Alisom Weir Libri

Inghilterra, 1554: Jane Grey, sovrana per nove giorni, è prigioniera nella dimora di Master Partridge, il carceriere della Torre di Londra. Condannata per alto tradimento, potrebbe salvarsi abiurando la fede riformata, ma non può tradire il suo credo. La regina Maria Tudor, intenzionata a restaurare la religione cattolica, ha già deciso il suo destino: bruciata viva o decapitata. Jane è consapevole delle sue colpe, ma rifiuta di barattare la vita eterna per quella terrena. Gli anni precedenti alla sua tragica fine sono segnati da tensioni tra cattolici e protestanti, con intrighi e tradimenti che circondano la Corona. Il giovane principe Edoardo non può governare, e molti cercano di influenzarlo, tra cui i suoi genitori, Henry e Frances Grey, che sperano di riscattare le loro ambizioni attraverso il matrimonio della figlia con il futuro re. Tuttavia, Jane desidera seguire i propri interessi, dedicarsi allo studio e mantenere la propria indipendenza, piuttosto che diventare una sposa sottomessa. Attraverso le voci delle donne della corte di Edoardo, l'autrice offre un affresco corale di un'epoca oscura, evidenziando le ingiustizie e le contraddizioni. La storia di Lady Jane Grey è un racconto di coraggio e della lotta per rimanere fedele a se stessa contro le imposizioni familiari e sociali.

"Prodigiously documented... Alison Weir must be highly commended for throwing such a brilliantly hard light on the relationship between the United States and Israel. I hope this marvelous book gets all the attention it deserves." - Ambassador Andrew Killgore Soon after WWII, US statesman Dean Acheson warned that creating Israel on land already inhabited by Palestinians would "imperil" both American and all Western interests in the region. Despite warnings such as this one, President Truman supported establishing a Jewish state on land primarily inhabited by Muslims and Christians. Few Americans today are aware that US support enabled the creation of modern Israel. Even fewer know that US politicians pushed this policy over the forceful objections of top diplomatic and military experts. As this work demonstrates, these politicians were bombarded by a massive pro-Israel lobbying effort that ranged from well-funded and very public Zionist organizations to an "elitist secret society" whose members included Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis. AGAINST OUR BETTER JUDGMENT brings together meticulously sourced evidence to illuminate a reality that differs starkly from the prevailing narrative. It provides a clear view of the history that is key to understanding one of the most critically important political issues of our day.

The third volume of Alison Weir's magisterial history of the queens of medieval EnglandMedieval queens were seen as mere dynastic trophies, yet many of the Plantagenet queens of the High Middle Ages dramatically broke away from the restrictions imposed on their sex, as Alison Weir shows in this gripping group biography of England's fourteenth-century consorts.Using personal letters and wonderfully vivid sources, Alison Weir evokes the lives of five remarkable Marguerite of France, Isabella of France, Philippa of Hainault, Anne of Bohemia and Isabella of Valois.The turbulent, brutal Age of Chivalry witnessed the Black Death, the Peasants' Revolt, the Hundred Years War against France and savage baronial wars against the monarchy in which these queens were passionately involved. Queens of the Age of Chivalry brilliantly recreates this truly dramatic period of history through the lives of five extraordinary women.

An account of Henry VIII's second wife's final days seeks to vindicate her from popular negative perceptions while offering insight into additional nuances that affected her character and marriage to the infamous monarch

When Henry VIII died in 1547, he left three highly intelligent children to succeed him in turn to be followed, if their lines failed, by the descendents of his sister, Mary Tudor. In Children of England, Alison Weir’s interest is not in constitutional history but in the characters and relationships of Henry’s four heirs. Making use of a huge variety of contemporary sources, she brings to life one of the most extraordinary periods of English history.

More than four hundred years ago, seven people - five of them women - were beheaded in the Tower of London. Three had been queens of England. The others were found guilty of treason. Why were such important people put to death?Alison Weir's gripping book tells their stories: from the former friend betrayed by a man set on being king, to the young girl killed after just nine days on the throne. Through her vivid writing, Alison Weir brings history alive.

