Follow the journeys of a young maiden in King Henry's era, and learn of the struggles of life way back then. What would it be like to be told, "You have to marry him" or, "You have to marry her"? I can relate to Megan, and I love to laugh, cry, and even be stubborn right along with her. I enjoy following her mischevious acts, and like to imagine, what if that was me? This is a MUST-READ book

This book made me sit down and read the whole thing in one sitting! It was wonderful and I enjoyed it tremendously. I was able to see a glimse of history and a sweet love story in one! Excellent!

I don't really enjoy reading but when I got started on this one I couldn't put it down my husband couldn't believe I was so in to it he read it also and loved as much as I do.

A modern perspective of the life of Anne Boleyn and King Henry VIII, Threads explores the many permutations of love through the ages. This well-written, well-researched book is both entertaining and educational. A great way to spend your cold winter evenings!

This book is intriguing--from the intrigues of the court of Henry VIII to the intrigues of lives woven together through time and space. Nell Gavin does a superlative job of bringing not only Anne Boleyn and Henry VIII to life, but also the threads of lifetimes remembered from ancient Egypt, to gypsy merchants, to a curious 20th century connection. It full of wisdom and insight--it is a delightful read!

Threads is an irresistible journey. It takes the reader by the hand and explores several lifetimes lived by two souls who were, at one time, Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. The reader will feel the magnetic pull that draws them to one another, as well as the love, passion, pain, and betrayal that goes along with it. This multi-layered and well-researched story is told with compassion, wit, and vision. I highly recommend it.

If you are interested in the adventures of Henry VIII or you enjoy thick, historical novels, you will probably want to read this book. Margaret George is a good genre novelist and has done gobs of research, but she does not show us the mind of Henry as vividly as some of the great historians, like Antonia Fraser, or Alison Weir. Part of the problem, I think, is the gimmick of autobiography--Henry never sounds convincingly English. It is as if you went to see Anne of a Thousand Days, and instead of Richard Burton playing Henry, its Tom Hanks.

George does better with the character of Will Somers, whose critical comments intrude on Henry's "manuscript" from time to time. She also does a pretty fair job of explaining a long and complicated span of English history. Character development tends to be limited to Henry and his six wives and several mistresses, but that is part of the historical romance genre. The important men in Henry's life: Wolsey, More, Cromwell, Cranmer, come off as cardboard sticks. ( I would have loved to have seen more of the inscrutable Cranmer--now THERE'S a novel for you.)

Not being a historical reader, I mainly focus my reading in the fantasy genre, I got this book as a gift. At first the thickness overwhelmed me but as soon as I started reading I found it hard to put down. Whether historically accurate or not, I leave that up to the professionals, I definately enjoyed Henry and Will telling their story with embellishments and all, for who am I to say what actually happened for I wasn't there. I marvel at the amount of research that Margaret George put into the work and praise her for the unique perspective into the world of early 16th century English Royal Court. Even for casual readers like myself this was a wonderful read.

Margaret George has produced a story that is strangely compelling as one discovers the intrigues behind Henry's actions. Allowing for poetic licence , it is fascinating to imagine what made Henry act the way he did in getting rid of his various wives. From the suggestion that his first marraige to Katherine of Aragon was not "legal", to the adultery of Anne, to the sorrow of Jane, who it seems he loved so very much, to the lust for Catherine Howard, through the mistake of Ann of Cleeves to the happiness found with Katherine Parr. Little things stick out, like the suggestion of incest by one of the wives (subsequently beheaded), to another, going to the trouble of having the "beheading" block brought to her cell the night before her death, as she wanted to practice placing her head in the correct place! My son said on visit to the Tower some years ago, it was a dangerous business being a King or a Queen in those days. This book certainly illustrates the point as far as being a queen. The book brings a very human touch to a person who was literally larger than life and who had such a profound affect on English history. I have no hesitation in recommending this novel as being a very worthwhile read

This book starts off rather slow and I was tempted to stop reading it. It's not as good as the other two, but just as vivid. You understand how one could have it all, then lose it all. NOt exactly a "feel good novel" with a "warm and fuzzy feeling".

