Tudor History Lovers discussion
Introductions
I am married and have one son. I am a retired Pre-AP English teacher; however, I am currently tutoring Japanese students. Because of my tutoring, I have become very interested in Japanese history and culture. I also love to cook. I have recently started baking bread. Learning to braid the dough and make fancy loaves has been fun. I read and study a LOT of cookbooks!Books are my passion, and I cannot imagine a day without reading, which I am certain is true for everyone in this group. Since I was in the seventh grade (ll years old), I have been especially fond of the Tudors. I was very pleased to discover this book club, and I look forward to having a group with whom to share great books.
Hi Connie! That's interesting that you got interested in the Tudors around the age of 11. If you look for a thread called something like What Started Your Interest in the Tudors?, you will find that we are discovering that so many of us became interested around that age! It's really incredible - there must be something in their story that appeals to girls of that age (can't remember if any guys have chimed in).
Hi, I'm Helene and I've read loads of Tudor historical fiction, and I'm currently a history undergraduate student and I've just finished writing my dissertation on Anne Boleyn's public image. I'm also hoping to do my Masters degree next year, working on Anne Boleyn's fall and how her image changed because of it. I hope to get published one day. One of my favourite fiction books is Philippa Gregory's 'The Other Boleyn Girl' but I also love James Forrester's 'Sacred Treason' based in the reign of Elizabeth I.
Hello! I'm new to this group, but have been a Tudor history fan probably ever since reading "Mary Bloody Mary" by Carolyn Meyer as a kid. My interest was furthered when watching Showtimes "The Tudors" and learning from my relatives that Elizabeth Woodville was an ancestor on my dads side. I'm also working on my first idea for a historical fiction novel set in Tudor times. :)
Been here a couple weeks, so I figure I should write something. I'm married, two adult children, 2 dogs, and live in Pennsylvania. As far as the Tudors go, been reading and watching them since I was very young. Tudors/Stuarts, anything to do with Irish/Scottish/Welsh/English history. I've read more books than I can remember, but will never lose my interest in talking/reading about the period. Have a Masters in Renaissance History, basically the rise of the Tudor Kings and fall of the Plantagenets. Enjoy reading fiction as well as fiction and enjoy discussing the differnces.
I just got a copy of Hilary Mantel's new book but I have to finish revising first! I'm polishing up The Altarpiece, my first historical novel about a nun during the closing of the convents and monasteries. I really like hearing how many of you like Mary Tudor and Katherine of Aragon--Katherine's in this one, Mary figures largely in the next! Can't wait to lay hands on the new Mantel, though, too.
Sarah wrote: "I just got a copy of Hilary Mantel's new book but I have to finish revising first! I'm polishing up The Altarpiece, my first historical novel about a nun during the closing of the convents and mon..."Sounds great -- I'll be looking for your novel. Do you have a publication date?
Kathleen wrote: "Sarah wrote: "I just got a copy of Hilary Mantel's new book but I have to finish revising first! I'm polishing up The Altarpiece, my first historical novel about a nun during the closing of the co..."I do--next March! It seems like a long way away, but as I start polishing up, it's getting closer and closer, yikes!! You can see it and read about it on Amazon! Thanks for asking!
Anne wrote: "I have three or four of Margaret Campbell Barnes."I like her books as well. I especially liked THE TUDOR ROSE
Kari wrote: "Hello fellow Tudor Lovers! I am new to this group and new to Goodreads. I've been interested in the Tudors since college (I forget how many years ago that was):)I've read Alison Weir, Margaret Ge..."
Hi I am new too. Have you read any books by Jean Plaidy? She wrote a whole series on the Tudors. Enjoy!
Hi everyone! I've been a member of this group and goodreads for a few years. I have just been absent for over a year. It's time to get back to what I love ...reading and discussing books with others.I'm married with a wonderful dog Maggie, no children. I used to be an elementary teacher and then I worked in a library. I lead a bookclub that has now been meeting 11 years, any book suggestions for the club would be greatly appreciated.
I'm excited to be back!