The fifth spectacular novel in the highly acclaimed SIX TUDOR QUEENS series by historian and Sunday Times bestselling author, Alison Weir.

Foremost and beloved historian Alison Weir is writing six stunning novels about the Six Queens of Henry VIII drawing on new research

The BP Portrait Award is a showcase for artists specialising in portraiture. This book, a full catalogue of the exhibition, includes reproductions of the prize winners and all entries selected by the judges for display in 2011.

'This magnificent biography of Henry VIII is set against the cultural, social and political background of his court - the most spectacular court ever seen in England - and the splendour of his many sumptuous palaces.

On 2 May, 1536, in an act unprecedented in English history, Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII's second wife, was imprisoned in the Tower of London. Did Cromwell, for reasons of his own, construct a case against Anne and her faction, and then present compelling evidence before the King?

Christmas in Tudor times was a period of feasting, revelry and merrymaking `to drive the cold winter away'. Carol-singing, present-giving, mulled wine and mince pies were all just as popular in Tudor times, and even Father Christmas and roast turkey dinners have their origins in this period.

Biografie van Henry VIII (koning van Engeland (1491-1547) en zijn echtgenotes.

The book features a discussion guide that enhances the reading experience, along with an excerpt from the author's work on Jane Seymour, providing insights into her life and significance in history. This combination allows readers to engage deeply with the themes and context surrounding Seymour, offering a richer understanding of her role in the Tudor era.

Sunday Times bestselling novelist Alison Weir returns with the spellbinding story of Mary I, the princess who became Bloody Mary.

A reference guide including complete genealogical details of all members of the royal houses of England, Scotland and Great Britain, from 800 AD to Princess Eugenie of York and Columbus Taylor. The bibliographic data relates not only to every monarch, but to their families and greater families.

On 10th February 1567, an explosion devastated the Edinburgh residence of Henry Stewart, Lord Darnley, second husband of Mary Queen of Scots. This investigation into Darnley's murder sheds light on the actions and motives of the conspirators and, in particular, the extent of Mary's own involvement

This magnificent new book is Alison Weir's greatest achievement: a detailed biography of Henry VIII, set against the cultural, social and political background of his court - the most magnificent court ever seen in England - and the splendour of his many sumptuous palaces. Seen from this new perspective, Henry VIII emerges as a fully-rounded and realistic personality, not the two-dimensional caricature of popular misconception. This book is not just an entertaining narrative packed with colourful description and a wealth of anecdotal evidence, but a comprehensive analytical study of the development of both monarch and court during a crucial period in English history. As well as challenging some recent theories, it offers controversial new conclusions based on contemporary evidence that has until now been overlooked. This is a triumph of historical writing which will appeal equally to the general reader and the serious historian.

In her highly praisedThe Six Wives of Henry VIIIand its sequel,Children of England, Alison Weir examined the private lives of the early Tudor kings and queens, and chronicled the childhood and youth of Elizabeth I. This book begins as the young Elizabeth ascends the throne in the wake of her sister Mary’s disastrous reign. Elizabeth is portrayed as both a woman and a queen, an extraordinary phenomenon in a patriarchal age. Alison Weir writes of Elizabeth’s intriguing, long-standing affair with Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester; of her dealings — sometimes comical, sometimes poignant — with her many suitors; of her rivalry with Mary, Queen of Scots; and of her bizarre relationship with the Earl of Essex, thirty years her junior. Rich in detail, vivid and colourful, this book comes as close as we shall ever get to knowing what Elizabeth I was like as a person.

The intense rivalry between the Lancaster and York families shaped 15th-century British monarchy, leading to a tumultuous period marked by betrayal, power struggles, and the rise and fall of noble houses. Alison Weir vividly portrays key historical figures, including the influential queens Katherine of Valois, Elizabeth Wydville, and the formidable Margaret of Anjou, alongside notable nobles like Richard Neville, the Earl of Warwick, and King Edward IV. Their complex relationships and fierce ambitions highlight the dramatic impact of the Wars of the Roses on England's history.

