Born in Prague in 1619, Prince Rupert was set for a life of enormous privilege but when his father, Frederick V, lost his crown RupertтАЩs family were left with just eight years to flee Prague тАУ they hastened to safety, but left the infant Rupert behind. He was discovered in a final sweep of the deserted palace.
This is the adventurous story of Rupert, from his decision at the age of twelve to become a soldier, through the Thirty Years War and his entry into England, where he became an infamous presence on the battlefield, a classically handsome, swaggering, expert cavalier, and a fierce Royalist who would defend King Charles I to the death throughout the Civil War.
Charles Spencer was educated at Eton College and obtained his degree in Modern History at Magdalen College, Oxford. He was a reporter on NBCтАЩs Today show from 1986 until 1995, and is the author of seven books, including the Sunday Times bestsellers Blenheim: Battle for Europe (shortlisted for History Book of the Year, National Book Awards) and Killers of the King: The Men Who Dared to Execute Charles I.