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39th out of 353 books
—
922 voters
Brief Gaudy Hour: A Novel of Anne Boleyn
The enigmatic Anne Boleyn comes to life in this charming, brilliant portrayal by acclaimed British novelist Margaret Campbell Barnes.
The infamous love of King Henry VIII and the mother of Queen Elizabeth I, Anne Boleyn undertook a rocky journey from innocent courtier to powerful Queen of England. A meticulous researcher, Margaret Campbell Barnes immerses readers in this i...more
The infamous love of King Henry VIII and the mother of Queen Elizabeth I, Anne Boleyn undertook a rocky journey from innocent courtier to powerful Queen of England. A meticulous researcher, Margaret Campbell Barnes immerses readers in this i...more
Paperback, 383 pages
Published
March 1st 2008
by Sourcebooks Landmark
(first published 1971)
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I did enjoy this book, although I found myself analyzing it from as being historical fiction first publish over 50 years ago. This came into play with Margaret Campbell Barnes' depiction of Anne's alleged sixth finger and mole on her neck - two rumors about her that most recent historians discount. I also sometimes the portrayal of Anne as dated (again, as in notions and beliefs about her from the 1890s and the turn of the 20th century).
The main "flaw" in this book, to me, is the passage of time...more
The main "flaw" in this book, to me, is the passage of time...more
Nov 01, 2008
Elizabeth
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Anyone who wants to know the true history of Anne Boleyn
Shelves:
margaretcampbellbarnes
First published in 1949, this novel of Anne Boleyn paints a compelling portrait of one of the most ambitious women in history, the mother of the great Elizabeth I and a player in the Reformation. With sensitivity and insight, Margaret Campbell Barnes brings to light Anne Boleyn’s humanity and courage in the face of her adversaries. Barnes was known for her meticulous research and accurate portrayals of historical events. (So if you have been a victim of any of the inaccurate trash that has been...more
I can't say that I hate this, but there's far too much inaccuracy and sloppiness for me to have really enjoyed it. Yes, history marches on, and we do know more about Tudor times than we did in 1948, but even taking that into account the author plays far too lightly with the facts.
To give a few examples:
* This Anne is said to have been born in 1503. We now know that's two or three years too late, but fair enough: it's a good guess for the time. But how could she then be 18 years old in 1515, when...more
To give a few examples:
* This Anne is said to have been born in 1503. We now know that's two or three years too late, but fair enough: it's a good guess for the time. But how could she then be 18 years old in 1515, when...more
This classic historical novel is about Anne Boleyn. Despite the fact that she is a popular subject for writers of historical fiction, I think this may be the first novel I have read in which she is the protagonist, surprisingly enough. Barnes is an extremely good writer, and convincingly conveys the feel and details of the era. I swear I could just about feel the velvets and brocades of the clothing and smell the candle wax and polished wood of Westminster and Hampton Court.
Brief Gaudy Hour focu...more
Brief Gaudy Hour focu...more
I'd give the first part of this book 5 stars. It did a good job building up a fun atmosphere of relationships between the characters. The emotional coloring made it feel like precisely the version of the Anne Boleyn story that I'd *wanted* to read, though I couldn't have said exactly what I'd wanted before cracking the book. I'd just finished reading "The Concubine" by Norah Lofts and felt this one was definitely more fun.
But towards the end the book really started to play fast and loose with h...more
But towards the end the book really started to play fast and loose with h...more
From Amazon.com
The infamous love of King Henry VIII and the mother of Queen Elizabeth I, Anne Boleyn undertook a rocky journey from innocent courtier to powerful Queen of England. A meticulous researcher, Margaret Campbell Barnes immerses readers in this intrigue and in the lush, glittery world of the Tudor Court. The beauty and charms of Anne Boleyn bewitched the most powerful man in the world, King Henry VIII, but her resourcefulness and cleverness were not enough to stop the malice of her ene...more
The infamous love of King Henry VIII and the mother of Queen Elizabeth I, Anne Boleyn undertook a rocky journey from innocent courtier to powerful Queen of England. A meticulous researcher, Margaret Campbell Barnes immerses readers in this intrigue and in the lush, glittery world of the Tudor Court. The beauty and charms of Anne Boleyn bewitched the most powerful man in the world, King Henry VIII, but her resourcefulness and cleverness were not enough to stop the malice of her ene...more
"Brief Gaudy Hour" is an earlier Tudor fiction piece, and what you first need to bear in mind while reading this is that some of the language is going to be dramatically different from what you're used to. For instance, 'lovemaking' is courtship, not sex. I know I was certainly confused at first upon reading Henry saying that surely 'many men have made love to you before' (not an exact quotation) to Anne, and then going on and calling her a virgin. Anyway, there are many novels of Anne Boleyn so...more
The book starts with young Anne who is called to court by her father, telling her that she is to attend the King’s sister to France. Anne is excited to go and while in France she grows into beautiful woman who gets the attention of men. She also witnessed the love between Mary and Charles Brandon, and vows that one day she too will have great love story.
