England's Empty Throne

<p>After the dethronement and subsequent murder of Richard II the usurping Lancastrian dynasty faced an exceptional challenge. Interrupting a long period of Plantagenet rule Henry IV and Henry V needed not only to establish physical possession of the English throne but to occupy it symbolically as well. In this boldly revisionary book Paul Strohm provides a new account of the Lancastrian revolution and its aftermath.</p><p>Integrating techniques of literary and historical analysis he reveals the Lancastrian monarchs as masters of outward display persuasively performing their kingship through a variety of novel ceremonies in a quest for legitimacy. He also describes far-reaching Lancastrian experiments in domination including the proscription of prophecy; the enlistment of poetry as court propaganda; the extensive use of spies and informers; and most ambitiously the redefinition of treason to cover not only overt deeds but words and thoughts as well.</p><p>Strohm's account of the Lancastrian quest for legitimacy and the uses of symbolic power illuminates--indeed recasts--our understanding of a period of unprecedented political upheaval.</p>