Catherine Parr Wife, widow, mother, survivor, the story of the last queen of Henry VIII

by Norton, Elizabeth

• ISBN13: 9781445603834
• ISBN10: 1445603837
• Edition: Reprint
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2011-04-15
• Publisher: Amberley Publishing

Summary

First biography to show the real Catherine Parr, matronly and dutiful she might have been, but she fought tooth and nail for what she wanted.Hardback published in January 2010 very well received: 'Norton cuts an admirably clear path through tangled Tudor intrigues' JENNY UGLOW; 'Wonderful... an excellent book... a joy to read' HERSTORIA; 'Scintillating, moving' THE FINANCIAL TIMES.Huge interest in the wives of Henry VIII, most of which are the subject of at least two books, Catherine has only one very academic treatment.The sixth wife of Henry VIII was also the most married queen of England, outliving three husbands before finally marrying for love. Catherine Parr was enjoying her freedom after her first two arranged marriages when she caught the attention of the elderly Henry VIII. She was the most reluctant of all Henry's wives, offering to become his mistress rather than submit herself to the dangers of becoming Henry's queen. This only served to increase Henry's enthusiasm for the young widow and Catherine was forced to abandon her lover for the decrepit king.Catherine Parr is often portrayed as a matronly and dutiful figure. Her life was indeed one of duty but, throughout, she attempted to escape her destiny and find happiness for herself. Ultimately, Catherine was betrayed and her great love affair with Thomas Seymour turned sour.

Author Biography

Elizabeth Norton gained her first degree from the University of Cambridge, and her Masters from the University of Oxford. She has written many books on the Tudors and England’s Queens for Amberley. She lives in Kingston Upon Thames.