Hi, I'm Sherry from Maryland. 52, single, work parttime for the government, and caregiver to my 88 year old mother. We have a 17 year old cat named Mickey and a beautful rescue sheltie named Willow Elizabeth (she needed a middle name for when she barks too much and gets yelled at...Elizabeth for her big white ruff like Elizabeth I). I've found myself reading Tudor historical fiction for over a year when I discovered Philippa Gregory. I also love Alison Weir and Margaret George. I like reading about strong women...even when they ended up dead they had to be strong to live with Henry!
Hi! I'm Jaye from Indiana. I'm a 21-year-old college senior studying Elementary Education with a minor in Interpersonal Relations. I have been fascinated with the Tudors since about 6th or 7th grade, so about 8-9 years. I THINK the first Tudor-related book I read was either Mary, Bloody Mary, or Beware, Princess Elizabeth, by Carolyn Meyer. I have read (and own) all of the Young Royals series (even the ones not about the Tudors), and The Royal Diaries I'm getting through - almost done! I am also working my way through the Cousins' War and Tudors books by Philippa Gregory. I am currently reading Murder Most Royal, by Jean Plaidy. I also enjoy reading Alison Weir's and Carolly Erickson's books. No matter how many inaccuracies/exaggerations there are, I can separate fact from fiction and I enjoy them all the same.
When I'm not reading historical fiction, I enjoy mystery/suspense novels, especially the OLD Nancy Drew books (the original 1930s-40s ones), and Mary Higgins Clark. I also enjoy swing dancing, genealogy, listening to music from the 40s-now, playing my guitar and drums, singing, and I have an unhealthy obsession with The Beatles.
OMG...I found my kinfolk! I'm newly obsessed with English/British History, particularly the Tudors! I'm so glad to have found yall! I'm Heather, 30-something and unemployed :(
I've recently discovered history, and I'm drawn to the British monarchy! Everytime I read a historical novel, I find another topic to read on!
Right now I'm a bit pre-Tudor-era, reading The Red Queen. More than 50% of my TBR list are about the English court!
So happy to be here!
HI HEATHER!!!!! it's gr8 to meet you!!! I LOVE reading about the british monarchy as well and HIGHLY recommend Sandra Byrd's To Die For: A Novel of Anne Boleyn and then The Secret Keeper: A Novel of Kateryn Parr. both of these books were AMAZING!!!!!!!!! :D :D :D
Oh no, my TBR list just got longer! :)
LOL well, they will be worth it! :D I PROMISE! :D
Hello all! I am a 36 year old wife, mother, and teacher who is also obsessed with all things Tudor! I honestly can't recall when my obsession began, but the Showtime series definitely fanned the flames! My favorite Tudor fiction book has to be Robin Maxwell's The Secret Diary of Anne Boleyn (though it's hard to choose - any of Maxwell's books would work here!). Gregory is hit and miss with me, though I did love The Boleyn Inheritance.So nice to find a group of like-minds!! I look forward to discovering new Tudor treasures!
So many books to read - both fact and fiction - about the Tudors. I've been reading them for nearly fifty years and haven't lost my taste yet!
Hello all
I've been bitten by the renaissance bug... and now seeking all things sixteenth century. Just discovered Lymond Chronicles, bought them all and taking a week off to read them in the rain (UK - Cumbria). My obsession was born with Hillary Mantle's Wolf Hall, grown with CJ Sansom's Shardlake and Mark Montgomery's Jack Brownfield... cooled a little with James Jackson's Christian Hardy and developed again with Alison Plowden's engaging historys. Now looking for more long forgotten, hidden and secret treasure to read... the kind not to be found in my local bookstores.
Luke
I've been bitten by the renaissance bug... and now seeking all things sixteenth century. Just discovered Lymond Chronicles, bought them all and taking a week off to read them in the rain (UK - Cumbria). My obsession was born with Hillary Mantle's Wolf Hall, grown with CJ Sansom's Shardlake and Mark Montgomery's Jack Brownfield... cooled a little with James Jackson's Christian Hardy and developed again with Alison Plowden's engaging historys. Now looking for more long forgotten, hidden and secret treasure to read... the kind not to be found in my local bookstores.
