Customer Reviews: Read 3 more reviews...
 The Life and Death of Anne Boleyn: The Most Happy November 18, 2008
I have been looking for a truly historical analysis that neither confinces this complex character to one chapter in a book on the reign of Henry VIII, portrays her as a saucy temptress nor eulogises her in sickeningly romantic tones in the manner of the unprofessional outpourings of Joanna Denney, who should be ashamed to call herself a historian with a one-sided diatribe such as England's Tragic Queen.
This book is it. A well researched and analysed construction, that really builds up the layers of historical evidence to present a picture of Anne Boleyn's life, character, and influence, and shows an interest in considering whether there was any merit in the charges that led to her death. I this is quite simply a must for anyone interested in getting as close to historial accuracy as is possible given the limited sources available, yet is done in an entirely readable way. Hats off to Mr Ives!
Extremely well researched October 4, 2008
2 out of 2 found this review helpful
An exhaustively researched but generally very readable biography. In a few places (esp. the chapters on image, art and costume) the level of detail does get a little too much, but this is a testament to the author's endeavours. It is difficult to see how this can be bettered as a biography of this subject, absent the discovery of some significant new primary source.
One of the best biographies ever written about Anne Boleyn January 23, 2008
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
This highly informative account of Anne Boleyn brings to life a Tudor woman once seen as elusive and obscure.
Due to the high volume of biased primary accounts of Anne Boleyn written by the likes of Chapuys (the Spanish ambassador to England at the time) and others, it has been notoriously difficult to make an objective and impartial assessment of Anne Boleyn however Ives succeeds in bringing the true character of Anne Boleyn to life using a variety of sources, challenges biased accounts of Anne's life (such as Chapuys' accounts of the ailing marriage) and also presents compelling evidence to support his assertions, such as the controversy surrounding Anne's birth date.
Whilst at times, Ives presents the not so endearing qualities of Anne Boleyn, on the whole Ives' account of Anne is largely sympathetic, particularly in the last two chapters of the book where politics and religion appear to play a pivotal role in Anne's downfall and destruction.
It is also refreshing to see Anne portrayed as human and not demonized as she has so often been portrayed.
Ultimately, this is a balanced, magnificently researched and a tribute to Anne, whose efforts helped shape the reformation in England, a sentiment even echoed by Thomas Cromwell, one of her bitterest enemies who helped bring down the "most controversial queen consort" of England.
Detailed and enlightening about Anne Boleyn! November 29, 2007
4 out of 4 found this review helpful
If one is looking for mere entertainment, this is not the book to buy. I thoroughly enjoyed "The Six Wives of Henry VIII" written by Antonia Fraser, which contained only the most necessary historical facts in order to present the six Queens properly.
When I have given Eric Ives' book five stars, it's because this book is probably the most detailed and enlightening book ever written about Anne Boleyn. But the book is not an easy read, not if one is searching for pure entertainment. For me it is more a book of facts about Anne which I can go back to whenever I'm searching for more information about her. That does not mean the book lacks for numerous enjoyable anecdotes from Anne's life and vivid descriptions of her as a person.
The book tells about Anne's family and background, which was far more important than one is often led to believe. Originally, the family made its fortune in trade, but later on its relations with the Tudors became significant and Anne was by no means an unsuitable match for King Henry.
What I found most interesting was the picture of Anne as a very cultured and highly educated young woman. The time she spent at the Continent and how this influenced her in her role as Queen of England. It thoroughly explains why she became as powerful and politically important as she did. And not the least, the circumstances leading to her death.
For a complete picture of Anne Boleyn, look no further. This book gives all the answers.
A wonderful work on an interesting lady February 5, 2007
6 out of 7 found this review helpful
By far the most famous of Henry's queens, Anne Boleyn is also the most controversial. Any biography of her must be objective, thoroughly researched and carefully portrayed. Ives succeeds on all counts. This book is a brilliant life of Anne Boleyn and goes into great detail without ever being boring. 10/10.
|
