Matthew Lewis

This book charts the extraordinary rise of the Neville family to their leading position on the local and national stage. The most powerful and most famous member of this family was Richard Neville, Earl of Warwick, a man remembered by history as The Kingmaker. Warwick rose to fame steadily, as his family had done for generations, following in his father's footsteps with a spectacular marriage that brought even more power. His rise gathered pace as the political situation in England worsened. The decision of the Neville faction to back the Yorkist cause was critical to the next thirty years of English politics. Why did the Nevilles abandon the Lancastrian regime that had brought them wealth and power? Could the rupture have been avoided? Returning to primary source material, this book shows what drove a man trusted by Henry VI into opposition and eventually to take the field of battle, playing a key role in unseating the Lancastrian dynasty. Warwick's famous and spectacular fall from favor under the king he helped create, Edward IV, is explained. Warwick would go from trusted guardian of the king's youngest brother to pariah, taking the king hostage only to be forced to release him before being driven from the country. How did he rise so high only to fall so far? Why did he decide to re-establish the Lancastrian regime he had toppled a decade earlier? In short order, Warwick would lie dead on the field at Barnet, killed by his old friend and prot g King Edward IV. Is history right to remember Warwick as a Kingmaker? Was he an arrogant man who overreached himself or a victim of a king who needed to prove he was his own man? A vastly wealthy lord with a popular common touch, a full re-examination of this most spectacular of medieval lives will seek to answer these questions.

Alabama is home to an unmatched biodiversity that is often referred to as America's Amazon. This translates into an abundant amount of fish diversity for fly anglers to pursue, in both fresh and salt water. Northeast Alabama contains the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains and as you travel south the rocky hills transform into coastal plains and tea-colored bayous before reaching the sandy shores of the Gulf Coast. Each one of these unique areas creates a habitat that shapes the type of life found there. From smallmouth bass in the Tennessee Valley to redeye bass in the upland streams around Birmingham to the multiple large rivers and lakes with trophy bass fishing to redfish in the salty marsh around Grand Bay, the fly-fishing opportunities available in Alabama are endless.

In "Notebook Whispers," the delicate interplay of ink and emotion unfolds across the pages, inviting readers into a world where thoughts transform into lyrical beauty. This collection is a heartfelt exploration of the whispers that fill the quiet spaces of our minds-moments of love, loss, and self-discovery woven together through vivid imagery and evocative language. Each poem serves as a snapshot of the human experience, capturing fleeting feelings and timeless truths in a dance of words. With a keen eye for detail and a profound depth of sentiment, the author takes us on a journey through the peaks and valleys of life, encouraging us to listen closely to the subtle messages hidden within our own reflections. Ideal for both seasoned poetry lovers and newcomers alike, "Notebook Whispers" is a testament to the power of the written word, reminding us that every thought penned down can resonate deeply, echoing long after the final stanza. Immerse yourself in this enchanting collection, and let the whispers guide you through the pages of your own heart.

In "A Love That Will Fade," the reader is invited to explore the delicate intricacies of love, loss, and the ephemeral nature of human connection. Each poem serves as a poignant reflection on moments shared and the inevitable passage of time that transforms passion into memory. With lyrical grace, the author captures the essence of heartbreak and the bittersweet beauty found in fleeting relationships. From the giddy adrenaline of first love to the quiet acceptance of an ending, these verses woven together create a tapestry of emotions that linger long after the last page is turned. This collection is both a celebration and a lament, reminiscent of sunsets that paint the sky in vibrant hues before surrendering to dusk. "A Love That Will Fade" is an exploration of how love, even when it fades, leaves an indelible mark on the soul. Let these words guide you through the tender landscapes of affection and the wisdom gained from letting go.

In "A Love That Will Fade," the reader is invited to explore the delicate intricacies of love, loss, and the ephemeral nature of human connection. Each poem serves as a poignant reflection on moments shared and the inevitable passage of time that transforms passion into memory. With lyrical grace, the author captures the essence of heartbreak and the bittersweet beauty found in fleeting relationships. From the giddy adrenaline of first love to the quiet acceptance of an ending, these verses woven together create a tapestry of emotions that linger long after the last page is turned. This collection is both a celebration and a lament, reminiscent of sunsets that paint the sky in vibrant hues before surrendering to dusk. "A Love That Will Fade" is an exploration of how love, even when it fades, leaves an indelible mark on the soul. Let these words guide you through the tender landscapes of affection and the wisdom gained from letting go.

