Much  myth  and  fantasy  surrounds  the  events  of  the  Wars  of  the Roses: a bloody and prolonged dynastic struggle between the houses of York and Lancaster. Terence Wise's fascinating text lays bare the real  story,  and  examines  the  armies,  liveries  and  badges  of  the conflict.  The  author's  readable  account  provides  a  comprehensive guide as to who fought whom, where, when, why and for what, from the  origins  of  the  Wars  to  such  famous  battles as Tewkesbury and Bosworth. The accompanying  photographs,  illustrations  and  colour plates by Gerry Embleton clearly detail the arms, armour and standards of the time.

In the latter part of the 16th century, Spain was the major international power and her leader, King Phillip II, pledged to conquer the Protestant heretics in England. He envisioned a two pronged attack. He would send his ‘Invincible Armada’ of 125 ships into the English Channel where it would link up with the Duke of Parma. The Armada would ferry the Duke's soldiers across the straight of Dover and these troops would march on London, seize the Queen, and proceed to conquer the entire country. Over 400 years have passed since this momentous expedition 'sailed and failed', but its fascination and significance remain undiminished.