Books matching: henry viii
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- #1
Save:A richly detailed, thoroughly entertaining look at Henry VIII and the women who shaped - and survived - his turbulent reign. Great for Tudor fans and curious readers, but may be heavy for history newbies.
'The Six Wives of Henry VIII' by Alison Weir is a comprehensive biography that delves into the lives and marriages of King Henry VIII and his six wives. The book offers a unique perspective by focusing on the experiences and perspectives of the wives themselves, rather than solely on the king. Readers appreciated the detailed research and balanced portrayal of each wife, showcasing them as individuals with dreams and ambitions within the context of a male-dominated society.
The narrative is described as engaging, informative, and easy to read, providing a deep dive into Tudor history and the complexities of Henry VIII's reign. Through meticulous research, the author brings historical figures to life, offering insights into the court intrigues, love lives, and political turmoil of the era. The book covers not only the personal lives of the wives but also the broader historical context, including the impact of the Protestant revolution in England and the English Reformation.
1485 22 August - Battle of Bosworth. Henry Tudor usurps the English throne as Henry VII and founds the Tudor dynasty. December - Birth of Katherine of Aragon. 6 19/20 September - Birth of Prince Arthu...1980•671 pages A sweeping, immersive portrait of Henry VIII that’s as ambitious as the king himself - ideal for Tudor fans who appreciate depth and detail, but not for those craving a quick or impartial read.
The Autobiography of Henry VIII: With Notes by His Fool, Will Somers by Margaret George is a historical fiction novel that offers a unique perspective on the life of King Henry VIII. Written as if it were Henry's own autobiography, the book delves into his thoughts and feelings about his wives, his reign, and his inner struggles. The addition of notes by his fool, Will Somers, adds depth and balance to the narrative, highlighting Henry's egotism and the reality of his actions.
Yesterday some fool asked me what my first memory was, expecting me to lapse happily into sentimental childhood reminiscences, as dotty old men are supposed to enjoy doing. He was most surprised when...- #3
Save:A compulsively readable, soapy dive into Tudor intrigue - perfect for historical fiction fans looking for an entertaining spin on familiar history, just don’t mistake it for a textbook!
'The Other Boleyn Girl' by Philippa Gregory is a historical fiction novel set in the Tudor period, focusing on the lives of the Boleyn sisters, Mary and Anne. The story is narrated through Mary's eyes, detailing their rise in King Henry VIII's court, filled with court intrigue, romance, betrayals, and political scheming. Gregory's writing style is described as engaging, with vibrant characters and a rich portrayal of the Tudor times, even though some opinions mention it may lack historical accuracy.
The novel delves into the lesser-known story of Mary Boleyn, offering a fresh perspective on the well-known tale of Anne Boleyn's rise and fall. It explores themes of ambition, manipulation, love, and betrayal within the royal court, providing a glimpse into the challenges faced by women during the 1500s. Gregory's storytelling weaves historical events seamlessly into the narrative, creating a captivating and immersive reading experience that keeps readers engrossed till the very end.
I COULD HEAR A ROLL OF MUFFLED DRUMS. BUT I COULD SEE nothing but the lacing on the bodice of the lady standing in front of me, blocking my view of the scaffold. I had been at this court for more than...2001•694 pages - #4
Save:A gorgeously written, slow-burning deep dive into the mind of Thomas Cromwell - challenging but rewarding. Perfect for thoughtful readers who love sumptuous character studies and Tudor intrigue.
'Wolf Hall' by Hilary Mantel is a dense and satisfying novel that brings to life the character of Thomas Cromwell amidst the fall of Wolsey and the rise of the Boleyns. The book delves deep into personal and political world-building, exploring mythologies of the Reformation and the complexities of 16th-century England. Mantel expertly crafts a meticulously researched story surrounding Cromwell, portraying him with care and attention to detail.
Felled, dazed, silent, he has fallen; knocked full length on the cobbles of the yard. His head turns sideways; his eyes are turned towards the gate, as if someone might arrive to help him out. One blo...October 2009•520 pages - #5
Save:"The Boleyn Inheritance" by Philippa Gregory continues the story of the wives of King Henry VIII, focusing on Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Jane Boleyn. The novel is narrated from the perspectives of these three key female characters, providing insight into the intrigue of the court, the King's health and temper, and the fate of the wives number three and four. The alternating first-person narratives offer a detailed exploration of the lives of these lesser-known historical figures, bringing them to life within the context of Henry VIII's court and marriages.
