Non-fiction
Here is a list of books about Henry VIII’s six wives. For books which focus on Anne Boleyn, see Biographies.
 Dr David Starkey is a Tudor historian and an expert on Henry VIII and in this book he gives accounts of each of the six Queens of Henry VIII – Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard and Catherine Parr.
Starkey argues that Henry VIII was not the serial philanderer that many think he was, but simply a man in search of love and a male heir. |
 “The Wives of Henry VIII” by historian, Antonia Fraser, was a New York Times bestseller for over six weeks and is said to be one of the best biographies, if not the best, of Henry VIII’s six wives.
Fraser meticulously researched the period and historical characters and includes 32 pages of illustrations and 16 color plates in the book. It is a comprehensive book for anyone who wants to learn more about the six characters who rose to be Queens of England. |
 Amazon blurb: “The tempestuous, bloody, and splendid reign of Henry VIII of England (1509-1547) is one of the most fascinating in all history, not least for his marriage to six extraordinary women. In this accessible work of brilliant scholarship, Alison Weir draws on early biographies, letters, memoirs, account books, and diplomatic reports to bring these women to life. Catherine of Aragon emerges as a staunch though misguided woman of principle; Anne Boleyn, an ambitious adventuress with a penchant for vengeance; Jane Seymour, a strong-minded matriarch in the making; Anne of Cleves, a good-natured and innocent woman naively unaware of the court intrigues that determined her fate; Catherine Howard, an empty-headed wanton; and Catherine Parr, a warm-blooded bluestocking who survived King Henry to marry a fourth time.” |
 Amazon blurb: “The story of Henry VIII and his six wives has passed from history into legend – taught in the cradle as a cautionary tale and remembered in adulthood as an object lesson in the dangers of marrying into royalty. The true story behind the legend, however, remains obscure to most people, whose knowledge of the affair begins and ends with the aide memoir ‘Divorced, executed, died, divorce, executed, survived’.
David Loades masterly book recounts the whole sorry tale in detail from Henry’s first marriage, to his brother’s widow, to more or less contented old age in the care of the motherly Catherine Parr.” |
 My own book on Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII, Henry’s Six Wives and George Boleyn. Amazon Blurb:“The Anne Boleyn Collection” brings together the most popular articles from top Tudor website The Anne Boleyn Files. Articles which have provoked discussion and debate. Articles that people have found fascinating. Written in Claire’s easy-going style, but with an emphasis on good history and sound research, these articles are perfect reading for Tudor history lovers everywhere. |
 My own book on Anne Boleyn’s fall in 1536. Amazon Blurb:“During the spring of 1536 in Tudor England, events conspire to bring down Anne Boleyn, the Queen of England. The coup against the Queen results in the brutal executions of six innocent people – Anne Boleyn herself, her brother, and four courtiers – and the rise of a new Queen. Drawing on sixteenth century letters, eye witness accounts and chronicles, Claire Ridgway leads the reader through the sequence of chilling events one day at a time, telling the true story of Anne Boleyn’s fall. The Fall of Anne Boleyn: A Countdown is presented in a diary format, allowing readers to dip in, look up a particular date, or read from start to finish. Special features include mini biographies of those involved, a timeline of events and full referencing. |
The above links are all Amazon US links, but all the books are also available at Amazon UK – click here to go to our special Amazon Anne Boleyn UK page.
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