henry viii, 1509-1547

A biography of sixteenth-century statesman and martyr Thomas More, discussing how he used his intellect and connections to rise to power, and providing insight into everyday life in late medieval Catholic England.

Provides new editions of two classic histories with an unabridged script, a synopsis of the action, background notes, an explanation of unfamiliar words, and classroom-tested activities for groups and individuals.

In 'Gilt,' Anne Boleyn vies for the affection of King Henry VII and the chance to make history; In 'Tarnish,' Kitty Tylney and her best friend Cat Howard, servants to the Duchess of Norfolk, move to the court of King Henry VIII, who fancies Cat, and when Cat becomes queen, Kitty must learn to navigate the complexities and of the royal court.

Jean Rombaud, the executioner who later beheaded Anne Boleyn swears an oath to her that he will bury her six-fingered hand at a crossroads in France.

A scholarly edition of William Shakespeare's play "King Hery VIII" that includes detailed notes and commentary, an illustrated introduction to the play's historical, cultural, and performance contexts, an in-depth survey of critical approaches to the play, and a bibliography of references and further reading.

Regarded as yet another threat to the volatile King Henry VII's claim to the throne, Margaret Pole, daughter of George, Duke of Clarence and cousin to Elizabeth of York (known as the White Princess who becomes Queen of England upon her marriage to Henry VII)is married off to a steady and kind Lancaster supporter--Sir Richard Pole. For his loyalty, Sir Richard is entrusted with the governorship of Wales, but Margaret's contented daily life is changed forever with the arrival of Arthur, the young Prince of Wales, and his beautiful bride, Katherine of Aragon. Margaret soon becomes a trusted advisor and friend to the honeymooning couple, hiding her own royal connections in service to the Tudors. After the sudden death of Prince Arthur, Katherine leaves for London a widow, and fulfills her deathbed promise to her husband by marrying his brother, Henry VIII. Margaret's world is turned upside down by the surprising summons to court, where she becomes the chief lady-in-waiting to Queen Katherine. But this charmed life of the wealthiest and "holiest" woman in England lasts only until the rise of Anne Boleyn, and the dramatic deterioration of the Tudor court. Margaret has to choose whether her allegiance is to the increasingly tyrannical king, or to her beloved queen; to the religion she loves or the theology which serves the new masters. Caught between the old world and the new, Margaret Pole has to find her own way as she carries the knowledge of an old curse on all the Tudors.

Mary Howard, always in the shadow of her powerful family, marries Henry VIII's illegitimate son, Fitz, but their carefree life unravels as Queen Anne Boleyn falls out of favor and they are implicated in horrible rumors.