The Rise and Fall of Anne Boleyn: Family Politics at the Court of Henry VIIIThe events which led to the execution of Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII's second queen, in 1536 have traditionally been explained by historians in terms of a factional conspiracy masterminded by Henry's minister Thomas Cromwell. Retha Warnicke's fascinating and controversial reinterpretation focuses instead on the sexual intrigues and family politics pervading the court, offering a new explanation of Anne's fall. The picture which emerges - placing Anne's life in the context of social and religious values, and superstitions about witches and the birth of deformed children - changes our perception of her role within the court, and suggests that her execution (occurring only four months after a miscarriage) was the tragic consequence of Henry's profound concern about the continuation of the Tudor dynasty. |
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LibraryThing Review
User Review - juglicerr - LibraryThingWarnicke's book is interesting and worth reading, but Eric Ives' Anne Boleyn takes a very different slant on things, and I would read both, especially since Warnicke says that her purpose is not to ... Read full review
The rise and fall of Anne Boleyn: family politics at the court of Henry VIII
User Review - Not Available - Book VerdictThanks to the events surrounding her courtship with and ultimate marriage to Henry VIII, the tempestuous nature of that union, and the sordid yet mysterious circumstances of her excution, Anne Boleyn ... Read full review
Other editions - View all
The Rise and Fall of Anne Boleyn: Family Politics at the Court of Henry VIII Retha M. Warnicke No preview available - 1991 |
The Rise and Fall of Anne Boleyn: Family Politics at the Court of Henry VIII Retha M. Warnicke No preview available - 1989 |
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