The Psychology of Richard III: A Cautionary Tale for Modern Leadership

Description

Richard III was always a figure of historical debate, and interest has increased since the discovery of his remains in a Leicester car park in 2012. In this book, Mark Lansdale asks: can modern psychological theory tell us more about one of England’s most controversial kings?

THE PSYCHOLOGY OF RICHARD III offers an accessible account of psychological theory for the layperson and applies it to Richard’s life from birth to his final tumultuous years as King. The book offers a fascinating insight into the development of his character, his decision-making, and the impact of scoliosis on his social interactions in his later years.

This unusual book brings history and psychology together to examine the psychological forces that motivate leaders in peace and crisis. It offers a coherent account of Richard’s life 500 years ago alongside a cautionary tale for contemporary leaders who are subject to the same psychological influences that sealed Richard’s fate.

Mark Lansdale was educated at Trinity College, Cambridge, where he was awarded an MA and Ph.D. in Experimental Psychology. He’s held professorships at the Universities of Loughborough, Nottingham Trent and Leicester, and while at Leicester was seconded to the team that revealed Richard III’s burial site. His career research interests are in the understanding of human memory and thought, he has published numerous books and academic articles journals and acted as a consultant for a number of clients including Apple and British Gas. He has made numerous radio broadcasts; appearing on the BBC Radio 4 show ‘Know Your Memory’ with Mariella Frostrup. He is now retired and lives in Leicestershire.