A very informative and interesting guide to the Wars of the Roses.
I enjoyed the at times informal language and the easy and simplified way the information came across.
Would recommend this book for beginners who want some background information on how it all started and what happened.

I only really know about the aftermath of the Wars of the Roses but I didn't really know about what led up to it. This book was a great reference to use in my creative writing. I love Tudor era and this book was a great jumping off point to learning about a new era in British history. I'd recommend this for anyone who loves royal history, British history or even Tudor history.

If you're looking for a comprehensive but hopefully not overwhelming introduction or review of the War of the Roses, this book may be for you. Full of details, I often found myself wishing I held a physical copy so I could mark it up and take notes more easily. However, the author does a good job reminding the reader who these people are as they pop in and out of the record. Though if you're not already grounded in the many names and events you may sometimes feel overwhelmed, as I did. You definitely get more than a cursory survey packed into these pages.

The basis for this book was formed when the author, a former teacher and writer of historical fiction, started a podcast on the War of the Roses, which ran to 46 episodes. He later converted that into this book, which begins with a look at the 1300s, the Black Death, Richard II and events that created conditions leading to the Wars before plunging into the confusion and conflicts that today we know as the Wars of the Roses.

The chapters are short, which helps to keep the amount of information feeling manageable, but this isn't the kind of book most readers will finish in a day or two. So much happened over so many years, with people dropping in and out, or changing sides completely, that it helps to take in the information as smaller bites. The interfamily rivalries and power struggles between various factions can be hard to keep straight for a neophyte, but the chart at the end will help.

One of the strengths of this book for me was the author's refusal to make judgments about someone's motivations based on how events later evolved. For instance, if someone ended up opposing the king in a war, it doesn't mean they began years earlier with that end in mind. Instead, he tries to look at their knowable actions and allow their underlying motives to be assumed from there. He also resists letting the victors rewrite the past in their favor. I prefer this to the approach of broadly judging people based on modern values and our knowledge of how things ended.

Readers who are more familiar with this time than I will probably have strong opinions about issues like the princes in the tower, and they might not always agree with the author. However, he's always clear when he is giving opinion and not established fact, and he includes differing views. He explains what his opinions are based on, which allows the reader to at least begin to judge these issues for themselves.

Though packed with names and dates the style is breezy and casual. The author frequently breaks the 4th wall, speaking directly to the reader, which keeps them actively engaged with the information. (Though sometimes he is chattier than I would like. That's strictly a personal preference.)

The brief introduction includes four titles the author particularly recommends to readers, and end materials include a Chart of Principle Protagonists, a bibliography and index. There are illustrations, in my e-copy they are all at the end.

This book will be of special interest to students who want more facts than a textbook will give them, writers and readers of historical fiction who would like to separate fact from invention, those who want to review their knowledge or catch up on recent ideas, and people like me who realize they know almost nothing about this period of history and are looking for a solid base to begin learning. The author's own words say it well: "All that I can hope to do is to provide a coherent overview that encourages the pursuit of further details elsewhere." (p. 42) In that he has succeeded; this book should provide a solid reference for interested beginners and a spring board for those who want to dig deeper into the time period.

Thank you to Pen & Sword, NetGalley, and the author for providing me with a copy of this book.

"Our fascination with interesting people and what they did in difficult circumstances is timeless."

This is a fantastic introduction to the Wars of the Roses. The writing was far from stuffy - Birks wrote in a way that was most engaging, at times even humorous, and accessible to everyone regardless of their prior knowledge of the topic.

Birks spends just enough time on each topic, making sure not to draw them out for too long and lose the reader or go over their heads. He also helps the reader look at events from all angles/viewpoints, not just through the eyes of the Tudors. He gives brilliant, well-backed defenses while making his own personal cases on certain topics, such as the idea that the Woodevilles did not actually have all the power and influenece most historicans want us to believe they did - and I will say I agree a lot with what he had to say.

