration behind Shakespeare’s most celebrated history plays) is brought to vivid life by the acclaimed author of Blood and Roses, Helen Castor.

Castor showcases the enigmatic Richard II, a king who clung to his divine right to rule but lacked the leadership to sustain his throne. His reign, marred by narcissism and disdain for constitutional principles, spiraled into chaos, ultimately leading to his downfall at the hands of his cousin. Enter Henry IV—a stark contrast. Castor portrays him as a chivalric hero, a leader who inspired loyalty and camaraderie. Yet, his journey to the throne was anything but smooth, plagued by rebellion and political turmoil. What makes Castor’s account so compelling is her ability to weave these personal stories into the bigger picture. She explores the turbulent themes of masculinity, identity, and the fragile nature of power, offering a timely reminder of the perils of self-obsessed rulers—and the challenges faced by those who follow in their wake.

Richly researched and beautifully written, The Eagle and the Hart isn’t just a history book—it’s a gripping tale of leadership, legacy, and the timeless struggle for power. For anyone fascinated by medieval England or the universal dynamics of power and ambition, this is not to be missed.

Reseñas de la Crítica

"Helen Castor delivers political intrigue, dynastic maneuvering, romance, treachery, and war during the reigns of Richard II and his usurping cousin, Henry IV, up to the accession of Henry’s son, Henry V...Castor’s diction is clear, her intonation and emphases match and enhance the text’s meanings and nuances, and her pace is perfect for the suspenseful story she delivers of men and women noble, flawed, egotistical, and often tough as nails. The result is a performance both informative and richly entertaining."

Solid re-telling of a fascinating story.

The author knows her material and is an accomplished story teller. She also reads her work very well, which is rare.
Readers not steeped in British history of the time will sag a bit under the weight of an endless array of aristocratic titles. There’s really no help for it, and it is not fatal to the flow of the story. The essential characters are presented clearly.
The storyline was good enough to catch eye of Will Shakespeare, and this author is gifted enough to do the tale justice. If you’re at all curious about the origin of England’s terrible ordeal of the late medieval years, this is a good place to start.

A thrilling read

Exceptional, erudite book about the life and struggles of Richard II and his usurpation by Henry IV. I’m usually leary of audiobooks read by the author, but Helen Castor gives a tour de force performance. By turns gripping, thrilling, and heartbreaking, this book now stands among my favorite works of history. Eager to check out her other books.

Meticulously researched, beautifully written and beautifully narrated. Excellent.

I already know quite a bit of English history, especially for an American, but this book provided the detail that I was hoping for, that detail we just don’t get in popular histories, even those covering a relatively limited time period. It is a very dense read with a lot of facts, so I listened to it on reduced speed and am re-reading it to fix it all in my memory. Dr. Castor’s writing is wonderful, clear, sparse and elegant and so is her narration. Her knowledge of Latin and French is a big bonus, this is the first Audible book that didn’t jar my ears, or leave me mystified, by the abominable foreign-language pronunciations of other narrators. I really hope that Dr. Castor writes a book of similar scope for each of the other unsuccessful English kings, John, Henry III, Edward II and, especially, Henry VI and the Cousin’s War. Although, that’s probably more than a historian can accomplish in her lifetime! Excellent, well-researched, highly recommended work by a highly talented professional.

Helen is Always a Treat!!!

ive read & watched Helen for several years now & I am never disappointed!! wonderful story regarding a period of history that I only had experience from mentions in other books or the Shakespeare story- I do say story. can't wait to read this one soon!

Divine right goes with the usurper?

If you were a fan of Barbara Tuchman’s masterpiece, A Distant Mirror, and wondered what came after the tumultuous 14th century, this is the book for you. The new king is a child when he inherits the throne. Bathed in praise for merely being and anointed with holy oil, he rules as if his subjects’ lives depend on his inflated sense of divine right. He cousin, also a prince of the realm but born to the third son of the previous king, has to earn his right to rule the hard way: by his wits and war.
Helen Caster describes the world after the worst of the Black Death, the changes in the fortunes of those left behind, and the struggle to turn the kingdom back from tyranny.
Caster’s narration is flawless and easy to listen to.