The Red Prince : The Life of John of Gaunt, the Duke of Lancaster

by Helen Carr

• Paperback
• 304 pages
• Order your copy in time for 'An Evening with Helen Carr' on 25th April. Tickets bookable via: https://www.ticketsource.co.uk/whats-on/rugby/macready-theatre/looking-back-why-the-past-matters-in-the-present/2025-04-25/19:30/t-molnrgq

War, revolution, treason and love – the thrilling tale of Sir John of Gaunt brought to life by medieval history's rising star. ‘The Red Prince announces Helen Carr as one of the most exciting new voices in narrative history.’ Dan JonesSon of Edward III, brother to the Black Prince, father to Henry IV and the sire of all the Tudors. Always close to the English throne, John of Gaunt left a complex legacy.

Too rich, too powerful, too haughty… did he have his eye on his nephew’s throne? Why was he such a focus of hate in the Peasants’ Revolt?In examining the life of a pivotal medieval figure, Helen Carr paints a revealing portrait of a man who held the levers of power on the English and European stage, passionately upheld chivalric values, pressed for the Bible to be translated into English, patronised the arts, ran huge risks to pursue the woman he loved… and, according to Shakespeare, gave the most beautiful of all speeches on England.