Introductions

[Kate.]

Welcome to the group Julie. I like Mary too. I bought the Linda Porter one a while ago. Like many of my books , i havent read it yet..lol

[Jennifer, Mod #5]

Welcome to the group Julie! I'm an AB/Elizabeth fan :)

[Jackie]

Hi - I'm Jackie and have only recently become obsessed with the Tudors. Since picking up a copy of TOBG at a thrift store I have read several PG novels and am currently reading Six Wives of Henry VIII. I love reading all your comments. Because of all of you, my must read list is now off the page! Thank you!

[Aly]

That's what happened when I joined the group too, Jackie!!! Welcome!! Which Six Wives are you reading (Weir, Starkey, Fraser?). I got into Henry VIII by reading TOBG too!!

[Jackie]

Aly wrote: "That's what happened when I joined the group too, Jackie!!! Welcome!! Which Six Wives are you reading (Weir, Starkey, Fraser?). I got into Henry VIII by reading TOBG too!!"

Aly wrote: "That's what happened when I joined the group too, Jackie!!! Welcome!! Which Six Wives are you reading (Weir, Starkey, Fraser?). I got into Henry VIII by reading TOBG too!!"

Weir's version. I love it. I just started watching the Showtime series too and don't want to get ahead of myself in my reading. Its rather ridiculous at times but oh so fun! I'm looking forward to great reads and new friends.

[Lyn (Readinghearts)]

Welcome Julie and Jackie, we sure do have some great discussions in this group. My books list is way off the page since I joined GR, and this group in particular.

Julie - I think Mary is the Tudor I know the least about at this point, in fact, when I first became a Tudor aficionado, I thought Mary Tudor and Mary Stuart were the same person, lol. I have come a long way since then.

Aly - I did the same, bought the Linda Porter book, but haven't gotten around to reading it.

[Kate.]

Jackie wrote: "Hi - I'm Jackie and have only recently become obsessed with the Tudors. Since picking up a copy of TOBG at a thrift store I have read several PG novels and am currently reading Six Wives of Henry V..."

Welcome Jackie...You just wait , some of us here are famous for making you buy buy buy....Its addictive and so much fun.

[Marylou]

Welcome to the Tudor group, Julie. I just ordered the Mary book and look forward to reading it. I hope it gives a better picture of Mary.
Elizabeth Chadwick has a new book, Defy a King, that is coming out soon in Great Britain. I signed up for delivery.
I just finished the Last Queen about Juana, a daughter of Isabel and Fernado of Spain. It gave me much information about the geneology of Emperor Charles, Queen Catherine, etc.

[Kate.]

Thanks for the heads up Marylou , ive just added the EC one to my TBR

[Jennifer, Mod #5]

Welcome to the group Jackie!

[Julie]

Lyn M wrote: "Welcome Julie and Jackie, we sure do have some great discussions in this group. My books list is way off the page since I joined GR, and this group in particular.

Julie - I think Mary is the Tudo..."

Hi Lyn -thanks for warm welcome :)Its funny, I studied Mary for years and it wasn't until my parents started watching "The Tudors" on Showtime did they realize that Mary Tudor was not the Queen of Scots!! Do you have a favorite Tudor?

[Julie]

Marylou wrote: "Welcome to the Tudor group, Julie. I just ordered the Mary book and look forward to reading it. I hope it gives a better picture of Mary.
Elizabeth Chadwick has a new book, Defy a King, that is c..."

Hi Marylou - thanks for the welcome! How did you like the bio of Juana? I'm fascinated by the Hapsburgs as well as the Tudors, but there just doesn't seem to be as much out there.

[Lyn (Readinghearts)]

Julie - I am torn. I have always loved Mary Tudor, but the more I read, the more intrigued I am by all of them. As for Henry's wives, I think my favorite so far is Catherine Parr, but I have been on a Katherine (Catherine) Howard quest lately.

[Marylou]

Julie wrote: "Marylou wrote: "Welcome to the Tudor group, Julie. I just ordered the Mary book and look forward to reading it. I hope it gives a better picture of Mary.
Elizabeth Chadwick has a new book, Defy a ..." I came upon the the Last Queen, Juana, by accident. I did get to figure out what Hapsburg married which royalty. I really enjoyed it. It was fiction .

[Peg]

What a cool groupt to find as I wander the WWW! I am a former teacher facing the end of any claim to middle age. I write historical novels, and my new series is about the Tudors, specifically Elizabeth.
I love to travel, even though my two cats refuse to speak to me for days after I return.
I read so many historicals over my lifetime that it was difficult for my world history students to bluff their way through a book report: the word was, "Don't try to fake it: she's read them all."

