Edward IV: The Summer King (Penguin Monarchs)

In 1461 Edward Earl of March, a handsome 18-year old of massive charisma and ability, usurped the English throne from Henry VI. Ten years on, he finally secured his kingdom. The years that followed witnessed a period of peace and economic and industrial expansion. Yet, argues A. J. Pollard, Edward, who squandered his undoubted talents in a frenzy of sexual and epicurean excess, was a man of limited vision. Ultimately, his failure was dynastic: barely two months after his death in April 1483, his young son and heir was usurped by Edward's youngest brother, Richard III.