In "Chronicles of the Time-Traveling Tourist," embark on an extraordinary journey through the tapestry of time, where each poem serves as a portal to new eras and unseen landscapes. This enchanting collection weaves together the thrill of exploration with the contemplative nature of existence, inviting readers to traverse ancient civilizations, witness the echoes of pivotal moments, and dive deep into the imaginative realms of the past and future. The verses resonate with vivid imagery and rich emotion, capturing the essence of timeless beauty and the interplay of history and nostalgia. From the bustling streets of a Victorian city to the serene silence of a distant future, each poem functions as a memento from an improbable traveler who collects experiences instead of souvenirs. As you turn the pages, you'll meet fascinating characters, encounter whispers of forgotten tales, and reflect on the connections that bind humanity across centuries. "Chronicles of the Time-Traveling Tourist" is not just a collection of poems; it's an invitation to explore the infinite possibilities of time and the delicate threads of our shared journey.

In "Chronicles of the Time-Traveling Tourist," embark on an extraordinary journey through the tapestry of time, where each poem serves as a portal to new eras and unseen landscapes. This enchanting collection weaves together the thrill of exploration with the contemplative nature of existence, inviting readers to traverse ancient civilizations, witness the echoes of pivotal moments, and dive deep into the imaginative realms of the past and future. The verses resonate with vivid imagery and rich emotion, capturing the essence of timeless beauty and the interplay of history and nostalgia. From the bustling streets of a Victorian city to the serene silence of a distant future, each poem functions as a memento from an improbable traveler who collects experiences instead of souvenirs. As you turn the pages, you'll meet fascinating characters, encounter whispers of forgotten tales, and reflect on the connections that bind humanity across centuries. "Chronicles of the Time-Traveling Tourist" is not just a collection of poems; it's an invitation to explore the infinite possibilities of time and the delicate threads of our shared journey.

In "Solaris Stranded," journey through the luminous realms of emotion and existential introspection as the poet conjures the vastness of the cosmos alongside the intricacies of the human experience. With each stanza, the reader is invited to explore themes of isolation, longing, and connection, drawing parallels between the infinite stars and the depths of the heart. This collection weaves rich imagery and evocative language, illuminating the moments of solitude that echo through the universe. As the verses unfold, a narrative emerges-one of being lost yet finding solace in the beauty of the unknown. "Solaris Stranded" beckons those who dare to look beyond the horizon, reminding us that even in moments of desolation, there exists a radiant spark of hope and a profound sense of wonder.

"Empty Arms" is a poignant exploration of longing, loss, and the quiet strength that emerges from vulnerability. Through a tapestry of evocative verses, the poet delves into the depths of heartache, capturing the raw emotions of separation and the aching desire for connection. Each poem serves as a mirror reflecting the silent struggles and beautiful resilience that accompany the experience of love and absence. As the reader journeys through the pages, they are met with vivid imagery and heartfelt language that resonate with anyone who has ever felt the weight of empty arms. This collection invites you to embrace your own stories of yearning and healing, ultimately reminding us that even in our most solitary moments, we are never truly alone.

In "Solaris Stranded," journey through the luminous realms of emotion and existential introspection as the poet conjures the vastness of the cosmos alongside the intricacies of the human experience. With each stanza, the reader is invited to explore themes of isolation, longing, and connection, drawing parallels between the infinite stars and the depths of the heart. This collection weaves rich imagery and evocative language, illuminating the moments of solitude that echo through the universe. As the verses unfold, a narrative emerges-one of being lost yet finding solace in the beauty of the unknown. "Solaris Stranded" beckons those who dare to look beyond the horizon, reminding us that even in moments of desolation, there exists a radiant spark of hope and a profound sense of wonder.

In "You Are My Adventure," embark on a lyrical journey that celebrates the boundless exploration of love and connection. Each poem serves as a vivid waypoint, capturing the essence of shared experiences, the thrill of discovery, and the intimate moments that define our relationships. Through elegant verses and evocative imagery, the author invites readers to traverse landscapes of emotion, from the exhilarating heights of passion to the tranquil valleys of companionship. This collection is a testament to the beauty of vulnerability and the courage it takes to embrace life's unpredictable path alongside someone special. Let the words in this enchanting volume inspire you to seek your own adventures, as love intertwines with the everyday, turning each moment into a treasured memory. "You Are My Adventure" is a heartfelt tribute to romantic journeys that remind us that every love story is an adventure waiting to be told.

In "You Are My Adventure," embark on a lyrical journey that celebrates the boundless exploration of love and connection. Each poem serves as a vivid waypoint, capturing the essence of shared experiences, the thrill of discovery, and the intimate moments that define our relationships. Through elegant verses and evocative imagery, the author invites readers to traverse landscapes of emotion, from the exhilarating heights of passion to the tranquil valleys of companionship. This collection is a testament to the beauty of vulnerability and the courage it takes to embrace life's unpredictable path alongside someone special. Let the words in this enchanting volume inspire you to seek your own adventures, as love intertwines with the everyday, turning each moment into a treasured memory. "You Are My Adventure" is a heartfelt tribute to romantic journeys that remind us that every love story is an adventure waiting to be told.