Overall I recommend this to both people who have little knowledge of the Wars of the Roses, and those who are seasoned history buffs. It's a great guide to go back to if there's a person or event you need to brush up your memory on, and the perfect starting point for learning about the often chaotic and slightly confusing topic of the Wars of the Roses.

Thank you to NetGalley for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review.

This book is brilliant and I highly recommend it for anyone interested in learning about the War of the Roses in a most accessible and entertaining way. I have always had a fascination for all things Tudor but my fiction reading of late (I’m looking at you Annie Garthwaite) has led me to go further back to the time just before the Tudors and I am so glad I did! It can get confusing, however, this is the most plain speaking and comprehensive guide to this rich period in history.

“... studying the politics of fifteenth-century England is not for the faint-hearted. It is a world of riveting personalities, savage battles, sudden switches of allegiance, violent feuds, the murder of innocents - and not so innocents - and Lord knows what other mayhem. You could find yourself up to your elbows in blood and gore…”

As the author himself states, “our fascination with interesting people and what they did in difficult circumstances is timeless.” Two of the most enticing aspects of this book is, firstly, the author looking at events as they unfolded and shutting out hindsight where possible. Secondly, the wit and charm Derek brings to this book. His words are so accessible and oftentimes filled with humour and sarcasm. For example: “The object of the exercise was to persuade Clarence to shut up and toe the line. It backfired because Clarence was always slow to take a hint” .... or .... “The removal of Clarence meant that no one now threatened Edward’s throne. Well, that’s good to know…”

This is not a stuffy, boring history book - the furthest thing from it. His approach of focusing on the facts and presenting them in an engaging way makes for fascinating reading. So much of what we know from this time was through a Tudor lens - “the Tudor view of what happened, constructed after the events to explain the Tudor success story.” How refreshing to see events not only through a wider lens but also in an entertaining and informative way.





This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.

This accessible guide explains the origins, key events, and aftermath of the Wars of the Roses. It examines the rivalries and power struggles that led to the deposition of Henry VI and the rise and fall of the House of York, offering a clear perspective on this complex historical period.

This is the best book I’ve read on the Wars of the Roses. Though not particularly long, it’s thorough. It explains the battles without getting into the weeds. It focuses on facts rather than motivations, yet also explores the personalities of the key players in a logical way. I’ve been fascinate by the Wars of the Roses since I was a teenager, and I feel like I finally understand why they happened the way they did.

Thanks, NetGalley, for the ARC I received. This is my honest and voluntary review.

This is a nice introduction to the Wars of the Roses. Written in simple, easy to understand prose, it offers a very good overview of this dynastic struggles that rocked England so many centuries ago. For those who know little about the topic, it will be a fun and informative read. However, true to its name, this is very much a guide to the conflict so if you are familiar if The Wars of the Roses, you probably won't learn much more from it. Still, I had a great time reading this and definitely recommend this to anyone who wants to learn more about England's messiest civil wars.

I've been trying to improve myself by reading the history's of different times and regions. I knew very little about this time period, and the "War of the Roses". The author should be given knighthood for the excellent job that he did here! He presented the history clearly, in an interesting manner, and with more than a bit of humor. I honestly could not put this book down, it kept me interested all the way through. I thought the treachery, selfishness, and politics of today was something new, but I know see it was just as bad, if not worse then. At least the politicians of today have not resorted to killing their children, or selling their daughters into a marriage just to gain an advantage (well, at least as far as I know). I'm looking forward to reading more of the history of England/France/Spain/Holland in this time period. I sincerely hope that the author will continue writing in this vein, he's excellent at it!

I found this to be very readable. The author adds in his own humorous asides. It is not a stuffy history but well done. I thought the author did a nice job of cutting through all the mythology and popular “ideas” about this period of English history and the participants. He drills down with the Jack Friday method - “just the facts ma’am”. It was fresh and enlightening.