The complete SIX TUDOR QUEENS short-story collection by acclaimed historian and SUNDAY TIMES BESTSELLING author, Alison Weir. 'This brilliant series has brought Henry VIII's six wives to life as never before' TRACY BORMAN 'Detailed, immaculately researched and convincing' THE TIMES 'Lingers long after the last page is turned' ELIZABETH FREMANTLE --- Behind every great king stands a queen. And behind every queen, the whole court watches on... Over the years of his reign, six different women took their place beside King Henry VIII of England as his wife and queen. But the real stories of the six Tudor queens belong to those who lived among them. Played out in glittering palaces and whispering courts, these are tales of the people who loved and served these women, and those who lied and betrayed them. Collected together for the first time, In the Shadow of Queens reveals thirteen startling stories from the Tudor court, told by those at the very heart of that world. ALISON WEIR. Groundbreaking truth. Breathtaking fiction. --- PRAISE FOR THE SIX TUDOR QUEENS SERIES: 'Weir is excellent on the little details that bring a world to life' Guardian 'A tour de force' Susan Ronald 'Alison Weir makes history come alive as no one else' Barbara Erskine 'Well researched and engrossing' Good Housekeeping 'Hugely enjoyable . . . Alison Weir knows her subject and has a knack for the telling and textural detail' Daily Mail

The war between the houses of Lancaster and York for the throne of England was characterised by treachery, deceit and - at St Albans, Blore Hill and Towton, - some of the bloodiest and most dramatic battles on England's soil.

A handbook for getting started with indoor climbing, covering techniques, tactics, gear, safety, the importance of one-on-one instruction, mental and physical conditioning, self-assessment, and more, with photographs, and discussions of progressively advanced techniques

"Alison Weir is one of our best popular historians and one, moreover, with an impressive scholarly pedigree in Tudor history." --Frank McLynn, Independent Royal Tudor blood ran in her veins. Her mother was a queen, her father an earl, and she herself was the granddaughter, niece, cousin and grandmother of monarchs. Some thought she should be queen of England. She ranked high at the court of her uncle, Henry VIII, and was lady of honour to five of his wives. Beautiful and tempestuous, she created scandal, not just once, but twice, by falling in love with unsuitable men. Fortunately, the marriage arranged for her turned into a love match. Throughout her life her dynastic ties to two crowns proved hazardous. A born political intriguer, she was imprisoned in the Tower of London on three occasions, once under sentence of death. She helped to bring about one of the most notorious royal marriages of the sixteenth century, but it brought her only tragedy. Her son and her husband were brutally murdered, and there were rumours that she herself was poisoned. She warred with two queens, Mary of Scotland and Elizabeth of England. A brave survivor, she was instrumental in securing the Stuart succession to the throne of England for her grandson. Her story deserves to be better known. This is the biography of an extraordinary life that spanned five Tudor reigns, a life packed with intrigue, drama and tragedy.

The stunning new Tudor novel from Alison Weir, Sunday Times bestselling author of Six Tudor Queens.

A biography of one of the most influential women of the Middle Ages discusses her marriages to Louis VII of France and Henry II of England, and her later efforts to secure the throne of England for her sons

Alison Weir goes to the heart of Tudor England at its most dangerous and faction-riven in telling the story of Elizabeth I before she became Queen. The towering, capricious figure of Henry VIII dominates her childhood, but others play powerful roles: Mary, first a loving sister, then as Queen a lethal threat; Edward, the rigid and sad little king; Thomas Seymour, the Lord High Admiral, whose ambitions, both political and sexual, are unbridled. And, an ever-present ghost, the enigmatic, seductive figure of her mother Anne Boleyn, executed by Henry, whose story Elizabeth must unravel.