This, the third book in the Young Royals series focuses on the life of Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII, and mother to the Virgin Queen, Elizabeth. From the time she was born, Anne had been the dark sheep of her family. Not only did she have a sixth finger, but she also had a black mole. Anne had neither the beauty of her older sister Mary, or the importance of her younger brother George. But with an ambition as high as the mountains, Anne vowed one day that her sister, Mary, the King's mistress, will one day kneel at her feet. As a lady-in-waiting to Queen Catherine in Henry's court, Anne finally begins to see her wish coming true when she finally catches Henry's eyes. Though Anne knows Henry loves her, she knows that is not enough. The people's overall hatred of her and loyalty to Queen Catherine might ultimately be her downfall. When finally she bears Henry's child, she is finally declared Queen, a title she had vied for so many years. Only one nagging issue is in the back of her mind: What if the child isn't a son? What if she fails Henry's ultimate wish to have a male heir? What would become of her...

This new edition to the Young Royals series has to be my favorite. It was quite accurate and Anne was potrayed perfectly as a girl who just wanted to prove herself worthwhile to a world that shut her out. To many Anne was the ulimate symbol of evil, but after reading this book, my opinion of her changed. She was in a tough position, but ulimately her big ambitions was also her downfall.

This book definitely will be more fitting for older readers. Doomed Queen Anne also probably appeals to an older audience than the previous two books. Definitely a great book to add to your collection.

Wow is all I can say. I have been following this series since Mary, Bloody Mary. It's real amazing to read about the mom/step-mom of the other two in the series. One nice touch was a scene exactly the same in both Anne and Mary when Mary arrives in Anne's bedchamber when she's pregnant. I liked how long the story spanned, but I wish it could have been more detailed like Mary, which was shorter in terms of years. But you abosolutly must read this amazing tale who everyone wanted to forget yet gave England one of her greatest monarchs!

Alison Weir's book is emmensly readable; her prose reads like a novel. This means that her carefully researched account of the Tudor children is accessable to a much wider readership than alot of historical biographies. Lively and sensitive, the narrative really captures the feel of late 16th century England. By focusing on the private side of her subjects, distant and legendary monarchs become human; Edward the Fourth, Mary the First (Bloody Mary), Elizabeth the First, and Lady Jane Grey. As children, they were coddled, banished, abused, seduced, saw loved ones jailed and executed; they were used as pawns by those around them vying for power. Makes today's Royal Family look like the Cleavers! If you like to immerse yourself in history this book is a must. Even if you think you don't like history, this book will probably change your mind. This is the first of Weir's books I've read; I can't wait to get my hands on the others.

Alison Weir's second book regarding the Tudor monarchy is as great as her first, The Wives of Henry VIII. Although Weir touches upon all of Henry VIII's children as well as his niece, Lady Jane Grey, the majority of this book delves into the life of Queen Mary I. Wier discusses the short reign of Henry VIII's only son, Edward VI as well as the 9 days reign of Lady Jane Grey; however the book focuses on Mary, and ends at her death and the accession of Queen Elizabeth.

Mary was a Catholic like her mother Katherine of Aragon. She tried so hard to bring Catholism back to England that she has gone into history as earning the nickname "Bloody Mary." Mary burned about 300 heretics in her short five year reign. Mary was portrayed as being merciful, but resorted to flexing her control as she had so many people against her.

Weir again introduced the reader to the importance of alliances and marriges of monarchs during the 16th century as well as the importance of religion. This book is an easy to read narrative of the politics of accession to the English throne after the death of Henry VIII and the adult life of Queen Mary I. Weir takes the reader into more depth of Elizabeth's reign in her book, The Life of Elizabeth I.

Although it is not necessary for the reader to have read The Wives of Henry VIII in order to enjoy this book, it does help the reader in understanding the genuine hate Mary had for Elizabeth because of Elizabeth's mother, Anne Boleyn.

This is another wonderful chapter of The Tudors.

Alison Weir has created another fine addition to her group of histories surrounding the Tudors. The Children of Henry VIII will fit quite nicely between the Wives of Henry VIII and The Life of Elizabeth. This particular volume covers the period from the death of Henry VIII to the beginning of the rule of Elizabeth. It is a wonderful period to study and read about as it covers the reigns of Edward and Mary and the almost reign of Jane Grey (not a child of Henry, of course, but a fine addition to this history). This tumultous period is seen through the eyes of the children themselves and the religion confusion occuring at this time is truly brought to life. Ms. Weir does no disservice to this rich tapestry she is given and in her usual readable and exiciting style brings all of this royal madness directly to the reader. A wonderfully entertaining read. I was sorry when it was over.