Luke
Hi, my name is Crystal and I'm a Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn addict. So much so that I've already written a historical fiction from Henry’s point of view, where he’s the victim (along with Anne). I'll be publishing it next year and it will be a series. Every now and then, for fun, I go to the library and pretty much check out every book they have on them. And if that's not enough, the most expensive book I ever bought to date (and it was used!) is called The Royal Palaces of Tudor England. It cost me $89. Youch! Oddly, I probably learned more about Anne and Henry from this book than I did from any of their biographies I’ve read. I have also read Henry’s Love Letters to Anne, and I adore them. I love their passion—their connection. And any woman that can inspire a king to change his entire kingdom for her is somebody I find incredibly seductive and intriguing. It’s better than any soap opera. I think they’re both highly misunderstood and complex individuals. I enjoy reading fictions about them, but I do get tired of him always being portrayed as the shallow, fat, tyrant. I think there was way more to this man than he’s given credit for. I’m not saying he didn’t have a bad temper, and didn’t go off on power trips but I know lots of men in my own life that do that who I qualify as good men, but they’re flawed. Now, give those men power and a kingdom and see if that doesn’t happen more often and if they don’t make a ton of mistakes. Yes, I know I’m probably in the minority, but I feel sorry for him. I do sometimes enjoy reading stories where he’s the bad guy as long as he’s still sexy, seductive and has some vulnerability. I’ve read the Other Boleyn Girl and loved it. Started to read The Autobiography of Henry VIII months ago, but it was so dry and drawn out I couldn’t get through it, but I do intend to give it another go. I also got about halfway through the Boleyn Inheritance and had to set it aside because of how awful Henry was portrayed, though I do also love Anne of Cleaves. I have the ebooks for the King’s Pleasure, The Queen’s Rival and The Lady in the Tower and I plan to read those soon. I would love to see what other books this group recommends. I loved the show the Tudors, though I know some of it was not historically accurate, but man, loved Jonathan Rhys Meyers, Natalie Dormer and Henry Cavill. Such a hypnotic show and cast. Wasn’t as fond of the movie version of The Other Boleyn Girl, even though I normally love the lead actors in that moviel. I just hated that they basically had Henry rape Anne for their first time being together. Oh well, I’ll stop ranting now, and just say I absolutely love Henry VIII!
Hello Crystal. Thought I would say hello, since activity on this thtread is a little quiet. Nice to hear Henry VIII has another fan... Never saw him as 'a victim' although. Your novel will I've no doubt be an interesting read and take on a favourite subject of many, (so long as your Love of Henry does not 'colour' him too well!) Can't say I'm the greatest fan of Henry VIII, but of James V of Scotland instead, another much maligned sovereign of Henry VIII's day.
I disliked the Other Boleyn Girl too, it just did not stack up as a worthy movie, to an otherwise good book. The Tudors too was a good watch, so long as you enjoy the fiction of it, and disregard the historical fact.
I disliked the Other Boleyn Girl too, it just did not stack up as a worthy movie, to an otherwise good book. The Tudors too was a good watch, so long as you enjoy the fiction of it, and disregard the historical fact.
Oh, I'm sad to hear it's quiet in this group. I was hoping for some spirited discussions on Tudor times.It depends on what you mean by "colour" him too well in my novel(I love your brit spelling of it by the way. Are you from the UK? Or just having some Tudor fun with me? I'm good with both, JSYK. Teehee!).
I'm intrigued with James V too. I wrote another novel that I won't be publishing that involved James V. Do you have any good historical fictions about him you could recommend? I'd love to read more about him as well.
Thanks for saying hi. I'm looking forward to chatting with people in this group even if it is sporadic if the group is quiet.