In recent years I decided it was time to learn more about the Wars of the Roses, mostly because it was neglected during my youth. A year or two ago, I read a pretty basic overview on it and understood it better. Mostly it was about dates and the houses of Lancaster and York and who ruled when. Sure, there were some details, but it didn't really delve into in a way that I truly understood.

A Guide to the Wars of the Roses changes it all for me. I started reading a few weeks ago and it was almost like having a chat and learning bits and pieces along the way. The writer makes it very accessible and goes back well before the actual period to look at what happened to create the wars. In fact, I think it wasn't until nine chapters in that we reached the start of the Wars of the Roses. But it was so much richer for having all that background. There were far more issues creating the conflict than normally are discussed and it really felt like these were real people instead of the two-dimensional ones that seem to create much of history. It reminds me of two history teachers from school who really made history alive for me.

I really enjoyed reading this and highly recommend it for anyone wanting to take a deeper dive into this period. It's not at all dry and it brings to life a really chaotic period in English history. I rate this 4.5 stars. Thank you to Netgalley and Pen and Sword for granting my wish and giving me a free copy of the book. All opinions are my own and are not influenced by this gift.

Anyone who wants a thorough understanding on The War of the Roses needs to read this book! Such an interesting way of presenting all the facts as far as they are known and then putting forth the authors carefully thought out opinions was intriguing. You may not always agree with the authors opinion but it will give you food for thought. Highly recommended. Has great illustrations at end of book. Thanks to Netgalley, the author and publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is a very a cool guide to all things York and Lancaster. Helps to sort out the characters in the Wars of the Roses, which is one of my favorite historical time periods to learn and read about. Thank you for the guide.

Derek Ronald Birks, A Guide to the Wars of the Roses, Pen & Sword | Pen & Sword History, January 2025.

Thank you, NetGalley and Pen & Sword for providing me with this uncorrected proof for review.

Having read some of Derek Ronald Birks’ witty comments I thought, what fun it will be reading this book! Then I recalled the equally descriptive graphic commentary on the fighting that took place during the conflicts – the use of cannon filled with lead shot or pebbles, arrows, swords, axes, handguns, and maces. All of these inflicted horrific injuries, particularly with the admonishment to any participant who might hesitate, that ‘no quarter’ should be given. These juxtaposed contrasts are woven throughout Birks’ essentially well-argued analysis of the Wars of the Roses. He takes a different approach from the popularly well-known understandings of the politics, economics and rivalries that characterise this era. Notably, he treats alternative historians’ views with respect, while making a fascinating case for his own.

Birks questions the Tudor view of history to undermine the argument that the Lancastrians and Yorks had been in conflict from 1455 to 1485 – from the Battle of St Albans to the advent of Henry Tudor. With Birks’ narrative it is abundantly clear why the Tudor version was adopted: a king who ended an enduring conflict? What better way to begin a monarchical era! It is this type of insight that is one of the delights of reading A Guide to the Wars of the Roses. And, of course, it is accepted that the winner’s version of history is the one that endures. Why wasn’t this considered in relation to The Wars of the Roses before?

One aspect of Birk’s method that I found particularly noteworthy was the way in which his understandings about the Monarch and his adherents’ behaviour so aptly reflects the way in which the modern political world works. The role of factions in political parties, the power of a leader who can dispense favours, the role of the disaffected are all there – in the 1400s and today. Birks’ statement at the end of the book where he clarifies the real impact of the Wars of the Roses – deaths, but not half the population; changes of leadership, rules and political crises which compare well with the previous century; life for much of the population maintained, or returned to, its even tenor despite disruptions is salutary.
The book includes some excellent illustrations, the clarity of the images even in my kindle version augers well for them in the printed versions; there is an index; and a bibliography.

