I was born within sight of Pembroke Castle, the birthplace of Henry Tudor, who later became King Henry VII and began the Tudor Dynasty, so I’ve always had an interest in his story. I found several biographies, but no novels which brought the truth of his story to life. The idea for the Tudor Trilogy occurred to me when I realised Henry Tudor could be born in book one, ‘come of age’ in book two, and rule England as king in book three. Since then, I’ve continued to follow the Tudor ‘thread’ all the way from Owen Tudor’s first meeting with Catherine of Valois to the death of Queen Elizabeth I.
1422: Owen Tudor, a Welsh servant, falls in love with the Queen of England. The beautiful Catherine of Valois, widow of the warrior king, Henry V, is lonely, and her son, the future King Henry VI, shows signs of family madness. As the country simmers on the brink of civil war, will Owen risk everything to protect her? Discover how they change British history – and establish a dynasty...the Tudors.
This series of best-selling trilogies follow the stories of the Tudors in a continuous thread from Owen Tudor to the final days of Queen Elizabeth I
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This book inspired me to write about the Tudors in a new way, exploring what it was really like to live in Tudor times. Dissolution is a fascinating detective story, which paints a convincing portrait of one of the most turbulent periods in British history. It is also the first in an award-winning series, which follows the hunch-backed lawyer, Matthew Shardlake, as he solves medieval mysteries with his loyal companions.
Hilary Mantel taught me how to find the ‘voice’ of Tudor characters and how it is possible to put the flesh on the bones and bring real people from medieval history to life. Booker Prize winning Hilary Mantel makes us think again about Henry VIII’s henchman, Thomas Cromwell. We see the world through Thomas’ eyes, and know what he knows, but we also hear him asking questions of himself as he changes the course of history.
This inspired book is told from Elizabeth Cromwell’s point of view. Written in the first person, this touching and evocative account makes impressive use of the known facts of Elizabeth’s life.
In an inspired break from the conventional timeline, we dip into the past for entire chapters. It reminded me of watching a skilled portrait artist at work, with increasing detail over broader brushwork until the result is three-dimensional.
Evocative and atmospheric, the second book in Natalia Richards' series on the life of Anne Boleyn covers her time in France. Often skimmed over by historians, understandably keen to move on to the tragedy of Anne's later life, this immersive, first-person narrative places the reader firmly in Anne's shoes. I particularly enjoyed Natalia's description of the sights (and smells) of medieval Paris, and to find myself at The Field of Cloth of Gold, where King Henry VIII met King François I of France.
The first book in Judith Arnopp’s Beaufort Chronicles tells the story of Margaret Beaufort’s challenging early life. Often portrayed as cold and stringent, we discover a woman who is warm, and endearing, her reserve a front which masks a deeply emotional person of great sensitivity and intelligence. This book made me think again about Margaret Beaufort. Well researched with beautiful period details, and excellent storytelling.
5,215 authors have recommended their favorite books and what they love about them. Browse their picks for the best books about Thomas Cromwell, Anne Boleyn, and King Henry VIII.
We think you will like Bring Up the Bodies, Jane the Quene, and The Other Boleyn Girl if you like this list.
From Cheryl's list on The best historical fiction books on the perils of life at the English court, c. 1483-1547.
Although Wolf Hall is the better-known and lauded novel, my preference is for the second book of Hilary Mantel’s trilogy. The author’s focus is Thomas Cromwell, Henry VIII’s ruthlessly efficient first minister who came to prominence after Cardinal Wolsey fell from grace for his failure to solve the King’s “Great Matter.” I admit I’ve never warmed to Cromwell, although he has been praised by illustrious Tudor historians such as GR Elton. Certainly, he was instrumental in freeing the King of his papal shackles and all that followed in the wake of England’s break from Rome. That being said, the Cromwell of the historical record hardly seems sympathetic. He was one of the wiliest serpents in the snake pit of the Tudor court. Mantel’s books attempt to show a more human side of Henry VIII’s right-hand man.
From Judith's list on The best books that illustrate life at the Tudor Court.
This book provides a different angle on Jane Seymour. I’ve never particularly ‘liked’ fictional Janes because they are usually so one-dimensional but this author delves more deeply. Jane’s character is subtle. On the surface she seems meek but beneath the façade she is quite determined to get what she wants. Often, the modern ideal of strong women doesn’t sit well on historical figures but J. Wertman has understood that subterfuge was often the only way for a female, even a queen, to get her own way. Janet Wertman has written other engaging Tudor books but this is my favourite.
From Sarah's list on The best historical fiction books that sent me straight to Google to find out more.
This book, for me, is where my interest in history really began. To say I loved history at school would be a lie; it was often drab, political, and really quite dry (sorry teachers). But there were always snippets of history lessons that grabbed my attention – the Vikings, the Great Fire of London, and of course Henry VIII and his six wives. Which of us doesn’t leave school aware that there was a king who had six wives and beheaded two of them, even if we can’t remember which two! The Tudors was the one thing that did grab my interest and I did remember all the wives; in fact, I was fascinated by Anne Boleyn and as a young adult buying historical fiction, Anne was the subject of many of the books I read.
And then Gregory wrote her book on The Other Boleyn. Anne had a sister – who knew! I certainly didn’t. So, I read the book and immediately my mind went off imagining all the other women who had lived that were on the sidelines of our history lessons but were just as interesting. It piqued my interest and off I went finding out all I could about Mary Boleyn. It had only planted a small seed at that stage, but that is certainly where my interest in women in history began. And on top of that, it’s a really great book!
