The Taming of the Queen (The Plantagenet and Tudor Novels) - Hardcover

Gregory, Philippa

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1476758794 ISBN 13: 9781476758794

Publisher: Atria Books, 2015

Synopsis

By the #1 New York Times bestselling author behind the Starz original series The White Queen, a riveting new Tudor tale featuring King Henry VIII’s sixth wife Kateryn Parr, the first English queen to publish under her own name.

Why would a woman marry a serial killer?

Because she cannot refuse...

Kateryn Parr, a thirty-year-old widow in a secret affair with a new lover, has no choice when a man old enough to be her father who has buried four wives—King Henry VIII—commands her to marry him.

Kateryn has no doubt about the danger she faces: the previous queen lasted sixteen months, the one before barely half a year. But Henry adores his new bride and Kateryn’s trust in him grows as she unites the royal family, creates a radical study circle at the heart of the court, and rules the kingdom as Regent.

But is this enough to keep her safe? A leader of religious reform and the first woman to publish in English, Kateryn stands out as an independent woman with a mind of her own. But she cannot save the Protestants, under threat for their faith, and Henry’s dangerous gaze turns on her. The traditional churchmen and rivals for power accuse her of heresy—the punishment is death by fire and the king’s name is on the warrant...

From an author who has described all of Henry’s queens comes a deeply intimate portrayal of the last: a woman who longed for passion, power, and education at the court of a medieval killer.

About this title

About the Author

Philippa Gregory is the author of many New York Times bestselling novels, including The Other Boleyn Girl, and is a recognized authority on women’s history. Many of her works have been adapted for the screen including The Other Boleyn Girl. Her most recent novel, The Last Tudor, is now in production for a television series. She graduated from the University of Sussex and received a PhD from the University of Edinburgh, where she is a Regent. She holds honorary degrees from Teesside University and the University of Sussex. She is a fellow of the Universities of Sussex and Cardiff and was awarded the 2016 Harrogate Festival Award for Contribution to Historical Fiction. She is an honorary research fellow at Birkbeck, University of London. She founded Gardens for the Gambia, a charity to dig wells in poor rural schools in The Gambia, and has provided nearly 200 wells. She welcomes visitors to her website PhilippaGregory.com.

Review

Praise for The Taming of the Queen:

“Gregory puts readers at the scene with visceral details.” (Kirkus Reviews)

"A fascinating history lesson, disguised as a novel, about a wily woman who survives lethal Tudor plots and outlasts a deadly king.” (People ("Book of the Week"))

“Gregory does her usual excellent job of ratcheting up the intrigue and suspense as another intelligent and strong-willed heroine fights for her life and her legacy.”—Booklist

“Who’s ever heard of Kateryn Parr? Henry VIII’s sixth wife was smart, independent—and managed to outlive him. In historical-fiction-queen Gregory’s latest, she’s unforgettable.”—People Magazine

“Full of vivid details and fraught with the constant tension of a court run by a madman, this novel will appeal most to historical fiction readers and those who enjoyed Wolf Hall. . . . Gregory beautifully builds the suspense.”—Library Journal (starred review)

"This novel beautifully exemplifies [Kateryn Parr’s] accomplishments while portraying an honest and emotional woman learning to survive in a dangerous royal court.” (Historical Novels Review)

“Gregory manages to make history lively, fascinating and real, even as she puts her own twist on what readers believe they know. The impeccable research shows in every page, while her wonderfully realistic dialogue and remarkable characters come to life. Gregory is a historian with heart and wit who makes history accessible.” (RT Book Review (top pick))

"This wives’ tale takes on a new life under Gregory’s whimsical pen.” (New York Post)

“Absorbing. . . Gregory's portrait of the complex, aging king and his sensual, scholarly bride will satisfy Tudor enthusiasts.” (Publishers Weekly)

"Parr’s story speaks of resilience, of a spirit that cannot be squelched." (Christ and Pop Culture)

Edition details

• Publisher: Atria Books
• Publication date: 2015
• ISBN 10: 1476758794
• ISBN 13: 9781476758794
• Binding: Hardcover
• Language: English
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 464