A “brilliantly written and meticulously researched” biography of royal family life during England’s second Tudor monarch (San Francisco Chronicle). Either annulled, executed, died in childbirth, or widowed, these were the well-known fates of the six queens during the tempestuous, bloody, and splendid reign of Henry VIII of England from 1509 to 1547. But in this “exquisite treatment, sure to … “exquisite treatment, sure to become a classic” (Booklist), they take on more fully realized flesh and blood than ever before. Katherine of Aragon emerges as a staunch though misguided woman of principle; Anne Boleyn, an ambitious adventuress with a penchant for vengeance; Jane Seymour, a strong-minded matriarch in the making; Anne of Cleves, a good-natured woman who jumped at the chance of independence; Katherine Howard, an empty-headed wanton; and Katherine Parr, a warm-blooded bluestocking who survived King Henry to marry a fourth time.
“Combin[ing] the accessibility of a popular history with the highest standards of a scholarly thesis”, Alison Weir draws on the entire labyrinth of Tudor history, employing every known archive—early biographies, letters, memoirs, account books, and diplomatic reports—to bring vividly to life the fates of the six queens, the machinations of the monarch they married and the myriad and ceaselessly plotting courtiers in their intimate circle (The Detroit News).
In this extraordinary work of sound and brilliant scholarship, “at last we have the truth about Henry VIII’s wives” (Evening Standard).
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After reading lots of romantic fiction from the period of Henry VIII, (and needing a good long book for recovery from surgery), I chose this book because I knew its contents would be substantiated by an excellent biography and Alison Weird’s thorough research. It not only did not disappoint; it went above and beyond. I found it fascinating, …
Well written. It describes in detail the relation of King Henry with each of his wives, as well as the historical facts of the period.
Alison Weir’s Tudor non-fiction is OK. While she doesn’t present anything new or challenging, her history stuff is easy to read and enjoyable. I think she just writes popular history, and there is nothing wrong with that.
Since I discovered the musical “Six,” I have been on a kick to learn more about Henry VIII’s wives. This is the best book I’ve read on the subject. Well-researched and well-written. Highly recommend.
Quite a fine volume! This covers a period in time that was the ‘rule of Henry VIII’. As it most definitely was. One encounters the many sides of this king and how he shaped/reshaped history.
Learning about the Queens of in the era was interesting, although I found this book less entertaining then the ones I read my “Weir”. A bit boring.
Loved it!!!
Can’t go wrong with Alison Weir!
This book portryaed the wives of Henry the 8th in realistic fashion as well as revealed the political forces that drove his marriages, with love being almost absent in most.
Alison Weir does not disappoint.
Very good writer
One of my favorite books ever. Even though it is a biography, the author writes in a way that makes you feel like you are reading a new story.
Best book I’ve read on the wives. Packed with great biographical details.
Amazing detail of events (a bit too much at times). I’m only up to wife two, but I suspect that I’ll no longer have any trouble remembering the sequence of Henry VIII’s wives.
What’s more, the author supplies loads of background regarding what else was happening in the rest of Europe while England was undergoing a pivotal historical period.
Well …
Allison Weir has a reputation for writing great historical nonfiction. This book draws you to the Tudor reign of Henry the Eighth and his many wives. It provides a realistic view of life at this time based upon the historical writings of this era. This book is an excellent read and I highly recommend its’ purchase!
Interesting and I was really happy to finally learn about all His wives. Great Reading ..
I’ve read most of Alison’s Henry VIII books. This was one of the best. But, all very good. I paid dearly for it. Then, the sale. I love English history and literature. I can only read one occasionally because I end up dreaming I’m in England. Blimey!
I have read this book several times, whenever I need a “Tudor fix.” It is well written, easily understood, fascinating. It reads more like a novel than a history book. It has lead me to buy more books on the Tudor era and its people. I highly recommend it for anyone who is interested in this era. — S.T. Pierce
Extremely well researched and packed with interesting facts. A bit challenging to follow. Lots of historical characters and web-like family connections. All worth the effort if you are seeking detailed knowledge of Henry’s wives.
I love historical fiction and everything Henry VIll.