Dickon

16th May 1929

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Marjorie Bowen

          This book, wrote by Marjorie Bowen and published this year, shows Richard III's life and it begins in 1460. I remind you his father Richard, Duke of York , his bother, Edmund, Earl of Rutland and his uncle Richard, Earl of Salisbury are beheaded at Wakefield. This is the first exil of Richard in Burgundy.

          In this novel, Sir John Fogge, a supporter of Edward IV at first and then a faithful man of Henry VII, made his enter. And under Richard III's reign, he fought against him.

          Divided in three sections, this novel follow Richard during his early life until 1466, under his brother's service (1470-1472), the time when he was torn between his two brothers and cousin. The third part is until his death at Borsworth in 1485.

         Marjorie gives lot of details as his violent father's death. Then " the King's sudden death and Richard's own shock to discover that his brother's marriage was not legal, his own elevation to the throne of England, the tragic deaths of his wife and son and finally his betrayal and death at Bosworth. It seems that Bowen believes that Richard was completely unconnected with the mysterious disappearances of The Princes in the Tower for unlike some other fictional treatments, such as Michael Tyler-Whittle's Richard III, The Last Plantagenet, the episode is never even referred to in the book. In fact, the two princes are still presumably alive when Richard meets his own death." ∞ Moreover, Richard is showed completely loyal to his brother the king and faith to his family.

            Marjorie Bowen is one of the person who are convinced of his innocence in the murder of his beloved nephews, and this book received nice reviews.

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Your View Point

Lady Eleanor Breckton; 23 ; "Refreshing view of a slandered King"

"The novel is using the literary device of an "evil genius" haunting the York branch of the Plantagenets. Well worth reading, especially considering the projected re-evaluation of King Richard III post recovery of his remains."

Suzann Bailmor; 19 ; "Dickon is a novel for the ages"

" "Dickon" is a superb historical novel set against the tangled dynastic and military events of 15th century England and the Wars of the Roses. The author brings the people and events to life so skillfully, you feel they're alive outside the pages of the book. The hero is Richard, Duke of Gloucester, who must grow up quickly from a child witness to the horrors of war into a strong, loyal young soldier who must constantly defend his House of York. He's not the twisted monster depicted by Shakespeare, that propagandist for the Tudors, but a sensitive man, a devoted brother and husband, a just and able ruler. His tragic fate, as he loses nearly everyone he loves, touches our hearts deeply. Marjorie Bowen's language is a delight to read and some passages should be read aloud and savored."

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