The triple threat of Elizabeth Longford, Antonia Fraser and Flora Fraser (Mother, Daughter & Grandaughter)have been providing us with readable yet fairly scholarly biographies for decades. All of them are well researched and certainly admired by historians and non-academics alike. This particular book is a handy all-in-one guide to Henry VIII and his six wives. It is by necessity, rather shallow, as his marital woes had and have very important ramifications, and this volume cannot begin to address these issues in depth. Overall, a great read about a fascinating man at a fascinating time. In truth, the women are not nearly as well fleshed out, with the notable exception of Katherine of Aragon, largely because their stories just were not as important as that of their husband to contemporary writers, so their lives are not as well documented. The extent 16th c. materials have been mined for individuals biographies of each woman, and they do each deserve their own book. (Many such have been written, even about poor Catherine Howard.) This is a good book for a first look at Tudor England. I like Lady Antonia and all her biographies, and those of her mother and daughter. I just wish she would stop writing those shabby mysteries.

I have always been fascinated by English history, particularly Henry VIII. Fraser did not disappoint. Usually I find history books dry and dull. I was initially put off by the length of the book, but the author writes so well that I couldn't put the book down. She makes it seem more like a novel than a history text. I felt like I was right there with each of Henry VIII's wives. The book is meticulously researched, and she clearly shows the differences between the women in the King's life, and helps the reader to understand his motives. All the events are put in context of the sociopolitcal landscape of the times. As a result, I found myself seeing how complex the King was and not being able to hate him, even though I hated his actions. I highly reccommend this book to anyone who is interested in the history of the British monarchy.

Antonia Fraser's 'The Wives of Henry VIII' is a wonderful account of the lives of the six women who married the controversial Tudor king. Fraser has written extensively on many subjects, but is particularly interested in British royal history. Her writing is clear and accessible, and almost invariably interesting.

Fraser says 'the six women have become defined in a popular sense not so much by their lives as by the way these lives ended.' Largely, they became identified (as most historical figures do) as stereotypes. Fraser's stated intent in the book is to examine the real women behind the stereotypes, to find the human strengths and frailties behind the historic labels.

Divorced, beheaded, died...divorced, beheaded, survived

-Catherine of Aragon-
Divorced
Stereotype: Betrayed Wife, bigoted Catholic
Reality: a learned woman, politically astute, perhaps not entirely blameless in the break-up (but then, what can one expect? Divorce was presumably out of the question given religious and political considerations, so might she have felt safe to be more forward than anyone should be with the formidible Henry?)

-Anne Boleyn-
Beheaded
Stereotype: Temptress, Protestant activist
Reality: she was more Protestant because the Catholic church wouldn't recognise or grant the divorce. She played a demur and devout character in court, but then, could she have publicly appeared as anything else, given the unprecedented events going on about her and because of her? She didn't have a chance to build up a power base, and suffered greatly for it. Indignatio principis mors est. Little known fact: Anne was actually divorced from Henry on the eve of her execution.

-Jane Seymour-
Died
Stereotype: the Good Woman, Protestant yet Catholic
Reality: 'Jane Seymour was exactly the kind of female praised by the contemporary handbooks to correct conduct; just as Anne Boleyn had been the sort they warned against. There was certainly no threatening sexuality about her.' Henry would look back on Jane as the wife with whom he had been uniquely happy. She died as a result of the stress of childbirth (a not uncommon fate of women of any class), Henry's only legitimate male heir.

-Anna of Cleves-
Divorced
Stereotype: Ugly Sister, Lutheran and Catholic
Reality: an interesting and difficult marriage to put together. 'Paradoxically, the King in his last forties, gross, no likely object of desire, was far more difficult to please than that handsome boy of 1509, ready to fall in love where policy directed him, whom any girl might easily love in return.' By this time, of course, Henry had a reputation of being at the least an unlucky husband. Solemn, looking older than her age, Anna was almost instantly disliked. Perhaps this saved her from a worse fate, if Henry had come to know her and then fall out of love with her.

-Katherine Howard-
Beheaded
Stereotype: the Bad Girl
Reality: Katherine was expected to produce the 'spare' to the heir produced by Jane. 'Katherine was, on her own admission, one who knew how to "meddle with a man" without conceiving a child.' Her affair with Culpeper not discreet enough, Katherine suffered the fury of Henry, who blamed his Council for forcing on him 'a succession of such ill-conditioned wives.'

