Tudor History Lovers discussion

When I go into a bookstore (a secondhand one especially), I tend to look for authors that I've heard about on GR as you've all recommended so many great ones. However, once I'm actually there, I forget who I'm looking for. So... I'm making a cheatsheet and hoped you'd help me out. Maybe it will even come in handy for some of you? Yes, it's entirely possible that I have way too much time on my hands...

Here's what I have so far -

Margaret Campbell Barnes
Susan Doran
Carolly Erickson
Julia Fox
Antonia Fraser
Margaret George
Phillipa Gregory
John Guy
Karen Harper
Eric Ives
David Loades
Robin Maxwell
Carolyn Meyer
Rosalind Miles
Sharon Kay Penman
Jean Plaidy
CJ Sansom
David Starkey
Alison Weir

(some I added just because I already own books by them but they weren't necessarily discussed on here or great authors)

I don't know if anyone else has experienced this but a warning: I loved Jean Plaidy when I was younger-read all of hers my library had when I was in high school (the 1970s). Recently the library where I live now discarded a bunch of hers and I bought them (25 cents each)-I did not like her as well now that I am in my 50s.

You might want to add:

Elizabeth Chadwick
Susan Higginbotham
Norah Lofts
Helen Hollick
Laurien Gardiner
Anne Easter Smith

Thanks Robin :)

Lindalee - I haven't read anything by Plaidy yet but am looking forward to it when and if I finally come across some of her books. I've been trying to buy all of my Tudor books secondhand if I can as there are so many. I'll be interested now to see what I think of them given your comment. Do you know what it was about them that you didn't like as much now?

Elswyth Thane is very hard to find these days, but worth a look if you can find them, I think.

She wrote a lot of historical fiction, but the one that is entirely Tudor is The Tudor Wench. Though the first third of Queen's Folly also has a Tudor setting.

Two more to add:

Mary M. Luke ("Gloriana: The Years of Elizabeth I" and "Nine Days Queen")
Allison Plowden

As for Jean Plaidy, this is another nom de plume for Victoria Holt and as you might expect, her books are light-weight romantic fiction. OK if this is what you expect, but disappointing if you're looking for more meat.

I think Plaidy's work is more suited for young adults which is why I liked it when I was a teenager and was disappointed as an adult.

Jennifer, you may have too much time on your hand but we all benefit from it! Thanks for the list, I am sure it will be very useful. :D

Sawyer wrote: "Jennifer, don't give up on Jean Plaidy yet! I still enjoy her books very much, I've been reading them since my 20's. She does a great deal of research (see her bibliographies) and her heroines are..."

Jennifer is def not giving up on Plaidy, and despite mixed reviews I think we are both looking forward to our first JP book!

LOL No worries Sawyer. Colleen's right (she knows me so well!). I'm not giving up on Plaidy and intend to enjoy her very much but it's always interesting to know why people like or dislike a certain authour.

I found St Thomas's Eve the other day. Anyone read it?

Henry VII once warned his son, the future King of England, not to trust Thomas More; years later that same son made More his confidante and advisor. But the allegiance is dangerously one-sided. A family man, lawyer and writer, More's ambitions are humble, whilst Henry's are endless. As More's career at court rises so too does his religious fervour, much to the concern of his eldest daughter, Meg. Torn between her heretic husband and the secrets her father has confided in her, it is only a matter of time before her More will make the ultimate sacrifice for his faith.

Sounds good, no?

Sounds fantastic! Henry VIII was never one to listen to anyone looks like.

I know! I'm thinking that I'll read this one before attacking the non-fiction before John Guy just to get a bit of a background first.

So many books so little time! I wonder what it was that Henry VII distrusted about More...

OOh - Good question Colleen. I may have to bump this up on the list. Man - I have to find some way to do nothing but read!

Lyn, thanks; I actually didn't realize More went back that far with the Tudor family. Now that I think of it, seems like Henry VIII did nearly everything the exact opposite of his father. Crossing Buckingham, befriending More, spending money like there was no tomorrow.

