THE SEVENTH SON A Unique Portrait of Richard III

History buffs beware. Though Reay Tannahill's narrative is entertaining, it offers little insight into the complex personality demonized by Shakespeare in RICHARD III. About two-thirds of the book focuses on the life of Richard before his brother King Edward dies, and little time is devoted to the mystery surrounding who killed the heir, Edward, age 12, and his younger brother, Richard. Even the deterioration of Richard and Anne's marriage is not examined adequately. Historical material is Stephen Thorne's metier, and he handles all the ups and downs of late fifteenth-century England with skill, wit, and elegance. His Anne Neville is graceful, sympathetic, and charming. Richard is commanding and brilliant. M.D.H. (c) AudioFile 2002, Portland, Maine [Published: OCT/ NOV 02]