Arthurian Myths and Alchemy: The Kingship of Edward IV

Edward IV ruled England for twenty-three years through the Wars of the Roses but has always been overshadowed by his younger brother Richard III, who reigned for only two.

In this controversial new book award-winning author Jonathan Hughes examines Edward's emotional and spiritual life for the first time and reveals an equally complicated and charismatic character: alongside great energy, intelligence, inspirational leadership and charm Edward displayed darker characteristics such as compulsive womanizing and eating, and tendencies towards cruelty, avarice, inertia, indecision and melancholy.

Hughes' explanation of the light and dark sides of Edward's personality highlights the cultural significance in the Yorkist court of Arthurian myths, classical legends and Roman history, and the concepts of friendship, courtly love and melancholia.