The Six Wives of Henry VIII.. What Book with that Theme is the best?

[Ann]

In our group read this month, the author interviews Genevieve Bujold, who played Anne in Anne of the Thousand Days, about the movie and her take on Anne Boleyn. She also interviews Natalie Dormer.

[Catherine]

That sounds interesting! I'm still trying to find a decent price copy of the book, as my library doesn't have it, and it's not even in our region to order in! I'll keep an eye on Amazon and eBay!

[Catherine]

Just found a really good price copy on eBay, it's coming from Pittsburgh to England though so I'm not expecting it in a hurry but still hope to have a little chat about it!

[Skye]

I really like Genevieve Bujold and think she made a great Anne

[happy]

Johanna wrote: "John wrote: "Watched "Mary of Scots" with Catherine Hepburn(1934) last night. An Interesting perspective on her life. Might have to find a couple books on her in the near future."

Mary Queen of ..."

Don't forget Lady Antonia Frasier's tome

- one of the first books on the Tudor Era that I read

[Johanna]

Catherine wrote: "I was sleepy when I was commenting last night.. It should read Mary QoS not WoW haha!!

Also, surely if Henry had syphillis then some of his wives/mistresses would have displayed similar symptoms a..."

Sorry i was ill.. Sounds good! What book should we read?
Just say which book and when to start.. i would be ready!

[Johanna]

Marian wrote: "Johanna wrote: "Did anyone see the movie Anne of a thousand days?"

We have that movie Johanna:)"

Really? How is it? Is the movie as good as i heard?
Some say that it is one of the best movies about the tudors ever made.

[Johanna]

happy wrote: "Johanna wrote: "John wrote: "Watched "Mary of Scots" with Catherine Hepburn(1934) last night. An Interesting perspective on her life. Might have to find a couple books on her in the near future."..."

I have it here already waiting for me on my bookshelve :)
I love Antonia Frasers books, she never disappoints!
Did you read her other books as well?

[Johanna]

Skye wrote: "I really like Genevieve Bujold and think she made a great Anne"

I saw some clips of the movie on youtube and i loved it.
She is a exceptional beautiful woman and it looked like
she is a great actress too!

[Johanna]

Have to see that movie for sure!

[Johanna]

Should we read Antonia Fraser or Alison Weirs book about
Mary Queen of Scots? I would have to buy Alison Weirs book
but i wouldn't mind :)

[John]

Catherine wrote: "Just found a really good price copy on eBay, it's coming from Pittsburgh to England though so I'm not expecting it in a hurry but still hope to have a little chat about it!"

I got mine earlier than expected. When I buy things from ebay I usually get them about 2-3 days before the expected date. Even when it comes from overseas.

[Johanna]

John wrote: "Johanna wrote: "Did anyone see the movie Anne of a thousand days?"

I have heard of it and would I would like to see it. Maybe I'll search for it, too."

Look what i've found!!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=to3-W...
the voices are a little bit off and the glare is a little bit annoying but it's not too bad! :)

[Johanna]

John wrote: "Johanna wrote: "I actually hard to believe how someone who was
admired for his prowess at jousting, tilting, hunting and tennis could get so ill and big in later life..
He feared illness very much..."

If you try it you have to tell us how it was :D
It is quite expensive.. but it was Henry VIII favorite food!
I think they ate it mostly on christmas.

[Johanna]

John wrote: "Catherine wrote: "Just found a really good price copy on eBay, it's coming from Pittsburgh to England though so I'm not expecting it in a hurry but still hope to have a little chat about it!"

I g..."

You have luck! When i order my books it always takes weeks until they arrive.. ! And sometimes they are in terrible conditions then..

[John]

Johanna wrote: "John wrote: "Catherine wrote: "Just found a really good price copy on eBay, it's coming from Pittsburgh to England though so I'm not expecting it in a hurry but still hope to have a little chat ab..."

Books I order are usally in good shape. The last two I oredered. "Creation of Anne Boleyn" came from Mass. and "In the Spirit" came from the UK and both arrived three days eary and are in excellent shape. "Creation" was used but looks brand new and the spine isn't even broke in.

Books are usually good for me; other things, not so much sometimes.

[Johanna]

Wow ! From now on i should let you buy my books for me !
i have not so much luck in buying used books.
It's frustrating to wait so long and then the books looks
like rubbish. But last week came 3 used books and they all looked new! :)

[Marian]

Johanna wrote: "Marian wrote: "Johanna wrote: "Did anyone see the movie Anne of a thousand days?"

We have that movie Johanna:)"

Really? How is it? Is the movie as good as i heard?
Some say that it is one of th..."

Actually Johanna,its been a long long time,since hubby and I have watched it,so I cannot comment on how good/great it is..sorry.But one of these days we will watch it again.

[Susanna - Censored by GoodReads, Mod #4]

Johanna wrote: "Should we read Antonia Fraser or Alison Weirs book about
Mary Queen of Scots? I would have to buy Alison Weirs book
but i wouldn't mind :)"

You could nominate them for the next group read. (The nominations thread is here: https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/... .)