Well, I must say that it is all well and good to be married, but I have not had half the wedding that she had. There was no great reception for me at Greenwich, and no riding out on a beautiful horse...December 2006•607 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Plantagenet and Tudor Novels ) - #6
Save:A solid, thoughtful retelling of Katherine Parr’s story - best for Tudor history buffs and Plaidy fans, but those craving energetic storytelling or vivid character drama may want to look elsewhere.
'The Sixth Wife' in the series 'Tudor Saga' by author Jean Plaidy explores the life of Katherine Parr, the final wife of King Henry VIII. The book delves into the complexities of her marriages, her relationships with historical figures like Thomas Seymour and Queen Elizabeth, and the challenges she faced as a woman in the Tudor era. Readers find themselves immersed in a narrative that portrays Katherine Parr's struggles, her resilience, and the political intrigues of the time.
Plaidy's writing style in 'The Sixth Wife' has received mixed reviews. While some readers appreciate the quick read and the portrayal of Henry VIII as a mean and self-absorbed man, others criticize the slow pace, pedantic nature, and excessive telling rather than showing in the storytelling. The historical accuracy is also questioned, leaving readers intrigued but somewhat suspicious of the scholarship behind the narrative.
SPRING HAD COME TO ENGLAND. THERE WERE MARSH marigolds along the banks of the river, and in the royal park the saxifrage showed gold and green on the damp sweet-smelling earth; the buds were bursting...1953•361 pages - #7
Save:"Henry VIII" by William Shakespeare portrays the fall from power and approaching death of three characters through moving farewell speeches. It delves into themes of treachery and political intrigue within the backdrop of the real Henry VIII's life. The play showcases the rot behind the pageantry, the plight of women, and the manipulation of power dynamics, ultimately highlighting the consequences of being in favor or out of favor with the King.
In recent years, ways of dealing with Shakespeare’s texts and with the interpretation of his plays have been undergoing significant change. This edition, while retaining many of the features that have...1597•282 pages - #8
Save:A classic, authoritative biography best suited for serious readers of Tudor history - richly rewarding, but not for those looking for soap-opera storytelling.
'Henry VIII' by J.J. Scarisbrick is a comprehensive and balanced biography of the English monarch. Scarisbrick provides a detailed analysis of Henry's life, focusing on his role as a man and ruler. The author's writing style is engaging, offering a pleasant read overall, although some find the minutiae on canon law to be a bit dense. covers Henry's political scene, foreign policy, and the divorce annulment from Queen Catherine in careful detail, providing unique information on the Tudor king's life.
January 1968•589 pages - #9
Save:'The Wives of Henry VIII' by Antonia Fraser delves deep into the lives of the six women who married King Henry VIII. Fraser's meticulous attention to detail and ability to weave facts into an easy reading style paint an intimate and humanizing depiction of these women. explores the psychological and social aspects of each character, shedding light on their lives, hopes, ambitions, and the misfortunes they faced. Fraser's thorough research humanizes each wife, portraying them as complex individuals rather than mere historical figures.
Through Fraser's authoritative writing, readers are taken on a journey through ancient palaces, exploring the relationships among their royal inhabitants. provides a realistic glimpse into the lives of these brave women who placed their fates in the hands of King Henry VIII. Fraser's approach to history stands out as she presents the facts with an incredible amount of sources, making the book both wonderfully written and historically accurate.
My dearest spouse … truly those your letters have rendered me so cheerful and jocund that I fancied I beheld your highness and conversed with and embraced my dearest wife. Arthur Prince of Wales to Ca...1992•509 pages - #10
Save:'The Taming of the Queen' by Philippa Gregory revolves around the life of Kateryn Parr, Henry VIII's sixth and final wife. The novel delves into Kateryn's struggles within her loveless marriage to Henry, her scholarly pursuits, and her efforts to navigate the dangerous Tudor court. Readers are taken on a journey through Kateryn's experiences as she tries to assert her independence and maintain her sense of self while facing Henry's abusive behavior and manipulative tactics. The narrative also explores the political and religious tensions of the time, shedding light on Kateryn's role as a regent, her relationships with Henry's children, and her dedication to church reform.
It is long past midnight before everyone is asleep, and I put a blue cloak over my night robe of black satin and dark as a shadow in the colours of the night sky, go quietly out of the women’s rooms a...August 2015•503 pages
(Also, see 100 recommendations for the series The Plantagenet and Tudor Novels )