-Catherine Parr-
Survived
Stereotype: the Mother Figure
Reality: not well educated but not unintelligent, a caring but politically astute person. 'As for the King himself, it was remarked that as Bishop Gardiner pronounced the now familiar words of the marriage service, an expression of real happiness crossed that bloated face.' She had taken as her motto 'To be useful in all I do.'

Fraser goes into detail about the lives, and the aftermath, what became of these women, even to the extent of recounting the period neglect and restorations of their graves. Speaking of Catherine of Aragon, she writes: 'It is rare to find the Queen's grave without fresh flowers placed upon it. Nothing is known about those who over the years have performed this touching act of respect. One can however safely assume that, whatever their own religious view, they agree with this estimate of the character of Catherine of Aragon: loyal, pious, courageous and compassionate.'

This is an awesome book, I'd reccomend it to anyone who is interested in Tudor times or Kathryn Howard. We're all so lucky it came back into print! This book weaves a rich tapestry of romance, polotics in Tudor times, and other such subjects. Read it quickly.

In this, the final novel in her "Queens of England" series of books, the author weaves a tapestry of political intrigue, romance, and historical detail into the story of young Katherine Howard, the fifth wife of Henry VIII. A masterful storyteller, the author, who also writes under the name Victoria Holt and has a cavalcade of devoted readers, creates a work of historical fiction that will transport the reader to another time.

The book details the rise and fall of Katherine Howard, a young, impoverished noblewoman of an illustrous family. As a young girl, she was sent to live with her grandmother, the Duchess of Norfolk, where she, unfortunately, fell in with a licentious group of retainers and became ensnared in two unsuitable affairs of the heart. Little did she know that they would serve to haunt her a way she could never have imagined.

An opportunity, orchestrated by her Machiavellian and ambitious uncle, the Duke of Norfolk, arises for the beautiful, though foolish, Katherine to go to the Royal Court as Lady -In-Waiting to the fourth wife of Henry VIII, the kindly Anne of Cleves. Katherine obligingly goes. There, she falls in love with her cousin, Thomas Culpepper, a gentleman of the King's Bed Chamber. Her hopes of marriage to her handsome cousin are soon dashed, however, when she catches the wandering eye of the King, who loathes his current wife.

Having charmed the King and having little say in the matter, Katherine becomes his fifth wife, once he divorces Anne of Cleves. Katherine's initial happiness as Queen is cut short, however, when her lurid past comes to light and is brought to the King's attention. This, coupled with her indiscretions with Thomas Culpepper, are enough to abruptly terminate her brief reign over England as its Queen and cause a number of heads, including hers, to roll.

This is an intriguing blend of fact and fiction, which is laced with enough historical detail to satisfy those readers who enjoy historical fiction. It is with good reason that the author has a legion of devoted readers.

This was a completely awesome book! I'd recomend it to anyone.

I read it when I was studying Kathyrn Howard for a report for school. I wasn't expecting much at all, but I got an awesome book.

I plan to buy it next moth when it comes back into print.

This book could have benefited from a good editor. Following the story of Mary Boleyn, sister to the famous Anne, and their rivalry, it had great potential that was somewhat squandered by repetitious dialogue and prose. We were "told" more than "shown" the sisters' rivalry. After multiple pages of being beaten over the head with the words that they were jealous of each other and pawns in their family's machinations, I was longing for more action scenes. I also thought the love scenes read like a cheap romance novel, not something I expected for a piece of historical fiction. The last 50 pages of the book had some real suspense, but even this was diluted. Mary's daughter is taken by Anne to the Tower, where Anne awaits trial and execution, and Mary understandably fears for her. This interesting twist is diluted, however, by the assurances of Mary's husband that no harm will come to the girl. All the suspense thus escapes like a pricked balloon.
I think a full two thirds of this book could have been cut and the rest reshaped, and it would have made a good story. As it is, I wouldn't pay money for it. I'd look for it in the library or borrow from someone.

I had more or less given up reading historical novels when I ran out of books by Jean Plaidy to read. For me, she was one of the truly rare authours (saving Sharon Kay Penman of course) who got the feel, tone and character of her subject matter right. So that I had more or less stopped looking out for new books in this genre to read. And then I saw "The Other Boleyn Girl" at my local bookstore, and after sampling the first chapter, I realized that I had to buy this book. And I'm awfully glad that I did. What a simply wonderful read!! Phillipa Gregory did a really splendid job of evoking the splendor and turbulence of Henry VIII's court. I also thought that her choice of narrator, Mary Boleyn (the elder of the Boleyn sisters) was an inspired as well. Most historians (and perhaps I've only read the those that espoused this majority view) tend to dismiss Mary as an empty headed good time girl because she was used and cast aside with very little ceremony; and because she never rose as high as her sister, Anne. But you have to wonder: Mary was also the only Boleyn sibling to survive the vicissitudes of Henry VIII's reign, and the fall of the Howard-Boleyn fortunes; she also managed to marry for love (and a happy and lasting marriage it proved to be too) the second time around. So perhaps there was a lot more to the 'other Boleyn girl' than everyone credits?