[CF]

Hi Lyn -thanks for warm welcome :)Its funny, I studied Mary for years and it wasn't until my parents started watching "The Tudors" on Showtime did they realize that Mary Tudor was not the Queen of Scots!! Do you have a favorite Tudor?

I can see why a lot of people would get mixed up! There are so many Mary's, Katherine's and Anne's that for someone whose not Tudor-cluey, it could definitely get confusing!

I personally have a weird thing towards Mary (Tudor), she scares the crap out of me. I call her 'Scary Mary'. I'm always like 'arghhh Mary!!!'

[Susanna - Censored by GoodReads, Mod #4]

I just had the funniest mental image of Mary Tudor popping out of hidden corners saying "Boo!"

[Aly]

Peg, welcome!!!! That's funny that your students said that about you. I had a history teacher in high school who was the same way!!!!

Claire, that's exactly how I feel about Mary Tudor too!!!

[Lyn (Readinghearts)]

I think that she (Mary Tudor) is sort of an enigma--scary yet still a sympathetic figure. I think that is why she intrigues me so much. However, it could have been my Mary Stuart/Mary Tudor confusion that drew me to her in the first place, lol.

Welcome Peg. It's great to find another Tudor aficionado. There aren't enough of us!

[CF]

Claire, that's exactly how I feel about Mary Tudor too!!!

I went to the National Portrait Gallery, and saw a few of her portraits, and she just gives me shivers. She has frighteningly little empathy to have burned all those people, and in those photos, she LOOKS menacing, BUT Lyn I can totally see where you are coming from, I sometimes feel intensely sorry for her at the same time.

She just seemed like she was incredibly sad her entire life (of course so were the hundreds of people she burned, and in effect all of their family and friends). In 'The Tudors' - near the end of series 3 it seems like they are focusing on Mary's increasing cruel nature. Perhaps they are going to continue The Tudors after HVIII? I hope so!!

Peg, I love that story!! They can't pull the wool over your eyes!

[Rdonn]

Living in England, my favorite art gallery was the National Portrait Gallery and my favorite section - the Tudor gallery. All the portraits are stiff, remember how long ago they were painted, and the style of painting then! Mary's no worse than Elizabeth!! In fact the one of her as a young girl is lovely. When you read about Mary's childhood, and later life, she is only to be pitied. She had a horrible childhood, was close to her mother, and torn from her. She clung to her Catholicism, after all the Protestants had made her a bastard. She desperately wanted to be married, and have children. Her choice in husbands was inevitable but tragic, and her false pregnancies tragic. I guess she had cancer. Yes, so many were killed under her, but think of her point of view. So I'm sorry she gives you the creeps, she makes me sad when I look at and think of her.

[CF]

^ Rdonn I totally understand that point of view, but even the painting when she was young, (perhaps you meant this one > http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mar... eyes look menacing to me. Remember, Elizabeth was called a bastard too, and her mother was hated by many, her mother was beheaded! Yet Elizabeth is arguably the most humane of all the Tudor dynasty.

I can think of her point of view, yes, but nothing excuses burning that many people.

[Rdonn]

Yes, that's the portrait. The eyes aren't particularly well painted, a bit askew, again I attribute that to the period. Actually I find them hurt and scared!! I guess it's all in the eyes of the beholder as they say!! Don't you think she was quite "off her rocker" at the end with all her disappointments, and fear?! It's not an excuse for murder, but a plea for understanding, I guess. None of the Tudors or as a matter of fact, most of the monarchs have unbloodied hands!!

[Aly]

I loved the Tudor part of the National Portrait Gallery. I loved actually seeing these images in person!! I went to the National Gallery too, and they had a little display about Henry VIII. I have to agree with Claire, the eyes in Mary's portrait seem menacing to me too. I have to say that Mary is worse than Elizabeth. Mary was very cruel. She took her vengeance out on people who helped supplant her mother (the exception being the Duke of Norfolk). I think she exercised her power a bit much.

[Rachel]

Hello! I'm a 19 year old college student studying Nutrition. I have read TOBG and loved it, but the first book I can remember reading... well.. I can't remember its name. But it was really great.

Does anyone know it? It was (obviously) fiction about Queen Elizabeth unknowingly having a child (she had thought it had been rid of, but the story follows the child growing up and finding out everything). I've been trying to think of this book's name for ages...

[Kate.]

