The Sunne in Splendour

Product Information

Ms. Penman's novel, rich in detail and research, attempts to set the record straight . . . it is an uncommonly fine novel, one that brings a far-off time to brilliant life." Clear My Name: Penman wrote the book partially to do this for Richard. Also, toward the end, the characters become increasingly concerned about how history will view them.

Teen Pregnancy: Richard was in his teens when he fathered his bastard children Johnny and Katherine. You Need to Get Laid: As Richard broods over the loss of Anne and his exile in Flanders, his friends encourage him to hook up with a prostitute to forget his troubles. Edward, of all people, interrupts him to have a talk before finally also encouraging Richard to enjoy himself. Ms. Penman’s novel, rich in detail and research, attempts to set the record straight . . . it is an uncommonly fine novel, one that brings a far-off time to brilliant life.”Old Dog: Gareth is given to Richard when the dog is just a puppy and Richard is still a boy. But time passes, and Richard and Anne, now adults, find the old dog's passing sorrowful. Be of good comfort and dread not! This is a good sign, for these three suns betoken the Father, the Son and the Holy Ghost, and therefore let us have a good heart, and in the name of Almighty God go we against our enemies.” --King Edward IV of England to his army before the Battle of Mortimer’s Cross, February 2 1461 Red Dragon: This badge was not originally, as now, shown passant upon a green mount. The mount, no doubt, originated from the fact that the red dragon was used upon a standard of the livery colours (Tudor), white and green. Woodward refers to another standard, in which the red dragon is inflamed and the field seme of flames. The dragon, according to early Welsh tradition, was of "ruddy gold," and is to be found both red and gold The Sunne in Splendour, a novel about Richard III of England is one of the most popular books on the Historical Novel Society's list of best historical novels. In 1996, following the success of When Christ and His Saints Slept (which dealt with the Anarchy and the early career of King Henry II of England), Penman ventured into the historical whodunnit with four mysteries set in the court of Eleanor of Aquitaine during the reign of Richard I. The mysteries did not enjoy the same success as her "straight" historical novels, Penman received her bachelor's degree from the University of Texas at Austin, she majored in history, and also received a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from Rutgers University School of Law, and later worked as a tax lawyer. Perfectly Arranged Marriage: the marriage between Bess and Henry Tudor turned out surprisingly well.

Arranged Marriage: A fact of life for most of the characters, even Anne and Richard originally had an arranged marriage though the plans were set aside. Edward, however, rejects his arranged marriage and marries Elizabeth Woodville, and this causes much strife. Overlaps heavily with Altar Diplomacy. A representation of the sun is used as a heraldic charge. The most usual form, often called sun in splendour or in his glory, consists of a round disc with the features of a human face surrounded by twelve or sixteen rays alternating wavy and straight. [2] [3] The alternating straight and wavy rays are often said to represent the light and heat of the sun respectively. [4] Like Father, Like Son: Henry Tudor's initial attitude towards Bess was based on his disdain towards her mother Elizabeth Woodville. Later in the book, Richard stays loyal to Edward, serves as The Lancer and becomes one of the only people Edward truly trusts. Meanwhile, George keeps foolishly thinking he can get the better of Edward, which eventually leads to his death. Those who know Richard III from Shakespeare will find that Sharon Kay Penman presents a contrasting view of the English monarch . . . He's an altogether nice man, a romantic hero as suitable to our late twentieth-century standards . . . as he was to those of medieval England . . . There is a vengeful quality to her insistence that is appealing; it makes for a good story. The New York Times Book ReviewLccn 89090933 Ocr ABBYY FineReader 8.0 Ocr_converted abbyy-to-hocr 1.1.11 Ocr_module_version 0.0.14 Openlibrary_edition