I first found Jean Plaidy when I was about 10 - the book was St Thomas Eve about Thomas More. That one book fired an interest in the Tudor period that hasn't died after almost 40 years. I read every Tudor novel and non-fiction book I come across. I do wish some of the older authors like Margaret Heys and Elizabeth Byrd would be reprinted. But I am content with reprints of Jean Plaidy, new books by Philippa Gregory, Alison Weir and anyone else I can find.
I'm late getting into all things Tudor. Only in the past couple of years have I become interested in the Tudors and European history in general. I'm currently reading on the Jean Plaidy books about Katherine of Aragon. Today I stopped at the libray to take back a couple of books, and I ran in to the bookstore they have there. They sell used books to help out with the purchase of buying new books for the loaning. Well! I found a nearly new copy of Jean Plaidy's "Queen of This Realm"! I have two other books (which I haven't read yet) I've found at various thrift stores; "The Lady in the Tower" and a hardcover edition of "The Spanish Bridegroom". My library system has a number of Jean Plaidy books, so I'm hoping to read all of her books that I can find.
Anne wrote: "I'm late getting into all things Tudor. Only in the past couple of years have I become interested in the Tudors and European history in general. I'm currently reading on the Jean Plaidy books abo..."The Lady in the Tower is great. One of my favorite Jean Plaidy novels.
Margaret wrote: "Anne wrote: "I'm late getting into all things Tudor. Only in the past couple of years have I become interested in the Tudors and European history in general. I'm currently reading on the Jean Pla..."I've heard that from several people here on this board. Looking forward to reading it!
Anne wrote: "Margaret wrote: "Anne wrote: "I'm late getting into all things Tudor. Only in the past couple of years have I become interested in the Tudors and European history in general. I'm currently readin..."Another really good Tudor novel is "The Autobiography of Henry VIII" by Margaret George. I love that one.
Margaret wrote: "Anne wrote: "Margaret wrote: "Anne wrote: "I'm late getting into all things Tudor. Only in the past couple of years have I become interested in the Tudors and European history in general. I'm cur..."I have that one on my Tudor/European bookcase. Someone on here the other day said they found it boring. I guess I will have to check it out for myself!
Anne wrote: "Margaret wrote: "Anne wrote: "Margaret wrote: "Anne wrote: "I'm late getting into all things Tudor. Only in the past couple of years have I become interested in the Tudors and European history in ..."Each their own, I guess, I found the writer's attempts to get inside Henry's mind fascinating.
Margaret wrote: "Anne wrote: "Margaret wrote: "Anne wrote: "Margaret wrote: "Anne wrote: "I'm late getting into all things Tudor. Only in the past couple of years have I become interested in the Tudors and Europea..."I think Henry was quite fascinating! Hope I am able to get to this book soon.
Anne wrote: "Margaret wrote: "Anne wrote: "Margaret wrote: "Anne wrote: "Margaret wrote: "Anne wrote: "I'm late getting into all things Tudor. Only in the past couple of years have I become interested in the T..."We warned it is a BIG book, makes for a very long read. :)
Margaret wrote: "Anne wrote: "Margaret wrote: "Anne wrote: "Margaret wrote: "Anne wrote: "Margaret wrote: "Anne wrote: "I'm late getting into all things Tudor. Only in the past couple of years have I become intere..."Yeah! One of the reasons I have not read it yet. I have a goal of 80 books to be read this year (am around 52 or so)in an effort to read and pass on some books. Once I meet that goal, I will start reading some bigger volumes that I have here.
Let me know what you ladies think of it. I got a few chapters in and stalled out. It was really dry and slow for me, and I was dying to read it since at the time I was writing my own Henry VIII novel and this was the only historical fiction about him I could find told in his point of view. I do intend to get back to it when I start working on that series again in the future. You are right though, it is really LONG!
Crystal wrote: "Let me know what you ladies think of it. I got a few chapters in and stalled out. It was really dry and slow for me, and I was dying to read it since at the time I was writing my own Henry VIII nov..."I found that once I persevered beyond about chapter 5, then it got more interesting. Once Henry became king. I also liked the device of "editorial" comments from Will Somers.