[John]

Johanna wrote: "Wow ! From now on i should let you buy my books for me !
i have not so much luck in buying used books.
It's frustrating to wait so long and then the books looks
like rubbish. But last week came 3 u..."

Is there any good books about Germany in the middle ages and the Peasant wars, preferably nonfiction that you can recommend? My time in Germany is what really got me interested in this timeperiod of history in the first place.

[Skye]

John, are you referring to the Hapsburg time frame?

[Catherine]

I would have to buy either so shall we just go for Antonia Fraser's? That way you already have it!
I'll have a look in my bookstore this week and see if I can find a copy, if not I'll order one online!

[Catherine]

Also we could nominate it as suggested and get a few others in on the discussion! Plus I can justify buying more if I tell myself and my husband it's for a group read!! Haha! :-)

[John]

Skye wrote: "John, are you referring to the Hapsburg time frame?"

Possibly. 13-17th Centuries. It seems there is a lot about England, France, Scottland and Ireland but I don't see a whole lot about Germany unless I'm looking in the wrong places.

[Johanna]

Marian wrote: "Johanna wrote: "Marian wrote: "Johanna wrote: "Did anyone see the movie Anne of a thousand days?"

We have that movie Johanna:)"

Really? How is it? Is the movie as good as i heard?
Some say that..."

I found it on youtube so i can finally watch it ! :)
I think i will like it.. Elizabeth R was amazing.
Glenda Jackson did such a good job in portraying Elizabeth..
I don't think anyone could do it better!

[Skye]

John wrote: "Skye wrote: "John, are you referring to the Hapsburg time frame?"

Possibly. 13-17th Centuries. It seems there is a lot about England, France, Scottland and Ireland but I don't see a whole lot ab..."

http://www.theguardian.com/books/2013...

[Johanna]

Susanna - Censored by GoodReads wrote: "Johanna wrote: "Should we read Antonia Fraser or Alison Weirs book about
Mary Queen of Scots? I would have to buy Alison Weirs book
but i wouldn't mind :)"

You could nominate them for the next gro..."

Thanks Susanna! What a good idea :)

[Skye]

https://www.goodreads.com/topic/show/...

[Skye]

John, try the links.

[Skye]

http://www.royalty.nu/Europe/Austria/...

[Johanna]

Catherine wrote: "I would have to buy either so shall we just go for Antonia Fraser's? That way you already have it!
I'll have a look in my bookstore this week and see if I can find a copy, if not I'll order one onl..."

Alright! Antonia Fraser is a great author so we can't do anything wrong with the book!

[Johanna]

Catherine wrote: "Also we could nominate it as suggested and get a few others in on the discussion! Plus I can justify buying more if I tell myself and my husband it's for a group read!! Haha! :-)"

Haha :D Yes let's do that. Should i nominate it too?
Or is it enough if you do it? (I've never done a group read before). One can never have enough Tudor books.

[Catherine]

I've nominated it, so I think you just click to vote when it goes to poll? Unless I'm mistaken I'm sure Susanna will correct me!!

[Susanna - Censored by GoodReads, Mod #4]

Nominees don't need seconding; just vote for your top choice on the poll when it's up. (That'll probably be tomorrow.)

[Johanna]

John wrote: "Skye wrote: "John, are you referring to the Hapsburg time frame?"

Possibly. 13-17th Centuries. It seems there is a lot about England, France, Scottland and Ireland but I don't see a whole lot ab..."

You don't look in the wrong places John! If you search for a book about German History that has nothing to do with WW2 you have to search very long.. Most books are about WW1 & WW2.
There are more in german of course.. but even there not that many.
https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Here is a whole archive about German Monarchy..
I found this too:
http://www.amazon.com/The-German-Peas...

http://www.amazon.com/The-German-Refo...

[Johanna]

John wrote: "Skye wrote: "John, are you referring to the Hapsburg time frame?"

Possibly. 13-17th Centuries. It seems there is a lot about England, France, Scottland and Ireland but I don't see a whole lot ab..."

http://www.amazon.de/Shaping-German-I...
http://www.amazon.de/Concise-History-...
http://www.amazon.de/Struggle-Empire-...

[Johanna]

Susanna - Censored by GoodReads wrote: "Nominees don't need seconding; just vote for your top choice on the poll when it's up. (That'll probably be tomorrow.)"

Alright! I will do that then.

[Johanna]

Catherine wrote: "I've nominated it, so I think you just click to vote when it goes to poll? Unless I'm mistaken I'm sure Susanna will correct me!!"

How far are you with Henrys Six Wives now?

[Catherine]

I'm just about finished! I'm on the final chapter now! Henry is dead and Katherine Parr just married Thomas Seymour. I'll be finished tonight!

[Johanna]

Catherine wrote: "I'm just about finished! I'm on the final chapter now! Henry is dead and Katherine Parr just married Thomas Seymour. I'll be finished tonight!"

Great :) How do you like Katherine Parr?
Do you think Henry wanted to get rid of her too?
She seemed to have been on the brink of danger but somehow saved herself.. I think she was very clever and isn't it amazing that she published a book?

