The Tudors!

[LauraMax]

Oh it must! That's one aspect of this period that makes it one of the most fascinating times in western history. It was a huge socio-cultural shift, possibly the most significant in western culture, just b/c Henry wanted his own heir.

I will certainly be disappointed if it isn't addressed.

 

[candi]

When I was about 19 I read a book by Norah Lofts called "The King's Pleasure" about Catherine of Aragon, Henry's first wife. It is a fictional account based on historical facts of the relationship he had with her. It was a fantastic book that got me really interested in the time period. It seems because Catherine would never divorce Henry because of her Catholic religion and the fact that the Catholic faction of people loved her, she had a certain amount of power over him until her death. Although it's an old book, I think published in 1969, it's a very good read. It recounts the fact that Henry pretty much established his own Church of England or "Angelican Church" that freed him of papal power he could divorce Catherine for not giving him an heir.

 

[LauraMax]

She's one of the most fascinating women in modern history. Mattingly's book goes into much of her childhood & her activities in Spain, before she became Queen of England. She used to dress in armor & ride in battle w/the Spanish army. She was well educated & apparently an excellent ruler--I have yet to see an unflattering account of her. From everything I've read she was a strong, intelligent, independent woman.

About as popular back then as it is now......;-)

 

[TeTe]

I remember that book! But, of course, I didn't read it because I was such a hard-core Anne Boleyn fan. I instead read Lofts' book, "The Concubine" about my dear hussy-queen! (hey, I was only about thirteen when I got into this, and I convinced myself that Catherine was just a bee-otch who was being so unfair to my girl! I'd picked my favorite of Henry's wives and, by god, she was the only one I read about for YEARS!!!)I finally gave the others a chance, bless their hearts!

 

[autumn]

Yes, I am a fan. It is soooo good!

I will miss Rome. :-(

 

[candi]

Didn't Anne Boleyn have two pinkies on each hand? I remember reading that somewhere. And, because of that, she was thought to be a witch.