Back in England she fells in love hard but when that is destroyed she wants revenge. But she’s also gotten the King’s attention.
I quite liked th...more
Back in England she fells in love hard but when that is destroyed she wants revenge. But she’s also gotten the King’s attention.
I quite liked th...more
2 likes · like · see review
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Apr 19, 2012
Olga Crickhollow Books
rated it
4 of 5 stars
Shelves:
historical-fiction,
tudor-reading
First published at Crickhollow Books http://crickhollowbooks.com.au/blog/2...
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book, being the first older historical novel (first published in 1948) that I’ve read on the Tudors. Margaret Campbell Barnes back catalogue was reprinted by Sourcebooks in 2008. After finishing this novel I can see why, this easily outshines a lot of contemporary offerings.
You might be surprised that a lot of novels on Anne Boleyn are written from another characters point of view,...more
I wasn’t sure what to expect from this book, being the first older historical novel (first published in 1948) that I’ve read on the Tudors. Margaret Campbell Barnes back catalogue was reprinted by Sourcebooks in 2008. After finishing this novel I can see why, this easily outshines a lot of contemporary offerings.
You might be surprised that a lot of novels on Anne Boleyn are written from another characters point of view,...more
This is a decent enough Boleyn novel, telling the standard story of Anne's early days at court, the love affair with Harry Percy, her rise and her fall. I particularly thought the way her relationship with her brother was portrayed, as well as the way Anne was able to subtly alienate King Henry against Cardinal Wolsey, was fine.
That doesn't keep the book from the reading like a Harlequin romance at times. For example: "Love like this was a rebirth. It burned away all the cruelty and bitterness,...more
That doesn't keep the book from the reading like a Harlequin romance at times. For example: "Love like this was a rebirth. It burned away all the cruelty and bitterness,...more
After finishing the book, I turned to the inside cover and was surprised to find that it had been orginally published in 1949. That may account for some of the historical inaccuracies that more recent research has set aside. I found this novel's view of Anne Boleyn to be a more balanced portrayal of her character than that found in other novels I have read. She was a young, beautiful, intelligent but somewhat self-absorbed woman, whose family coveted more influence and power in King Henry VIII's...more
This book was first published in 1949 and it’s the first “older” work that I read about the life of Anne Boleyn. At the beginning I struggled with the book, but once I read the first hundred pages I was drawn into the story. Then again, books about Anne (one of my favourite woman in history) always tend to do that.
Although this book is written a long time ago (even another century ) it is more accurate than most of the modern books that feature the Tudor Dynasty. Barnes tells the story from A...more
Although this book is written a long time ago (even another century ) it is more accurate than most of the modern books that feature the Tudor Dynasty. Barnes tells the story from A...more
Oh, those Tudors, oh that Anne Boleyn. Yeah, I've read many, I've enjoyed most mainly because I'm always curious to how an author will twist Anne's tale; will they show her in a positive light or portray her as the vindictive creature who fooled Henry VIII. This book is definitely the best novels on Anne's life and probably just as genius as The Other Boleyn Girl.
First thing is that this book was originally written in the 1940s so the prose is much different from more modern Tudor novels. It le...more
First thing is that this book was originally written in the 1940s so the prose is much different from more modern Tudor novels. It le...more
Everyone that knows me relatively well knows that I'll read nearly anything involving the Tudor family. (So long as it's not one of those ridiculous bodice-ripper novels) This means that I've done my research and have a pretty good idea of what's gone on and what not. At least more so than the average person on the street. (What, you mean the average person can't even NAME all of Henry's wives, let alone have a favorite one? Gah! ;))
With that being said, I think I'm automatically going to deduct...more
With that being said, I think I'm automatically going to deduct...more
2 likes · like · see review
I really, really did enjoy this book. I love the way it portrayed Anne Boleyn (my hero<3)!
My only MINOR problem, was the year of Anne's birth in this story. I believe it to be 1507, but it seems this book made her born in 1503.
It was written many years ago, and yet the writing is easy enough to read and the story is well told. It portrays Anne in a more... sympathetic light; she is very human, sweet, and yet she isn't perfect. Duh. We all know Anne's overall problem was ambition.
There were so...more
My only MINOR problem, was the year of Anne's birth in this story. I believe it to be 1507, but it seems this book made her born in 1503.
It was written many years ago, and yet the writing is easy enough to read and the story is well told. It portrays Anne in a more... sympathetic light; she is very human, sweet, and yet she isn't perfect. Duh. We all know Anne's overall problem was ambition.
There were so...more
I read this book for our first book club discussion. The book is beautifully written, weaving fiction into a historical account of Ann Boleyn's relationship with Henry VIII. I loved the ending.
1 like · like · see review
Wonderful story about Anne Boleyn. First time I heard the complete story besides knowing she was beheaded.