A Guide to the Wars of the Roses* by Derek Ronald Birks is exactly what it promises to be: a clear, concise roadmap through one of England’s most famously tangled historical sagas. The Wars of the Roses, with its endless parade of Edwards, Richards, and dynastic betrayals, has long been the bane of history students and casual readers alike. But Birks approaches the subject with a refreshing sense of structure and simplicity without sacrificing nuance or depth.
The brilliance of this guide lies in its organization. Instead of drowning the reader in an onslaught of shifting allegiances and battle names, Birks breaks down the conflicts into three distinct political crises. This division helps to demystify the larger narrative and gives the reader digestible chunks to focus on—perfect for anyone who has ever lost track of whether the current Duke of York was a hero, villain, or unlucky pawn. By doing so, Birks makes the Wars of the Roses feel less like an impenetrable mass of backstabbing nobles and more like an interconnected saga with very human stakes.

Birks also excels at pulling back the curtain on the caricatures that history has imposed on its key figures. Instead of simply presenting Richard, Duke of York, as an ambitious usurper or Somerset as a scheming rival, he delves into their motivations, weaknesses, and the messy realities of power. Likewise, his portrait of Henry VI—portrayed by many as a feeble king hopelessly out of his depth—feels both empathetic and fair. Birks doesn’t excuse the king’s failures, but he places them in the context of someone who inherited a burden far greater than he was capable of carrying.

The accessible writing style is another highlight. Each chapter is short, focused, and avoids drowning the reader in unnecessary academic jargon. This is a book designed for clarity, and Birks achieves that without ever sounding condescending. His tone is informative but approachable, striking that sweet spot between an engaging history lesson and a detailed reference guide.

If there’s any drawback, it’s that this guide sometimes feels almost too neat for such a chaotic period. The Wars of the Roses were defined by shifting loyalties and sudden twists of fate, and while Birks makes the narrative wonderfully digestible, it can occasionally come at the expense of capturing the sheer volatility of the time. However, this feels like a fair trade-off when the goal is to demystify the era rather than reenact every dramatic betrayal in full color.

At 4 stars, A Guide to the Wars of the Roses is a fantastic resource for readers who want to understand what happened without getting lost in the labyrinth of historical details. It’s perfect for beginners who need a straightforward entry point and equally valuable for seasoned history buffs who want to brush up on the basics. Birks doesn’t just retell history—he makes it understandable without dulling its complexity. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by this bloody chapter of English history, this guide is the perfect companion to help you navigate the battlefield of kings, dukes, and unrelenting ambition.

From what I can tell this book is adapted from transcripts of a podcast, which can be pretty hit or miss. That style does lend itself well towards a sort of primer or introduction to a historical topic though, and mostly did in this case too.

My biggest issue was the pacing, especially as it reached the 50% mark. Before that it was odd but able to hold my interest, but after that point I felt like a lot of time was being spent to explain nothing happening. It may have been more focus was spent on that part of the Wars of the Roses so it felt almost dawdling in comparison, but it was a downside for me.

Thank you NetGalley for the advanced copy of this book. As someone who loves History, this book was a great read. Reading about the War of the Roses From a different perspective was insightful! There is so much information about this period of history and it was refreshing to read it all in a simplified way, without complicated historical jargon. Highly recommend!

Birks does a very good job tackling the messy, convoluted Wars of the Roses and breaking them down into understandable parts, digging into both the facts of what happened, who did what, and what the possible motivations were. Birks outlines the factions and battles, making a point to underline the idea that the wars were not an inevitable outcome.

I love how he pushed back against the classist, oft-repeated idea of the Woodvilles being a powerful faction, showing just how individual and power-less the Woodvilles actually were. Birks also works to try and get away from all the bias over Richard III, righty pointing out how tainted most of what we think we know about him, and he works hard here to try and look at just the actions Richard took.

I was a little put off by how causal his tone was at times, with a lot of pop culture references and "I" statements, but that is just my own preference, and over it is an excellent guided tour of the thorny wars of the roses.