The Children of Henry VIII
by Alison Weirpublished
July 8th 1997
(first published 1996)
by Ballantine Books
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binding
Paperback, 400 pages
isbn
0345407865
(isbn13: 9780345407863)
description
The royal family may have its problems these days, but as Alison Weir reminds us in this cohesive and impeccably researched book, the nobility of old ...more
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Read in September, 2007
Alison Weir always does a nice job of blending history with a sort of understandable drama that makes it easier to read, and more interesting. This book focuses primarily on the short reign of Edward, the even shorter reign of Lady Jane Grey, and mostly the reign of Mary, the Catholic Queen later called "Bloody Mary". Elizabeth is featured here and there, but she is not the primary focus here. I always enjoy Alison Weir's lively recapturing of the court life and personalities involv...more
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WHEW! Finishing this book feels like completing an endurance test.
This book was so interesting. It was also a complete bear to get through. I consider myself a pretty advanced reader, and it was still a very challenging read. I love this period of history, and I think you really have to be interested in it to stick it out. I did not like that Weir would sometimes refer to people with their title, sometimes their first names, sometimes their last names. There were so many characters pre...more
This book was so interesting. It was also a complete bear to get through. I consider myself a pretty advanced reader, and it was still a very challenging read. I love this period of history, and I think you really have to be interested in it to stick it out. I did not like that Weir would sometimes refer to people with their title, sometimes their first names, sometimes their last names. There were so many characters pre...more
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Read in September, 2008
recommended to Andrew by:
Lindsayrecommends it for: People who liked Weir's The Six Wives
Best place name: Fotheringhay
Best adjective: bedecked
Best phantom pregnancy: Mary's first
Most unwelcome death: Jane Grey's
Most welcome deaths: Tie between John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland's and Queen Mary's
Biggest asshole of a Pope: Pope Paul III
Most unfit parents: Henry Grey and Frances Brandon (Duke & Duchess of Suffolk and Jane Grey's parents)
Most scantily mentioned former queen: Anne of Cleves
Best hunchback: Mary Grey
Best adjective: bedecked
Best phantom pregnancy: Mary's first
Most unwelcome death: Jane Grey's
Most welcome deaths: Tie between John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland's and Queen Mary's
Biggest asshole of a Pope: Pope Paul III
Most unfit parents: Henry Grey and Frances Brandon (Duke & Duchess of Suffolk and Jane Grey's parents)
Most scantily mentioned former queen: Anne of Cleves
Best hunchback: Mary Grey
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3 comments
Read in June, 2008
Just finished this one - I've been on a Tudor history kick. (I re-read Six Wives: The Queens of Henry VIII right before buying this one.) I would guess that reading too much Alison Weir may get tiring, because it's definitely written for us neophytes! There was a good overview of who all the major players were, and it has a definite slant toward the personal, day-to-day lives of the royals spawned by Henry VIII. Next, I'd like to read Weir's book on Eleanor d'Aquitaine.
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Read in March, 2007
recommended to Beth by:
Merecommends it for: History buffs who want a more personal look
This book is the E! TV of literature for the life story on kings and queens that existed hundres of years ago. More truth than fiction, it's more interesting than a tabloid. Weir supports her intimate look into the lives of kings and queens with personal letters writen by the figures themselves and those closest to them.
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Read in January, 2003
I enjoyed reading as well as learning from this book. Alison Weir is a good writer whose research and knowledge benefits a willing reader. Life as a monarch was not only filled with treachery and intrigue, but also isolation and violent death. I am sure I could learn even more reading this book for a second time.
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This was a fun book to read. A little easier on the brain than some of Allison Weir's other non-fiction work. My only complaint is that she did not address any of Henry's bastard children like Henry Fitzroy or some of his supposed bastard children like those born of Mary Boleyn.
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Read in September, 2008
Great historical account. Weir does a great job making everyone seem real and understood. A little slower at times but readable. I enjoyed learning more about Mary than Edward. She was fascinating to me. Quite the crazy one! And poor Lady Jane! What rotten parents!
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Read in March, 2008
Excellent book - and a quick read. It made me want to drive right into her "Life of Elizabeth I", which I have already read and was also excellent (everything she writes is excellent). But instead I will pick up a new book and see where that takes me....
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Read in April, 2008
recommends it for:
Anyone who likes history
This is a really good book for anyone interested in history and the Tudors. It covers the time period in between the death of Henry VIII and the beginning of the reign of Elizabeth I. I really enjoyed it even though it got a little slow at times.
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I very much enjoyed this book. Weir makes these people from history come alive and seem so real and individual. She gives plenty of background information, yet she keeps the pace lively. I am anxious to find other books of hers to enjoy!
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I love Allison Weir's books. They are informative and very easy to read. This book is about Mary, Elizabeth and Edward, Henry VIII's legitimate children, and Henry Fitzroy, Henry VIII's illegitimate son.
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Gives a very good understanding of HRVIII's children and niece, each of who succeeded him. For some reason, Lady Jane Grey is not counted in the roll of English Kings and Queens. Wonder why that is?
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Has a copy to sell/swap
This book was some what interesting, but very very long. It was so confusing too. I didn't finish it. I couldn't bear reading any more after about half way through, i had to read it for school.
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Read in January, 2006
Very interesting. Henry was just nuts and his children were not much better off. I really enjoyed this book. Better than a soap opera. Sometimes truth really is stranger than fiction.
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Read in October, 2008
recommends it for:
history buffs
Very entertaining! I know there are some that question Weir's interpretation of history at some points, but it does seem she's done her homework. Fascinating and will read her again...
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Informative and engrossing in true Weir style. I've always enjoyed the great pains she takes to show all sides of her subjects, good and bad, and not just the stereotype.
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An interesting look at Henry VIII's heirs. Who knows why I'm on a Tudor England kick lately, but it was a good look into the transition between Henry and Elizabeth.
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An excellent in-depth look at the children of Hendry VIII. You'll better understand their personal relationships with one another. Highly recommended!
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Read in March, 2007
not a bad book, but pretty superficial - didn't really get into anything I hadn't already read in any of a number of other books about the time period
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