An Evening with Helen Castor - Waterstones York

About the event:Events at Waterstones York are always a memorable evening out, this event will be no exception! Helen Castor will be joining us, discussing her research into the lives of two prolific English monarchs, Richard II and Henry IV. The talk will be followed by a Q&A with the audience and a bookseller will be on hand to help facilitate this.Refreshments will be served and we will hold an open reception 20 minutes before the event begins for guests to meet one another in a relaxed manner. The talk will begin at 7pm, followed by a 20 minute Q&A, starting at approximately 7.50pmAbout the book: She-WolvesThe author of She-Wolves chronicles the lives and reigns of Richard II and Henry IV, two cousins whose rivalry brought their nation to the brink of disintegration - and back again.

Richard of Bordeaux and Henry Bolingbroke were first cousins, born just three months apart. Their lives were from the beginning entwined. When they were still children, Richard was crowned King Richard II with Henry at his side, carrying the sword of state: a ten-year-old lord in the service of his ten-year-old king.

Yet, as the animals on their heraldic badges showed, they grew up to be opposites: Richard was the white hart, a thin-skinned narcissist, and Henry the eagle, a chivalric hero, a leader who inspired loyalty where Richard inspired only fear. Henry had all the qualities Richard lacked, all the qualities a sovereign needed, bar one: birth right. Increasingly threatened by his charismatic cousin, Richard became consumed by the need for total power, in a time of constant conflict, rebellions and reprisals. When he banished Henry into exile, the stage was set for a final confrontation, as the hart became the tyrant and the eagle his usurper.

Helen Castor tells this story of one of the strangest and most fateful relationships in English history. It is a story about power, and masculinity in crisis, and a nation brought to the brink of catastrophe. At its heart, it is the story of two men whose lives were played out in extraordinary parallel, to devastating effect.

Accessing our shop:

Doors open from 18.40 and the event begins at 19.00

Ticketing:

£6 General Admission

£4 Waterstones Plus Card Holders

£16 Book and Ticket.

Accessibility:We have two in store bathrooms, one on each floor.Baby changing facilities are on the ground floor.An elevator is available and the shop entrance is step-free.Parking is restricted, however, cars can access Coney Street from 18.30 for collection and drop off outside of our store.