The narrative delves into the tumultuous life of Mary I, King Henry VIII's daughter, known for her violent reign and the moniker Bloody Mary. Initially raised as a future queen, her status is jeopardized by her father's marital decisions, leading to her being declared a bastard. Following a series of tragic events, including the execution of rivals, she ascends to the throne. Despite hopes for a compassionate rule, her reign is marked by a fierce campaign to restore Catholicism, showcasing the complex interplay of vulnerability and brutality that defines her legacy.

Described by Christopher Marlowe as the 'She-Wolf of France', Isabella was one of the most notorious femme fatales in history. Had it not been for her unfaithfulness, history might have immortalised her as a liberator- the saviour who unshackled England from a weak and vicious monarch.

The Plantagenet queens of England were pivotal figures in some of history's most dramatic events. These queens—crusaders, rebels, seductresses, scholars, and warriors—defied medieval constraints to wield power and influence, shaping England's narrative for better or worse. Alison Weir's groundbreaking history delves into the tumultuous years from 1154 to 1291, a time marked by chivalry, dynastic ambition, church conflicts, baronial wars, and feudal bonds. Key events like the murder of Becket, the signing of Magna Carta, and the emergence of parliaments are explored through a fresh lens. The journey begins with Eleanor of Aquitaine, whose marriage to Henry II not only established a dynasty that lasted over three centuries but also ignited destructive family feuds and led to the decline of England's power under her son, King John. The subsequent queens—Berengaria of Navarre, Isabella of Angouleme, Alienor of Provence, and Eleanor of Castile—each contributed remarkable stories to this era. Weir's narrative offers an enthralling perspective on a time of high romance and low politics, highlighting the significant roles played by these determined women.

Includes a new foreword by the author The story of the death, in sinister circumstances, of the boy-king Edward V and his younger brother Richard, Duke of York, is one of the most fascinating murder mysteries in English history.

Brings England's Norman queens out of the shadows and dazzlingly to life. Drawing on a wealth of fascinating contemporary sources, Alison Weir presents the drama, passion and intrigue of these extraordinary women's lives and restores them to their rightful place in history. A masterpiece. Tracy Borman

The New York Times bestselling author of the Six Tudor Queens series delves into the private life of the legendary King Henry VIII and his tumultuous reign in this remarkable historical novel. After completing her series on Henry's wives, Alison Weir now gives voice to Henry himself, recounting his extraordinary thirty-six-year reign and six marriages. Young Henry began as a chivalrous Renaissance prince, embodying virtue and promise, yet history remembers him primarily for his violence. He famously broke with the Pope, founding the Church of England and igniting a religious revolution that fractured his kingdom. His reign was marked by the beheading of two wives and the dismissal of two others, culminating in a suspicious, obese, disease-riddled tyrant who died old before his time. Yet, the reality of his reign is far more intricate. The narrative brings to life an idealistic monarch who expanded Parliament, founded the Royal Navy, modernized medical training, and patronized the arts. A passionate man seeking true love, he was constrained by the need for a male heir, making him as much a victim of circumstance as his unhappy wives. Had fate been kinder, the course of English history might have been altered. This is the story of the private man behind the legend, who left an extraordinary legacy—a modern Britain.

Katherine Synford was first the mistress, and later the wife, of John of Gaunt, the Duke of Lancaster. Her charismatic lover was one of the most powerful princes of the fourteenth century and Katherine was renowned for her beauty and regarded as enigmatic

Two women separated by time are linked by the most famous murder mystery in history, the Princes in the Tower.

Sister to Anne Boleyn and seduced by two kings, Mary Boleyn has long been the subject of scandal and myth. Her affair with Henry VIII fuelled the shocking annulment of his marriage to Anne, and Mary is rumoured to have borne his child in secret. In this, the first full-length biography of Mary Boleyn, Alison Weir explodes much of the mythology that surrounds her subject's notoriety. Her extensive research gives us a new and detailed portrayal, revealing Mary as one of the most misunderstood figures of the Tudor age.

Explores Royal Weddings from 1066 to today, covering medieval, Tudor, Stuart, Georgian, and Victorian periods. Highlights notable weddings, including those of the Queen Mother, Queen, Princess Margaret, and the marriage of Prince William to Kate Middleton.

