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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I really enjoy English history, particularly the history of the royal family. Henry VIII was a monumental figure in the history of England. His six wives are an interesting part of his life and the times he lived in. I really loved this book!
If you enjoyed the tv show “The Tudors” you should read this. This is a history book that reads like a novel. Truly informative and enjoyable.
Love historical novels. This had a lot of info in it
The book was interesting and I enjoyed it.
Alison Weir is my favorite author on the subject of English royal history. Thoughtful, well-researched, and elegantly written.
Henry VIII what more can you say.
Tons of information ontained in a very readable book. A great author!
The book was terrific. Very informative.
I really enjoy Ms. Weir’s writing style and attention to historical detail. Her style is lively and she keeps the story moving along.
Well written, never dull.