Welcome to the group Rachel , I dont know that book.

[Kate.]

Im a Mary fan… I feel sorry for what she went through as a child.
Losing both her parents by separation and banishment . She was really an outcast and didn’t get what she probably felt was hers by birth right.
In some of her other painting she just looks miserable :(
The burning were awful though it fits in with the time of beheadings and what not.
By the time she became a woman/queen etc life had pretty much passed her by. Im sure there were various motivators for the burnings.

[Rachel]

I just figured out the book! The Virgin Queen's Daughter

[Aly]

I do feel bad for her. I think she got the short end of the stick most of her life.

[CF]

Hi all.

I just realized i've been here for ages and I haven't properly introduced myself yet! ^-^

My name is Claire, i'm 22 and currently residing in London. I am originally from Australia, and travelled here to England in hope of getting into a History degree, which I am now in relentless pursuit of.

My favourite Tudor author is Alison Weir, who I luckily got to meet a few months ago, it was absolutely enthralling. Her books are fantastic and so very well researched. I also like Antonia Fraser, and David Starkey.

My favourite Tudor is either Lady Jane Grey or Elizabeth I, and my least favourite is either Mary I or Jane Boleyn, Lady Rochford (by least favourite, I mean I dislike their character, not that I don't find them interesting.)


I am always on the look out for new history books about even the most obscure Tudor History character. I love history in general, and am also quite passionate about Stuart history (tempting to make a group...>.>), as I find Charles II a very interesting person indeed.

Anyway. Nice to meet you all. =D

[Kate.]

Welcome to the group Clair...LOL
Keep us posted on your history degree. Thats sounds exciting. O to be your age again (im 32) and leave Australia to study in England. Go for it girl !!!!

[Marylou]

Claire wrote: "Hi all.

I just realized i've been here for ages and I haven't properly introduced myself yet! ^-^

My name is Claire, i'm 22 and currently residing in London. I am originally from Australia, and..."
Dear Claire, You are having an exciting life to live in England and study history. That sounds just wonderful. I wish I could have done that. I am reading about Mary now. I think she had a very difficult life. She was so jerked around by her father. I think she wanted so much to get married and have a family, but Henry would not permit that,Mary Lou

[Kelly A.]

Claire, I saw this picture and I thought of you and your Mary-phobia:
http://image.wetpaint.com/image/1/d5N...

Haha. She's a bit angry looking.

[Aly]

Hello properly introduced Claire!!! That's awesome about your history degree. I'm pursuing a history minor, and I'm hoping to move to London in July or August!!! You're so lucky to have met Alison Weir!!!

[Jennifer, Mod #5]

Kelly wrote: "Claire, I saw this picture and I thought of you and your Mary-phobia:
http://image.wetpaint.com/image/1/d5N...

Haha. She's a bit angry looking. "

LOL Kelly! That's hilarious :)

I have to say I'm not a fan of Mary either. I do agree that there are obvious parts of her life to be pitied but that can be said of all three of the Tudor children. Elizabeth also had a terrible life, as did Edward. Elizabeth acted in spite of the hand that she was dealt... Mary seems to have used her hand as an excuse!

[Lyn (Readinghearts)]

Welcome Claire - nice to see your introduction.

Kelly - I love the pic of Mary that you posted the link for.

I agree that Mary and Elizabeth acted very differently, but I think some of that is due to maternal genetics. I think that Mary, as vindictive as she was, was prone to letting the people around her, especially the church people, color her thinking and actions. For some reason, both she and her mother seemed to me to be the suffering, pious type.

Elizabeth, however, even though she didn't get to spend much time with her mother, reminds me of Anne in a lot of ways. She seems more sure of herself, and more sure of her role.

[Marylou]

Laste night I watched Mad from Netflix, a movie about Juana and Phillip. It has bveautiful scenes. It has much of the same info as the book, The Last Queen by Gortner. I so recommend this because I now can understand all of the royalty that the Tudors dealt with and their relationships. Catherine of Aragon, Juana, Emperor Charles V, son of Juana and nephew of Catherine of Aragon to name a few.

[CF]

Alright guys, i've done it, i've yielded to my own and peer pressure. I have made Tudor History Lovers an affiliate, if that is alright? Here is the link >

http://www.goodreads.com/group/show/2...

^-^ *claps hands*

[Nona]

I guess this is a re-introduction as it's been a long long time since I've been here. I think thats a great idea Claire, Stuarts are just as interesting with their own story to tell. I recently got a copy of The Kings Rose by Alisa Libby so after a long time away from the charming blood thirsty Tudors I'm back! and it feels great.