Elizabeth of York would have ruled England, but for the fact that she was a woman. Heiress to the royal House of York, she schemed to marry Richard III, the man who had deposed and probably killed her brothers, and it is possible that she then conspired to put Henry Tudor on the throne. This book is a portrait of this beloved queen.

It is the year 1152, and a beautiful woman rides through France, fleeing her crown, her two young daughters and a shattered marriage. Her husband, Louis of France has been more monk than monarch, and certainly not a lover. Now Eleanor of Aquitaine has one sole purpose- to return to her duchy and marry the man she loves, Henry Plantagenet, destined for greatness as King of England. It will be a union founded on lust, renowned as one of the most vicious marriages in history, and it will go on to forge a great empire and a devilish brood. This is a story of the making of nations, and of passionate conflicts- between Henry II and Thomas Becket; between Eleanor and Henry's formidable mother Matilda; between father and sons, as Henry's children take up arms against him - and finally between Henry and Eleanor herself.

The formidable young Queen Elizabeth is regarded by most of Christendom as a bastard, a heretic and a usurper, yet many princes covet Tudor England and seek her hand in marriage. Under mounting pressure to take a husband, Elizabeth encourages their advances without ever committing.

A tremendously vivid, page-turning and plausible novel that depicts the rise and fall of Anne Boleyn, the most spirited, independent and courageous of Henry's queens, as viewed from both the bedrooms and the kitchens of the Tudor court.

The history of the contenders to the English throne after the death of King Henry VIII.

Riveting story of conspiracy, murder, and deception.

Osudy královských manželek jako obecnější výpověď o manželských svazcích, rodině, morálce a postavení žen v tudorovské Anglii. První díl je věnován Kateřině Aragonské, Anně Boleynové a Janě Seymourové. Pestrý obraz života na renesančním dvoře Jindřicha VIII. Pod tradičně zavedeným názvem dostává čtenář do rukou šestisetstránkovou studii, která je založena na zkoumání a výkladu – často objevném – historických dokumentů, avšak přesto je napsána elegantním a hlavně obecně srozumitelným stylem. Kostrou knihy je vývoj Jindřichovy povahy od první renesanční osobnosti na anglickém trůně až po nesnášenlivého tyrana obklopeného cynickými rádci, kteří jsou schopní, ale většinou bohužel i všeho. Zároveň procházíme všemi peripetiemi anglické politiky a reformace a dozvíme se mnohé rovněž o kultuře, justici, diplomacii, válkách, panovnických dvorech, módě i zvycích oné doby. To vše v mezinárodních souvislostech. Autorka se drží pramenů, pro větší bezprostřední účinek je v citátech nechává často promlouvat původní autentickou řečí, nepouští se však do senzacechtivých ani lechtivých spekulací. Její kniha je pro typicky anglickou střízlivou věcnost, kterou autorka uplatňuje při zpracování "věčně přitažlivé" tématiky, poučnou ukázkou historické literatury faktu.

Anglický kráľ Henrich VIII. (1491-1547) sa „preslávil“ svojimi šiestimi manželkami a tiež tým, že osamostatnil anglikánsku cirkev od Vatikánu. Autorka zoznámi čitateľa s pohnutými osudmi jeho štyroch následníkov...

Vyprávění volně navazuje na autorčinu předchozí knihu - Šest žen Jindřicha VIII. a líčí spletité a složité dění u anglického dvora i v celé zemi po Jindřichově smrti. Jde o boj o královský trůn, šlechtické intriky, boj mezi katolíky a stoupenci anglikánské církve - to vše v souvislosti a v závislosti na životních osudech legitimních potomků Jindřicha VIII. - Připojena důkladná bibliografie i obsáhlý jmenný rejstřík; chybí genealogická tabulka, ačkoli je v obsahu uvedena.

