Just an avid reader. Mostly SF/Fantasy, some hobbies, paranormal, urban fantasy and lighter, fluffier things.
Well, author is certainly giving Richard a personality. Early yet, so not sure how much will be history and how much imagined/projected.
Definitely a modern outlook where he's ahead of times in giving peasants consideration and listening to democratic ideals sort of thing.
Definitely from a youthful prospective where, of course (snark), the imagination and energy and schemes of the younger set are clealry superior to the old fuddy duddies.
This is for a booklikes bookclub read if anyone wants to join in at http://booklikes.com/book-clubs/10/more-historical-than-fiction .