1 like · like · see review
This is a great read and based on real history not some made up Hollywood tale!
1 like · like · see review
I read this book for the first time 25 years ago, I found it on my mothers bookshelves. It was one of the first historical novels I read and it helped create my love for historial fiction in general and books about the Tudor family specificly. The quality of this book lies in the fact that it pictures Anne Boleyn as a young girl and is not so negative about her as many other historic novels. Mrs Campbell Barnes managed to write a fascinating story, that I very much enjoyed reading again after al...more
This is the love story of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn, the woman who changed history. Angered after her love affair with Henry Percy is broken up, she vows revenge on Cardinal Wolsey. Talented, flirtatious and intelligent, possessed of a strange alluring beauty, Anne refuses the love of Henry VIII. For her, Henry broke with the pope and the Catholic Church, divorced a Princess of Spain and braved the scorn of his subjects to crown her Queen. Unfortunately no son came for Anne and she ended up on...more
A good read, but the historical inaccuracies were distracting. Even though this book was written 60 years ago, even then it had been proven that Anne never had a 6th finger or a mole on her neck. As well she as portrayed as having never loved Henry at all, when everything I've read says she loved him at least one time, even if she didn't start out loving him. I did enjoy Anne's early life portrayal, especially of her love affair with Henry Percy. The time line was a bit iffy as well, we never go...more
Apr 29, 2009
Wen
rated it
5 of 5 stars
Recommends it for:
Anyone who enjoys Tudor time period HIstorical Fictions
This has been one of my favorite books about Anne Boleyn I have read. I know with many historical fiction works that some is speculation due to the simple fact that the people being written about have been deceased quite a while. I loved the Anne Boleyn 'character' that Margaret Campbell Barnes created. To me seemed very believable in that she is not Just a family pawn or a power hungry witch as most books seem to make her seem. Yes the ultimate outcomes are still the same but the telling of it...more
Wow. This book is amazing. Spectacular. I cannot say enough words to show how much I love this book. This is the best novel of Tudor fiction I have ever read, and definitely one of my very favorite books of all time. Barnes is a spectacular writer and gave this story life, even though Anne Boleyn was doomed from the start. If you are a fan of the Tudor era, this is a must read.
I read this book years ago, it was the very first historical fiction book that I read. Was it completely accurate - I have no idea. However, I fell in love with historical fiction because of this book. It is beautifully written and Anne is made real. Any book that can make their main character become a living, breathing person is a good book.
Jun 13, 2013
Marilyn
rated it
4 of 5 stars
·
review of another edition
Shelves:
historical-fiction-tudor-era
Actually for entertainment value, a 4 1/2 star rating would be more accurate for me. Keep in mind, that this book is fiction! I think far too many times, a book is harsly rated due to historical inaccuracies. Having said that, if I am reading historical fiction, I rate on entertainment value. This book may not be for everyone, but then that is what makes the world go 'round....
Great retelling of the Anne Boleyn story. Not 100% accurate but never mind. I kinda like it when historical fiction writers make Anne out to be a bit of a seductress. Recommened for all fans of The Tudors. I just never seem to tire of reading about Anne Boleyn. I think she must be(for me anyways) the most interesting person history has to offer.
Out of all of the books I've read thus far on the subject of Ann Boleyn and Henry Tudor, this has been the most informative and my favorite. I read it on one rainy afternoon. It is an easy read and if the subject matter is something you are interested in, you will read it in one sitting.
You would think that the story of Anne Boleyn wouldn't change, after all the outcome is always the same, poor girl always looses her head! But, this comes from a different angle, it looks at the young Anne before she became Queen, when Henry was doing all the chasing and when she was in love the Henry Percy, and the heart ache of loosing him. She blames Wolsey for the break-up of the affair with Henry Percy and sees a way of destroying him. She (obviously)eventually succumbs to Henry VIII consta...more
An interesting look at Anne Boleyn. I liked this version of Anne better than many of the others I've come across. MCB makes her a sympathetic person, one that you can actually feel sorry for. In this version, Anne recognizes her ambition and what it is doing to her but can't figure out a way to stop it and does admit to herself that she loves the power she is gaining. It is also obvious in this telling that Anne was very in love with Henry Percy and that THAT really affected what she did later i...more
I loved this book although I knew how the end would come. A book that makes me cry is worthy of a 5 star rating and this is one of those! Loved it!
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Margaret Campbell Barnes was born in 1891 and died in 1962. She was the youngest of ten children born in the Sussex country side. By all accounts she lived a happy childhood and was eventually educated at small private schools in Paris and London.
The majority of her books were written between the 1940's and 1960's.
She married Peter Barnes in 1917, a furniture salesman, and the couple had two sons,...more
More about Margaret Campbell Barnes...
The majority of her books were written between the 1940's and 1960's.
She married Peter Barnes in 1917, a furniture salesman, and the couple had two sons,...more
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