Alison Weirová, přední autorita zabývající se dějinami anglických panovníků 16. století a všemi stránkami jejich povah i dobového prostředí, z něhož vyrůstali a které zásadním způsobem ovlivnili, se k postavě Jindřicha VIII. vrátila celkem třikrát: Na začátku své vědecké dráhy napsala knihu Šest žen Jindřicha VIII. a dvacet let nato se k látce vrátila svazkem nazvaným Pád Anne Boleynové, jejichž český překlad vydalo nakladatelství BB/art. Nyní přichází s třetí prací, která časově stojí někde uprostřed mezi oběma jmenovanými. V knize Jindřich VIII.: Král a dvůr autorka poopravila některá tvrzení obsažená v její jindřichovské prvotině, ale hlavně se soustředila na bezprostřední okolí, v kterém žil a panoval anglický král, proslulý nejen počtem manželek, jichž se v zájmu zplození mužského potomka zbavoval s bezohledností, která neměla hned tak obdoby, ale i renesanční osobností rytíře, básníka, hudebníka, tanečníka, mecenáše umění, stavebníka nádherných paláců a zámků, původce stavby neobyčejných válečných lodí, lovce, jedlíka, pijáka, zkrátka gargantuovsky obžerného vychutnavače života, ale zároveň i náboženského hloubavce, který, ačkoli se až do smrti považoval za katolíka, v Anglii nakonec proklestil cestu k reformaci. O tom všem čtenář v knize – na rozdíl od televizních seriálů – nalezne podrobné poznatky, doložené dochovaným historickým materiálem.

Jane od dziecka marzy o byciu zakonnicą, ale krewni mają względem niej inne plany. Kiedy dorasta, zostaje wysłana na dwór, by dołączyć do fraucymeru Katarzyny Aragońskiej, dobrej i pobożnej pani, niemal drugiej matki, która cieszy się szacunkiem wszystkich swoich dwórek. Kiedy więc do jej komnat docierają pogłoski o awansach czynionych przez Henryka VIII Annie Boleyn (także damie dworu królowej), wywołują szok i powszechne zgorszenie, a w łagodnej Jane budzą wspomnienia o pewnym incydencie, który ukształtował jej pogląd na temat małżeństwa.W końcu Henryk odtrąca Katarzynę i czyni Annę swoją nową królową Jego drugie małżeństwo na zawsze zmienia religijny krajobraz Anglii, ale triumf Anny okazuje się krótkotrwały. Uwagę króla przykuwa bowiem niepozorna Jane, którą krewni, pragnący podniesienia rangi swego rodu, nakłaniają do przyjęcia królewskich względów. W ten sposób Jane zostaje wplątana w niebezpieczną polityczną grę i musi stoczyć wewnętrzną walkę – walkę sumienia z pragnieniami. Czy kochająca i współczująca Jane udźwignie to brzemię i odnajdzie się w roli królowej na pełnym intryg dworze? Czy będzie żoną, która obdarzy Henryka długo oczekiwanym męskim potomkiem? Czy może zostanie odtrącona, jak kobiety, które przed nią znalazły się w królewskim łożu? To niezwykła historia skromnego Kopciuszka, ukazująca drogę córki prowincjonalnego rycerza do roli królowej Anglii.

Niniejsza powieść jest pierwszym tomem z serii Królowe autorstwa niezwykle poczytnej pisarki brytyjskiej Alison Weir. Napisana w oparciu o wnikliwe badania książka przenosi czytelnika w realia burzliwej epoki Tudorów i przybliża losy Katarzyny Aragońskiej, pierwszej żony Henryka VIII, z nowej i zarazem niezwykle ciekawej perspektywy. Sportretowana w powieści bohaterka jawi się jako energiczna i silna kobieta, która z kruchej księżniczki przeobraziła się w odważną i stanowczą władczynię. Alison Weir ukazuje życie prawowitej królowej na tle wydarzeń politycznych i intryg dworskich, szczegółowo opisując momentami dramatyczne koleje jej losu oraz skomplikowane relacje z otoczeniem. Dzięki świetnemu warsztatowi pisarskiemu autorki, która po mistrzowsku łączy fakty historyczne z fikcją, Katarzyna staje nam przed oczami niczym żywa, a samą powieść czyta się jednym tchem.