I know, I read a lot but there is always so many distractions! I always feel behind, but meh.

ok so it's been months since the last comment but I've been away from the Tudors for awhile so here is my favorite book suggestion:

Karen Harper wrote an excellent book on Anne Boleyn. The Last Boleyn is told through Mary, Annes sister, starting with her own affair with King Henry and leading up to Henry tiring of her and seeking Anne out. It tells of the trials and hardships of Anne's struggle to gain the favor of the people, her failed attempts at giving Henry his long awaited son and the trial of Anne and George. Through out the book the reader can feel the tension between the two sisters and George. The stress of Anne trying to keep favor nd produce the heir she promised Henry and keep him from straying to Jane Seymour who was being flaunted in frount of Henry

I have to say I've read Philippa Gregory's Boleyn books and Norah Lofts and Jean Plaidy's but by far I enjoyed Karen Harpers The Last Boleyn.

Colleen wrote: "Lyn, thanks; I actually didn't realize More went back that far with the Tudor family. Now that I think of it, seems like Henry VIII did nearly everything the exact opposite of his father. Crossing ..."

Henry VII was a very paranoid man, he distrusted many, I believe due to the fact that his throne was unsecured. After the death of Arthur and his wife, Henry VII then became even more paranoid. He even went to the extreme that to keep Henry VIII closed off to the world many ambassadors thought remarked that he was kept cut-off to the world as though he were a daughter instead of a son. Many historians both modern day and those of Henry's day believe that it was not in fear that harm would come Henry VIII but out of fear that Henry VIII would rise against him. Thomas Moore knew and often spoken of Henry VIII ability to lead England into greatness, thus making Henry VII distrust Thomas and in-turn try to break the bond between the two.

Keep in mind that when Henry VIII was between the ages of 5-7 Erasmus brought Thomas to meet Henry VIII, and Henry from that point the two were also together and Henry would often take his council.

I too am not interested in Jean Plaidy anymore. Right now I am reading Edward VI. I am getting bogged down with all the details of Edwards short life. I really had no idea how many political fights there were over who was "the protectore". I do feel badly that Edward never got to be king although I am not at all certain he would have been as lenient as Elizabeth. I had forgotten Jean Plaidy was Virginia Holt that I read in junior high.

I think it highly likely he wouldn't have been as lenient as Elizabeth. He strikes me as being as fanatically Protestant as Mary was fanatically Catholic.

Susanna, that's exactly how I think of Edward too. England seemed to have gone from one extreme religion to the next, although Edward wasn't technically king. I can't stand the Seymour brothers. I think my view on them has also tainted my view on Jane Seymour.

Marylou, I read a Plaidy book and had a pretty hard time with it. It just didn't feel right. I've been thinking I need to give her a second chance, but I don't really want to just yet!!

Speaking of Plaidy, I have her Lady in the Tower to read for a challenge this month. I haven't read any Plaidy since the late 70's - early 80's. It should be interesting how I feel about it now.

I read Murder Most Royal and it focused greatly on the connection between AB and KH. It left a bad taste in my mouth.

Just joined and I have some more authors for your list...
Richard Rex
Linda Porter
Maria Perry
Leanda de Lisle
Philippa Jones
Robert Hutchinson
CC Humphreys
Sarah Gristwood
Suzannah Dunn
Jane Dunn
Joanna Denny
Tasha Alexanda
Emily Purdy
Emma Darwin

I've got these books on my page here under historical if anyone wants to check them out.

chucklesthescot wrote: "Just joined and I have some more authors for your list...
Richard Rex
Linda Porter
Maria Perry
Leanda de Lisle
Philippa Jones
Robert Hutchinson
CC Humphreys
Sarah Gristwood
Suzannah Dunn
Jane Dunn
..."


Hello,

I have read some of the authors on your list, Maria Perry’s book The Sisters of Henry VIII being one of my favorites. Robert Hutchison’s book The Last Days of Henry VIII is also high at the top of my list.

I have also read a few of Suzannah Dunn’s books and found them very intriguing. I have read Emily Purdy, in the States she is known as Brandy, I did like the way she portrayed Jane Boleyn.