[Catherine]

I like her! She was very learned and intellectual! She seems genuinely warm and caring too.
How amazing for a woman to be published back then!

I don't believe Henry really wanted rid of her.. He didn't want her to be Lutheran, but when she pleaded to him and swore total loyalty he relented, I think after all the previous issues with his wives he needed reassurance and she appealed to the narcissistic side of his nature which won!
She was very fortunate that her servant found the warrant for her arrest and she was forewarned and prepared!
They do appear to be quite fond of each other though, more of a companionship at that point of his life than as husband/wife.

[John]

Johanna wrote: "John wrote: "Skye wrote: "John, are you referring to the Hapsburg time frame?"

Possibly. 13-17th Centuries. It seems there is a lot about England, France, Scottland and Ireland but I don't see a..."

Thank you everyone. I will be looking at these. Johanna, you are right 95% of what I find is about WWII and a little on WWI but very little before that. I can't find anything really good about the Peasants Uprising in the German 1500's or anything close.

[Skye]

Check out all the links I sent, John

[Johanna]

Catherine wrote: "I like her! She was very learned and intellectual! She seems genuinely warm and caring too.
How amazing for a woman to be published back then!

I don't believe Henry really wanted rid of her.. He d..."

True.. Their relationship was more like friends than deep love. You could be right.. in Henrys eyes two of his wives betrayed him and he turned very suspicious when he got older. It looks like he doubted her for some time but she
convinced him of her innocence in a very clever way.
He apparently trusted her enough to let her manage everything when he was away.. I think that says a lot about her. But i was a little bit sorry for her. She already had to take care of her husband before she married Henry and then his condition wasn't very good as well and his leg was extremely bad then too. But after Henry died she seemed to have found love and i'm happy for her that she could be together with him although he apparently wasn't a very good man.. She seemed to have been very fond of Elizabeth and Edward too and i'm glad that they had someone who could act like a mother to them. It was Katherine who made Elizabeth protestant too as far as i know.. I think that it was very good for Elizabeth to have had such an intelligent mother as an example at that time. She was a great woman and it's sad that grave was opened very roughly so many times.

[Johanna]

John wrote: "Johanna wrote: "John wrote: "Skye wrote: "John, are you referring to the Hapsburg time frame?"

Possibly. 13-17th Centuries. It seems there is a lot about England, France, Scottland and Ireland b..."

It's sad that the only thing most people know about Germany is the worst part of its history.. But apparently it's hard to know more too when there are no books :D
Did you find something in the books i gave you?

[Catherine]

I've literally just finished it, she was a great example to Elizabeth and Edward, and Jane Grey too!
It did sadden me to read how her grave had been treated for such a long time, certainly not the respect that was due to her!
Having read all about the queens now, I think Katherine Parr and Anne of Cleves are possibly my favourites, purely for the dignified way in which they behaved and their apparent care for other people.

[John]

Johanna wrote: "John wrote: "Johanna wrote: "John wrote: "Skye wrote: "John, are you referring to the Hapsburg time frame?"

Possibly. 13-17th Centuries. It seems there is a lot about England, France, Scottland ..."

While I was there, the only history you could actually find in print was the history of the local castle or town or historical site. And it was only on that site. The was nothing else. The Marionburg Fortress and Rothenberg were the only places you could really find good history.

[Johanna]

Catherine wrote: "I've literally just finished it, she was a great example to Elizabeth and Edward, and Jane Grey too!
It did sadden me to read how her grave had been treated for such a long time, certainly not the ..."

True! I like Anne Boleyn and Katherine of Aragorn but sometimes they take too much attention away from Henrys other Queens. True, Anne of Cleves, K.Howard and K.Parr weren't Queens for a long time but they were all very interesting characters. Especially Anne o. Cleves was in a very difficult situation but she made the best out of it and was in the end the only woman who had a happy life after she married Henry, there should be more books out there about them. Sometimes Anne Boleyns time as a Queen gets too overshadowed by the later events. She was not a bad Queen and i was astonished to see that her efforts to take the role of a queen during her reign were both valid and sincere and that she tried to make improvements for the poor.. As a child i wanted to be a princess or a queen but the tudor period makes me realize that this shouldn't be a dream of anyone :D You have to read The Children of Henry VIII now too.. (It's about Jane Grey too)

[Johanna]

John wrote: "Johanna wrote: "John wrote: "Johanna wrote: "John wrote: "Skye wrote: "John, are you referring to the Hapsburg time frame?"

Possibly. 13-17th Centuries. It seems there is a lot about England, Fr..."

Yes, true. It's hard to find something about German History anywhere.. It gets harder if you're interested in early history. We don't even learn more in school.
There should be more books available! You could look for some documentary on youtube. Maybe you find there more?

[John]

Johanna wrote: "John wrote: "Johanna wrote: "John wrote: "Johanna wrote: "John wrote: "Skye wrote: "John, are you referring to the Hapsburg time frame?"

Possibly. 13-17th Centuries. It seems there is a lot abou..."

I will. I started to browse the websites suggested yeaterday also. I think Germany whould have a very interesting and colorful past from what I saw when I was there.