The Anarchy was the first civil war in post-Conquest England, enduring throughout the reign of King Stephen between 1135 and 1154\. It ultimately brought about the end of the Norman dynasty and the birth of the mighty Plantagenet kings. When Henry I died having lost his only legitimate son in a shipwreck, he had caused all of his barons to swear to recognize his daughter Matilda, widow of the Holy Roman Emperor, as his heir and remarried her to Geoffrey, Count of Anjou. When she was slow to move to England on her father’s death, Henry’s favourite nephew Stephen of Blois rushed to have himself crowned, much as Henry himself had done on the death of his brother William Rufus. Supported by his brother Henry, Bishop of Winchester, Stephen made a promising start, but Matilda would not give up her birthright and tried to hold the English barons to their oaths. The result was more than a decade of civil war that saw England split apart. Empress Matilda is often remembered as aloof and high-handed, Stephen as ineffective and indecisive. By following both sides of the dispute and seeking to understand their actions and motivations, Matthew Lewis aims to reach a more rounded understanding of this crucial period of English history and asks to what extent there really was anarchy. 'A thoroughly researched yet accessible account of the civil war of the twelfth century; Matthew Lewis takes an even-handed approach to his two protagonists while rightly questioning how ‘anarchic’ the Anarchy really was. The result is an informative, pacy and compelling read about an exciting period of English history' - Catherine Hanley, author of Matilda: Empress, Queen, Warrior (Yale University Press, 2019).

‘A.W. Boardman’s latest book is another triumph of careful research, insight and feel for his subject. It’’s also very readable. For me, this is the best book currently available on the period.’ – John Simpson, BBC NewsThe Siege of London on 12–14 May 1471 is a largely forgotten episode in the Wars of the Roses, but its implications were so far-reaching that the fate of the Lancastrian dynasty was sealed forever.Edward IV’s gamble to reclaim the throne for the House of York was a triumph against the odds, yet even after winning two crucial battles against the Lancastrians, his position was far from assured. He might have been confident of total victory if not for Thomas Neville, the Bastard of Fauconberg, who, along with thousands of ordinary people, stormed London in a desperate attempt to free Henry VI from captivity.In The Rose, the Bastard and the Saint King, the first ever full-length study of the siege of London and its aftermath, A.W. Boardman uses contemporary evidence to uncover the truth behind the rebellion of 1471 and the death of the last Lancastrian King of England. He also reveals answers to long-awaited questions such as where the battles for London took place? Who was the Bastard of Fauconberg? Why did Henry VI continue to be revered as a saint long after his death? And was the future Richard III actually responsible for Henry’s murder?

The murder of the Princes in the Tower is the most famous cold case in British history. Traditionally considered victims of their ruthless uncle, there are other suspects too often and too easily discounted. There may be no definitive answer, but by delving into the context of their disappearance and the characters of the suspects, Matthew Lewis examines the motives and opportunities afresh, as well as asking a crucial but often overlooked question: what if there was no murder? What if Edward V and his brother Richard, Duke of York, survived their uncle’s reign and even that of their brother-in-law Henry VII?In this new and updated edition, compelling evidence is presented to suggest the Princes survived, which is considered alongside the possibility of their deaths to provide a rounded and complete assessment of the most fascinating mystery in history.

Henry II became King of England in 1154 after twenty years of civil war. He was the first Plantagenet king, the founder of England’s most successful and longest-ruling dynasty. But Henry did not come to the throne alone. He had married Eleanor of Aquitaine, a feisty, formidable and powerful woman ten years his senior. Eleanor had spent fifteen years married to Louis VII of France before he divorced her, only to be angered when she married his young rival. Together, they were a medieval power couple who soon added the ultimate rank of king and queen consort to their list of titles. With them, the Angevin Empire was born. Over the decades, a wedge was driven between the king, fiercely protective of his empire, and Eleanor, who felt restrained in her husband’s shadow. Henry imprisoned his wife, fought his elder sons and pinned his hopes on his youngest, whose betrayal was the last straw. This book charts the early lives of Henry and Eleanor before they became a European power couple and examines the impact of their union on contemporaries and European politics. It explores the birth of the Angevin Empire that spread from Northumberland to the Mediterranean, and the causes of the disintegration of that vast territory, as well as the troublesome relationships between Henry and his sons, who dragged their father to the battlefield to defend his lands from their ambitious intriguing.