When Richard II began his reign in 1377, aged ten, there was every chance for success. Yet twenty-one years later, following a series of revolts and rebellions, the reign ended in deposition and murder. A conference was held at the Centre for Medieval Studies in the University of York to mark the 600th anniversary of the usurpation. Although this book comprises conference papers, they have been presented in an accessible manner, illustrated with notes confined to the closing pages. They paint a portrait of the man Richard, prone to fits of anger and theatrical gesture, his war with France, his relations with Parliament, his inner citadel' of Cheshire, his household, his sense of history, his downfall and, finally, his reputation.