Alžběta z Yorku byla nejstarší dcerou anglického krále Eduarda IV. Rusovlasá, krásná a dobrosrdečná dívka je miláčkem celé rodiny, v jejím životě však náhle nastane prudký zvrat, když jí na vrcholu svých životních sil zemře otec. Strýc, neblaze proslulý Richard III., využije jeho smrti k uchvácení trůnu a uvězní v Toweru Alžbětiny dva mladší bratry, oprávněné dědice trůnu, kteří pak beze stopy zmizí. Alžběta musí snášet Richardovy námluvy, aby se stala jeho ženou a tím potvrdila oprávněnost jeho nároku na trůn. Navzdory tomu, že jí král pravděpodobně zavraždil bratry, má za to, že musí jeho návrh na uzavření manželství přijmout. Alžbětu však zachrání Jindřich Tudor, který se Richardovi postaví v bitvě na Bosworthském poli. Po svém vítězství je prohlášen králem a požádá Alžbětu o ruku, aby se mohla stát první královnou tudorovské rodové linie. Manželství je šťastné a plodné a nejenže spojí do té doby vzájemně bojující rody Lancasterů a Yorků – mající ve znaku červenou a bílou růži –, ale vzejdou z něj i čtyři potomci, kteří se dožijí dospělého věku, mezi nimi i Jindřich VIII.

Malá Alžběta, dcera Jindřicha VIII., nejmocnějšího z anglických panovníků, je princezna předurčená k životu na výsluní moci a slávy a lidé se jí klanějí jako králově dědičce. To vše se ale rázem změní, když je její matka Anna Boleynová – Jindřichova velká láska – popravena zaúdajnou nevěru. Král holčičku vydědí, dá ji prohlásit za nemanželskou a ona je napříště nucena spoléhat jen na vlastní důvtip, aby v temných vírech doby plné intrik a náboženských svárů mezi katolictvím a nově zrozeným protestantismem vůbec přežila. Zvlášť po otcově smrti musí jako sirotek obratně proplouvat dravými proudy bezohledných mocenských bojů u tudorovského dvora. Je svědkem protestantské regentské vlády svého bratra, mladičkého Eduarda VI., i nelítostné katolické obnovy své starší sestry Marie Krvavé, za jejíž vlády se jako ikona protestantské strany na krátký čas dokonce ocitá uvězněna v Toweru, a ač se důsledně distancuje ode všech spiknutí, hrozí jí smrt. Jsou chvíle, kdy bojuje o holý život, a přelstít ty, kdo usilují o její zničení nebo ji chtějí využít pro své vlastní cíle, jí pomůže jen nevšední inteligence a mimořádné vzdělání. Z hloubavé, předčasně vyspělé dívenky, jejíž osud je plný tragických zvratů, se nakonec stává nejslavnější a nejoblíbenější anglická královna. Ale to už je jiný příběh.

Dosud nejambicióznější román o Tudorovcích z pera Alison Weirové vypráví podmanivý příběh muže, který je střídavě geniální, romantický i krutý a bezohledný: příběh renesančního krále, jenž navždy změnil tvář Anglie. Druhorozený princ Jindřich vyrůstá v královských palácích a sní o turnajích a chrabrých skutcích, jimiž by se vyrovnal rytířům z legend o králi Artušovi – a o zlatém věku králů, jenž čeká na jeho staršího bratra. Předčasná smrt prvorozeného Artura z něj však nečekaně udělá krále Anglie. S rostoucí mocí začíná Jindřich svádět niterný boj mezi rozumem a citem, láskou a povinností. Vládne jako všemocný a Bohem pomazaný král, ale jeho modlitby za narození syna zůstávají roky nevyslyšeny. Velká budoucnost tudorovské dynastie přitom závisí na existenci dědiců a tíživé břemeno povinnosti je zplodit nakonec zahýbá dějinami.