This publication is very much focused on Richard III himself and consists of several chapters focusing on different themes presented by the Greyfriars research team. It is well written and informative, with a good selection of colour images. The book opens by stating that it is about the discovery of a ‘notorious and enigmatic monarch’ and each chapter that follows has the input of the numerous academic researchers involved in the project. Chapter 2 provides us with details of the friary, the evidence for where Richard III may have been buried, and on the excavations undertaken in 2012. Chapter 3 goes on to focus on the friary and medieval life in Leicester, putting the man into the context of the period in which he lived. Chapter 4 details the various analyses that were carried out by different specialists on the skeletal remains presenting the results in a clear and concise manner with some good explanatory diagrams. Chapter 5 goes on to give historical information on Richard from his early years through to the Battle of Bosworth and beyond to his portrayal after death. Chapter 6 focuses on the results of the DNA analysis detailing which living individuals should be related to Richard III. Here they present the revelation that whilst the MtDNA (female line) was a match to those found using genealogy, the YDNA (male line) was not. Chapter 7 focuses on trying to determine what Richard III would have looked like, discussing known portraits and giving the detail of how the facial reconstruction was approached. Chapter 8 concerns itself with the announcement of the results to the public and with the media circus that Leicester University staff found themselves having to cope with. Chapter 9 goes back to focus on Leicester and the legends that built up surrounding Richard III within the city. The book finishes with details on the reburial of the medieval King.
While presenting this as a definitive account of the discovery of Richard III, the authors do not shy away from the fact that some of the evidence did not fit what was expected. For example they note that the results from the DNA analysis, suggesting that he had blue eyes and blond hair, were obtained after the facial reconstruction model had been made. They also make reference to some academics that have been critical of the process and of the smooth media machine that the University created. One of the best things about this book is the lovely colour images of the skeleton, especially the elements that show the evidence for trauma. This is a great book for those with an interest in all things Richard III and for those who want to gain more historical information on medieval Leicester.
Comparison with Digging for Richard III: How archaeology found the King
Read Digging for Richard III: How archaeology found the King review
Digging for Richard III: How archaeology found the King is very much a tale of the characters involved in the discovery of Richard III, and this makes it a fascinating read for anyone with an interest in the people and the processes behind the uncovering of archaeological evidence. In contrast, The Bones of a King: Richard III rediscovered is very much focused on Richard III himself. Whilst this book is not as entertaining a read as that of Pitts, it does give a further level of detail on the historical and archaeological information which makes reading the two books together worthwhile. Both are well written and informative, and whilst Pitts has a captivating and immensely readable style, that I’m sure all readers will enjoy, for more information on the interpretations from the researchers themselves The Bones of a King: Richard III rediscovered is the more detailed option.