Crystal wrote: "Let me know what you ladies think of it. I got a few chapters in and stalled out. It was really dry and slow for me, and I was dying to read it since at the time I was writing my own Henry VIII nov..."Hey Crystal! Hope to get to it sometime in the fall...will let you know when that happens.
Margaret wrote: "Crystal wrote: "Let me know what you ladies think of it. I got a few chapters in and stalled out. It was really dry and slow for me, and I was dying to read it since at the time I was writing my ow..."Now, I'm itching to get to this book!
Good to know it moved better after chapter, but I, however couldn't stand Will Somers little editorials. They drove me bonkers. I wanted the story just go on smoothly and for him to disappear. I will definitely read though, because anything about Henry VIII I'm willing to fight for. =)
Ok, this long, perhaps dry in areas book brings up a question. Do you consider a book "read", "finished" etc when you skip over parts? I'm thinking perhaps if Will Somers drives me bonkers, maybe I can just read around him?? But, I have this thing about not considering a book "read" etc unless I've read every work. What is your opinion?
Anne wrote: "Ok, this long, perhaps dry in areas book brings up a question. Do you consider a book "read", "finished" etc when you skip over parts? I'm thinking perhaps if Will Somers drives me bonkers, maybe..."I sort of feel you need to read all the book (the first time)...otherwise you can miss important things and end up confused.
Margaret wrote: "Anne wrote: "Ok, this long, perhaps dry in areas book brings up a question. Do you consider a book "read", "finished" etc when you skip over parts? I'm thinking perhaps if Will Somers drives me b..."I think you are correct....AND like I said, I can't consider it read, unless I have read it! I just glanced through the book, and it seems there would some things missed if I didn't read it all. After looking though it, I'm eager to read it!
Anne wrote: "Margaret wrote: "Anne wrote: "Ok, this long, perhaps dry in areas book brings up a question. Do you consider a book "read", "finished" etc when you skip over parts? I'm thinking perhaps if Will S..."It's a great read. The best of all her "autobiographical" novels.
Crystal wrote: "Hi, my name is Crystal and I'm a Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn addict. So much so that I've already written a historical fiction from Henry’s point of view, where he’s the victim (along with Anne). I'..."Hi Crystal, welcome! I love the sound of your book - I don't think I've ever read an HF from Henry's point of view!
Hello! I am a 30 year old newlywed nurse. I live in California. I have been obsessed with English history, particularly the Tudors for as long as i can remember. I've seen the Showtime series twice and have read many books based on the famous family. I am excited for this group because I haven't encountered too many people who share my passion for this genre.
Welcome Amber. You've joined the right place.
Hi, my name is Rachel and I am 31, from Brooklyn, NY by way of Austin, Tx. I became interested in British History during college, through a book called London by Edward Rutherford. In my early 20's I became addicted to a series of books by Jean Plaidy which chronicled the Tudors and other royal British and European families, and have remained a fan ever since.
Hi everyone! I'm Allie, 27 & new to Goodreads. Looking for groups with my interests and found this one. I love the Tudor era but really anything that has to do with English history is fine by me. Besides Historical Fiction, I love the Classics, Non-Fiction, Biographies, Fantasy and the occasional Best Seller. Looking forward to some awesome recommendations! I didnt know Wolf Hall had a sequel so Im already super glad I joined! lol
Tudor History Lovers
Books mentioned in this topic
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Inside the Wardrobe of Anne Boleyn (other topics)
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Medieval Cuisine (other topics)
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Authors mentioned in this topic
Shenanchie O'Toole (other topics)Barbara Parker Bell (other topics)
Sherrilyn Kenyon (other topics)
Lesley Hale (other topics)
Karen Harper (other topics)
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I have been interested in Tudor history a long time, probably started when learnt about it in history class as a child. I love castles so I got married at Hedingham Castle in Essex, where Henry V111 and Elizabeth 1 dined and stayed. I have been reading Philippa Gregory Tudor books series and they are excellent, the forum on her website is good too. Looking forward to getting to know you :)