Fatal Rivalry, Flodden 1513. Henry VIII, James IV and the Battle for Renaissance Britain - Softcover

An impressive young historian, George Goodwin brings detail and understanding to the Battle of Flodden, with all its heroism and melancholy * THE OLDIE * Fatal Rivalry: Flodden 1513 provides a welcome antidote to the usual run of work on the (Tudor) period. George Goodwin places the events of 9 September 1513 in the context of the two kingdoms and their interrelated royal dynasties over the quarter-century leading up to the battle. * LONDON REVIEW OF BOOKS * FATAL RIVALRY is about far more than just one battle, significant though it was. In telling the story that led to Flodden, he recreates the Renaissance splendour of the royal courts of England and Scotland...a hugely enjoyable, enlightening book. -- Tracy Borman * BBC HISTORY * This very readable account unpicks how the peace fell apart and the Scots allied with the French to turn on the English. * GOOD BOOK GUIDE * George Goodwin's previous book, Fatal Colours, was a highly engaging account of the Battle of Towton...Goodwin has produced another entertaining, informative account -- Ed West * THE CATHOLIC HERALD * Goodwin's gripping narrative of the clash and its context makes plain that the modern and well-armed Scots, under the charismatic King James IV, might have turned the tide of our history * THE INDEPENDENT * Readable and authoritative...well-researched and comprehensive * GLASGOW HERALD * Among the books and events marking the 500-year anniversary of this turning point in Anglo/Scottish relations, George Goodwin's Fatal Rivalry: Flodden 1513 is an essential primer. * SUNDAY EXPRESS * Goodwin does a terrific job in building up the protagonists' back stories..Goodwin does a very good job. He's alive to the human story - the 88 members of the Hays family who were killed that day, for example - yet also confident discussing military strategy. -- Toby Clements * DAILY TELEGRAPH * This is a clear account of a great if doomed attempt by the Scots to free themselves from English domination. Good timing. * SUNDAY TIMES *