The Red Prince: The Life of John of Gaunt, the Duke of Lancaster

(Paperback)

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A TIMES AND SUNDAY TIMES BEST BOOK OF 2021 The Red Prince announces Helen Carr as one of the most exciting new voices in narrative history. Dan Jones Son of Edward III, brother to the Black Prince, father to Henry IV and the sire of all the Tudors. Always close to the English throne, John of Gaunt left a complex legacy. Too rich, too powerful, too haughty did he have his eye on his nephews throne Why was he such a focus of hate in the Peasants Revolt In examining the life of a pivotal medieval figure, Helen Carr paints a revealing portrait of a man who held the levers of power on the English and European stage, passionately upheld chivalric values, pressed for the Bible to be translated into English, patronised the arts, ran huge risks to pursue the woman he loved and, according to Shakespeare, gave the most beautiful of all speeches on England.

Reviews

In ShakespearesRichard II, John of Gaunt gives the this scepterd isle this England speech. This vivid history brings to life his princely ambitions and passion.

-- The Times, Best Books of 2021

Helen Carr has captured the drama of [John of Gaunts] life and the tensions inherent in it in a compelling portrait. In so doing, she reminds us of the contradictions of a period remote from our own, not just in time but in values and beliefs too Carr has brought to life one of the major figures of medieval England.

-- Linda Porter, Literary Review

The Red Prince is notjust a book of battles and wars. Carrs John of Gaunt is a man who loved as passionately as he fought Carrs sensitive use of contemporary sources paints a poignant deathbed scene in The Red Prince it is the towering figure of John of Gaunt, a thoroughly European Englishman, who takes centre stage and its a stirring and memorable performance.

-- Leanda de Lisle, The Times

Helen Carr is a really exciting new talent in the world of history writing, whose work strikes a perfect balance between lucidity and scholarship. Her debut,The Red Prince, is a beautifully nuanced portrait of an oft misunderstood man.

-- Rebecca Rideal, author of 1666: Plague, War and Hellfire

Superb, gripping and fascinating, here is John of Gaunt and a cast of kings, killers and queens brought blazingly, sensitively and swashbucklingly to life. An outstanding debut.

-- Simon Sebag Montefiore

A long overdue reappraisal of one of medieval Englands greatest but most enigmatic figures. The Red Prince announces Helen Carr as one of the most exciting new voices in narrative history.

-- Dan Jones, author of the Plantagenets and The Hollow Crown

Helen Carr is one of the most exciting and talented young historians out there. She has a passion for medieval history which is infectious and is always energetic and engaging, whether on the printed page or the screen.

-- Dan Snow

Deploying vivid and compelling prose alongside her considerable scholarship, Helen Carr fully succeeds in restoring John of Gaunt to his rightful place in the first rank of medieval princes. This is an excellent book, that brings the fourteenth century back to life through a thoughtful parade of intriguing characters none more fascinating than John of Gaunt himself.

-- Charles Spencer, bestselling author of Blenheim and Killers of the King

John of Gaunt is a name to conjure with an English duke who sought to become a king in Spain, a complicated, controversial man to whom, as time-honourd Lancaster, Shakespeare gives one of his greatest speeches. Helen Carr puts him centre stage: The Red Prince is the rattling good story of a life lived on an epic scale, told with care, insight and humanity.

-- Helen Castor, author of She-Wolves and Joan of Arc

Helen Carr tells the gripping story of John of Gaunts dramatic and controversial career, from the wars he waged across Europe to the political intrigue and rebellion he faced at home, and above all the way in which his life was marked by profound love, and loss. This is an engaging and moving portrait of one of the leading figures of the Hundred Years War.

-- Sophie Thrse Ambler, author of The Song of Simon de Montfort

This biography explores the motivations of a complex figure who, for years, skilfully moved through a world of chivalry, legislative machinations and enormous wealth This isa compelling profile of a pivotal figure in English history.

-- History Revealed

His fame has faded in recent years but Helen Carrsabsorbing new biographyreturns him to his rightful place.

-- Daily Mail

An absorbing biography of one of the great figures of the English past.

-- New European

[The] opening reference is typical of the nuances of Carrs portrayal of an often-misunderstood figureCarr presentsan authoritative account, acknowledging all aspects of a complex character whose devotion to royal privilege was equally a convoluted illustration of his own interests.

-- Emma J. Wells, TLS

Helen Carrs spellbinding and richly researched debut biography looks at one of the major medieval figures in Britain with a fresh and appealing perspective Carr tells his story with conviction and fascinatingly rich detail.

-- Boisdale Life

Author Bio

Helenis a medieval historian, writer and documentary history producer. She has produced history documentaries for leading channels such as the BBC, CNN and Sky, and worked in radio for BBC Radio 4s weekly programmeIn Our Time.Helenis a regular features writer forBBC History Magazineand has contributed to theNew StatesmanandHistory Extra. She is now studying for a PhD in medieval history and runs her own podcast,Hidden Histories, available on iTunes. @HelenhCarr