[Jemidar]

Claire wrote: "^ Rdonn I totally understand that point of view, but even the painting when she was young, (perhaps you meant this one > http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Mar... eyes look me..."

I think you'll find that Elizabeth actually burnt lots more people at the stake than ever Mary did but, of course, she did it over a longer period of time so people didn't notice as much. All the Tudors did it (as did other monarchs all over Europe) but for some reason Mary seems to have a got a bad rap because of it. Even the saintly Thomas More did it...and he was cannonizsed!!

[Jemidar]

Hi Everyone,

My name is Jenny and I'm a Tudor Junkie :-).

I read my first Tudor book (Young Bess by Margaret Irwin) when I was about 14 years old and absolutely loved it (still do!) and then worked my way through my high school library's collection of Jean Plaidy and Victoria Holt, which developed a life long affection for historical fiction ;-).

I love all things Tudor and am a bit of an Anglophile, and also collect vintage English china & glass among other things. Have always wanted to go to England but haven't yet managed to get there. I'm currently having fun planning (to cheer myself up) a "fantasy" holiday/tour of the North of England centered around Chatsworth & Hardwick. Pity it's not possible for me to actually go at present, because I'm getting very excited about it...lol.

Anyway, I live with my wonderful partner (is it really surprising that my soulmate was born in England?) and teenaged son in Adelaide, South Australia. I look forward to getting to know you all :-).

Jenny

[Brigid]

I guess I should introduce myself, too. I'm Brigid from Oklahoma (yee haw!). I started watching "The Tudors" on Netflix recently to kill time during a vacation, and suddenly I was hooked on reading all about the people. I started with a couple of Anne Boleyn biographies (she's my favorite, though I know she isn't the most popular around here), and I'm now trying to learn as much as I can about all the major players. I'm going to write out a whole study plan for myself soon. I have always loved history, especially cultural history, majoring in American Studies in college (and Italian). I am also hoping to travel to London next year to see all the things it didn't occur to me to see when I was there five years ago.

When not devouring Tudor history books, I indulge in crafty things (knitting, crocheting, embroidery, jewelry making, etc.), the arts (theatre especially), volunteer work (I'm on two boards of directors), cooking and baking. I live with my boyfriend of almost four years and my dog (a pug zu). I am a grant writer by day.

It's nice to meet everyone!

[Jennifer, Mod #5]

Welcome to the group everyone!

Brigid, I wouldn't say that Anne isn't popular around here... some of us love her ;)

[Brigid]

Jennifer -- Yay, I'm glad I'm not the only one! Most of the discussions of her I've found were negative, so I'm happy to find company. :)

[Jennifer, Mod #5]

Oh trust me, I know how you feel. I'm always having to defend her, especially against my lovely Colleen... watch out for her ;)

You're right though. A lot of people aren't huge AB fans and some just flat out can't stand her but I think that's the way it is with all the wives. There aren't any that we all love or hate. Totally mixed feelings on them all. IMO, that's just one thing that makes this group so much fun.

[Susanna - Censored by GoodReads, Mod #4]

I'd say... that Anne Boleyn is a "hot topic" of discussion!

[Aly]

I loved AB when I first delved into the Tudors. Now I don't feel the same way. Part of me really admires her, but part of is repelled by some of the things she did. I LOVE reading about her though!! I think it is because of my own personal controversy with her.

Welcome, both of you, to the group!!!!!!!

[Diane]

Hi, I'm Diane, and I live on the east coast of Scotland. I own a large collection of books, some of which are Tudor related about 20+ last count. I have only read non fiction books on the Tudors and have been gathering anything written as fiction for about a year now. This year I plan to start reading some of the fiction stories.

[Laura]

Hi everyone! My name is Laura and I live in Missouri just outside St. Louis. My love for the Tudors sprang from watching the Showtime series. After that, I have read everything (just about) from Phillipa Gregory, and one of my faves is The Secret Diary of Anne Boleyn, which is my favorite Queen! I saw, and voted for, April's book read The Last Boleyn on Mary, which I can't wait to start, even if it doesn't win! I really do love anything in England's history, but I am also starting to branch out into the French monarchy.
I plan on teaching history here in about a year when I finish my BS in Social Sciences and Secondary Education. After that I am going for my Master's, in what yet I don't really know.
It's great to "meet" all of you!

Laura

[Jackie]

Hi ladies - Welcome to a VERY interesting topic and group.