Kingship and Masculinity in Late Medieval England explores the dynamic between kingship and masculinity in relation to fifteenth century England, with particular focus on Henry V, Henry VI and Edward IV. The role of gender in the rhetoric and practice of medieval kingship is still largely unexplored by medieval historians. Discourses of masculinity informed much of the contemporary comment on fifteenth century kings, for a variety of purposes: to praise and eulogise but also to explain shortcomings and provide justification for deposition.

Katherine J. Lewis considers the extent to...