War, revolution and love – dazzling medieval history from a rising star
Helen is 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 4’s weekly programme In Our Time. Helen is a regular features writer for BBC History Magazine and has contributed to the New Statesman and History Extra. She is now studying for a PhD in medieval history and runs her own podcast, Hidden Histories, available on iTunes. @HelenhCarr
‘In Shakespeare’s Richard II, John of Gaunt gives the “this
scepter’d 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 Gaunt’s] 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 not…just a book of battles and wars. Carr’s John
of Gaunt is a man who loved as passionately as he fought… Carr’s
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
it’s 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 England’s 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-honour’d 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 Gaunt’s 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 Thérèse 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 is a compelling profile
of a pivotal figure in English history.’
*History Revealed*
‘His fame has faded in recent years but Helen Carr’s absorbing
new biography returns 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 Carr’s
portrayal of an often-misunderstood figure… Carr
presents an 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 Carr’s 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*
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