Gregory's novel opens and closes with two executions -- it begins with the execution of the Duke of Buckingham in 1521, and ends with the execution of Anne Boleyn in 1536. With this rather grim events framing her book, the novel proper starts in 1522, with Anne arrival at the Tudor court, where her elder sister, Mary, is already lady-in-waiting to Henry's wife, Queen Katherine. From the very beginning we see that while there is a bond that ties the Boleyn sisters together, there is also a deep rooted rivalry between them. It is a tense time at court: the queen (already quite a few years older than her husband) has yet to produce a male heir to the throne, and people are beginning to question if the aging queen will ever be able to bear children again. Some of Henry's advisers are even began to gently hint that he should put his Spanish wife aside and look for a younger more fecund wife. In the midst of all this intrigue, Mary soon catches the king's roving eye. Although she is married and still quite loyal to the queen, her family (her ruthless parents as well as her uncle, the powerful and equally ruthless Duke of Howard) decrees that she put her marriage and loyalties aside and cater to the whims of her king. Bedazzled, it doesn't take Mary very long to fall in love with both her golden king and her role as the his 'unofficial' wife. A few years and two royal by-blows later however, Mary is shunted aside when the king begins to loose interest in their relationship and her ambitious family fearful that they will loose all the power that they have gained, throws the more ruthless and seductive sister, Anne at the king's head. From then on Mary, her eyes finally wide open as to how low her family will stoop in order to gain power, watches from the sidelines as her family, led by Anne, begins their high stakes play for the queen's crown. Finally realizing that she can only depend on herself for her own future, Mary is inspired to take a few risks herself in order to gain some measure of happiness and security.

The sheer scope of this novel is gigantic -- there were so many things that were going on both on and off stage and the number of people that were involved in all these shenanigans! So that it was a treat to find that the novel unfolded smoothly and effortlessly, and that Gregory did not drop the ball once. She kept each chapter short and succinct, and yet still managed to give the reader an enthralling and exciting account of what was going on. I also liked the manner in which she depicted all the characters in this novel. From Queen Katherine who was portrayed not only as a loyal and loving wife, but also as an intelligent woman who saw and understood what was going on around her, even as she clung to the hope that the king would recover from his obsession with Anne; to the authour's chilling portrayal of the Boleyn family (father, mother, Anne and George). With a few well chosen words and phrases, she's paints them as wildly ambitious, ruthless and pettily cruel individuals, willing to use each other in order to achieve a particular goal. But the authour's characterization of Mary Boleyn was probably the best thing in the novel. Here we see a young and intelligent woman with a heart and a sense of morality that is constantly at war with her feeling of familial obligations. How Mary struggles with this dueling feelings and the decisions she makes -- sometimes good, sometimes bad -- is what makes this novel worth reading.

All in all, I'd say "The Other Boleyn Girl" is a rich and rewarding read.

This is the story of the rise and fall of Anne Boleyn as seen through the eyes of her less-well-known sister, Mary. It is a tale of passion and intrigue.

In the beginning of the book, Mary is an obedient daughter of the Howard/Boleyn family. She marries William Carey at the age of 12. A few years later, when ordered to do so by her family, she leaves his bed to become the mistress of the king. In its quest for power, the family considers its daughters to be disposable fodder - used to attract and hold the king. It is only later, as Anne succeeds her as the king's favorite, that Mary decides to follow her own path. This contrasts with the fates of Anne and her borther George - who sacrificed all in their quest for power.

The book also brings to fresh life the familiar Tudor personages - Henry VIII and his first three wives Katherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, and Jane Seymour.

Highly recommended for those who enjoed historical fiction.

If you can stand back and appreciate Karen Lindsey's book as a personal - rather than feminist - interpretation of the six wives of Henry VIII, there is much to enjoy in this book. Her theory concerning Henry's negative reaction to Anne of Cleves is very amusing and as likely to be near the truth as any other I've read. Lindsey ,however, lacks objectivity in pursuing her subject and makes it clear from the outset that she is firmly in Anne Boleyn's camp. Actions that she attacks in the case of Jane Seymour are summarily excused in Anne Boleyn - although both women were in essentially the same situation. For one well grounded in Tudor history this book makes a diverting read. Readers in search of a solid history of Henry's six wives should look elsewhere.

Author Lindsey does a fine job of describing the Tudor time period and what being a women meant during that time. All of the wives are examined in detailed, with Catherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn standing out compared to the others. Especially Catherine who is portrayed as a very sympathetic character, with her unwavering love for her husband, no matter how fouly he has treated her. But it is not this undeserving love on her part which makes her stand out. Of all of the wivesm Catherine defied him most openly and with such bravery and conviction that she seems the most modern of the wives. Henry VIII is not dealt with kindly but he does not seem to deserve any kind of credit for his treatment of these women. His cold and calculating manner with Anne Boleyn is hard to fathom.

The title of the book is a little misleading. While clearly a critique of the manner in which these women were treated, it is also clear that many women of this time led enriching and productive lives. The text is lively and flows very smoothly. After reading this book, I feel that I have a much better understanding of the time period.

No retelling of Tudor history would be complete without a look into the 6 doomed lives of Henry VIII's wives. Lindsey manages to combine both fact and opinion in this interesting book. Divorced, Beheaded, Survived reads like any other biography, except it adds a feminist twist on many famous events. Famous names include Henry VIII, Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, and Princess Mary. The story is well researched and accurately depicts royal life; from the plotting, betrayals, and constant struggle for the throne. It also contains quotes from the characters themselves. The only downside is, that in her rush to detail female suffering, Lindsey does stretch the story a bit far. She often strays from the subject of the queens to other independent women. The story also tends to babble on at times. Overall, Divorced, Beheaded, Survived is an appealing, informative book.

Fans of Tudor history will enjoy this meaty volume which delivers a very different take on the life of Queen Katherine Howard...she is hardly the hysterical and promiscuous girl so often depicted. Especially interesting characterizations of "Bloody" Mary Tudor and Henry VIII, as well. Strictly for fans of the subject, however, or otherwise tedious reading.

Ford Madox Ford's "The Fifth Queen" - actually a collection of three separate novels - is a fictionalized account of the fifth wife of England's Henry VIII, Katharine Howard. As A.S. Byatt explains in her Introduction, "This figure bears little relation to what we have about the real Katharine . . ." and thus the reader should be conscious that Ford's Katharine - a young, pretty, pious woman who yearns for a return to Catholicism after Henry's split with Rome - is strictly fictional. That said, the only real failure of this work is that Katharine is the least appealing, least interesting character; we first meet her as a dispossessed ingenue seeking entrance to Henry's court around the time of his disasterous fourth marriage to Anne of Cleves, and it is this description which will follow her throughout the book. Even as she becomes Queen, it is almost by accident, surviving the machinations of Cromwell, Lord Privy Seal and the recklessness of her devoted cousin Culpepper. She is Queen by default. She constantly protests that all she seeks is a Catholic England - the "old ways" - and yet throughout she resigns herself to letting events happen to her, as if she cannot control the consequences of her own life. Indeed, her final speech to Henry where she confesses to an adultery which did not occur, becomes her last fatal act of passivity, for which she pays with her life. She cannot see that there are those who wish to help her and that her naive, narcissistic piety does not have to be her ruin. What holds these novels together is the rich supporting cast: the aforementioned Cromwell, who has his own sovereign Protestant image of England, free from the entanglements of Rome. There is the brooding Princess Mary, Henry's daughter by his first wife, who knows how to carry a grudge for her mother's divorce, the super-spy Throckmorton, the lecherous Magister Udal and more. Ford uses Katharine to show that the blind commitment to an ideal - any ideal - will only result in failure, that this world is more than ideas and faiths, but of people who are imperfect, people who will fail. It is a world five hundred years in the past, but it is also our own.

Intrigue and romance in the court of Henry VIII
Katherine Howard, armed only with education, wit and honesty, becomes the Fifth Queen, Henry VIII's fifth wife in this amazing historical trilogy. The plot-ridden court comes to vivid life as everyone high and low maneuvers for advantage. Everyone except Katherine Howard, whose unwillingness to scheme will make her queen and defenseless at the same moment. Even knowing the general story this is a fascinating and occasionally shocking novel, with a stunning ending...