Last Week I picked up The Other Tudors by Philippa Jones, and I was wondering if anyone had any feedback about it. I also picked up Sarah Gristwood’s Elizabeth & Leicester, which looks as though it’s going to be an amazing read.

Thanks for sharing this amazing list.

Exactly my sentiments about not enjoying Jean Plaidy anymore

chucklesthescot wrote: "Just joined and I have some more authors for your list...
Richard Rex
Linda Porter
Maria Perry
Leanda de Lisle
Philippa Jones
Robert Hutchinson
CC Humphreys
Sarah Gristwood
Suzannah Dunn
Jane Dunn
..."

Thanks! Those are fantastic additions :)

Angela wrote: "chucklesthescot wrote: "Just joined and I have some more authors for your list...
Richard Rex
Linda Porter
Maria Perry
Leanda de Lisle
Philippa Jones
Robert Hutchinson
CC Humphreys
Sarah Gr..."

I'm looking forward to reading The Other Tudors and Elizabeth and Leicester. Too many books and not enough time!

Hi everyone,

I've just joined the group. I'm an historical fiction author and I've just published my debut historical thriller The Marlowe Conspiracy

It's set in Elizabethan England, featuring Christopher Marlowe teaming-up with William Shakespeare to uncover a high-level government conspiracy.

Perhaps you could add me to your list. Just a thought. Nice to meet you guys!

M.G. wrote: "Hi everyone,

I've just joined the group. I'm an historical fiction author and I've just published my debut historical thriller The Marlowe Conspiracy

It's set in Elizabethan Englan..."

I've put your book on my "To Read List"
Congratulations on the publication!

Now that is an amazing coincidence I just did a two day long trawl across the ether looking for good tudor period book covers to use as inspiration for the design of my first novel. (As in a previous discussion most lacked a head and were abysmal) Yours looked about the best and the product notes and review were very tempting. It immediatley hit the top of my 'get soon list'. In the same trawl by chance I came across this interesting group and immediately joined up.
Wish you the best for your for your first novel. we need more good quality tudor fiction!

Katherine wrote: "M.G. wrote: "Hi everyone,


Thanks for adding me Katherine. That's great!

Greg wrote: "Now that is an amazing coincidence I just did a two day long trawl across the ether looking for good tudor period book covers to use as inspiration for the design of my first novel. (As in a previ..."

Hi Greg, nice to meet you. And glad I could offer some inspiration.

I agree, the novel covers without a head are a little strange? Why do publishers like headless women? Bizarre...

I have no idea. But the Listopia list devoted to the subject ( http://www.goodreads.com/list/show/35... ) is currently listing over 500 examples! Featuring everything from classics to modern classics, YA, science fiction, and Philippa Greggory.

There's only the occasional headless dude, too.

Headless is certainly the trend, lol.

M.G. - I just added your book to my top tier to read list. It sounds good. Welcome to you and Greg.

To any in this group who may be interested I found this interactive map site of Tudor London invaluable.

http://mapoflondon.uvic.ca/

Greg - That map is fantastic. Thanks for the link.

My pleasure, since Tudor resources are so few and scattered on the web I am currently trying to build a site that is resource rich for the tudor researcher or those with just a general interest. I will let the group know when it is up and running.

Robin Maxwell isn't on the first post and a little tired to look at all the comments so I suggest Robin Maxwell. Greg I love that idea a website just for Tudor lovers may I suggest using The British Monarch website as a reference. I used it last year when I did my research on Henry VIII Six Wives.

To Krystal
To get the ball rolling I've started off with a Tudor themed blog at
http://rednedtudormysteries.blogspot....
I'll be alternating between snippets from my Tudor period novels (soon to be released on Smashwords and Amazon)and articles on the Tudors, the politics, the people and the society. I have amassed quite a bit of research so I expect a post at least once a week
regards Greg

Hey Greg, I am now following your blog. I love reading about everything Tudor. Thanks for sharing all of your research with us.

To all my friends on Goodreads just a quick note to let you know I put up another article on that fascinating royal family of ours the Tudors, as well I’ve put in a few notes on how my protagonist Red Ned Bedwell fits in the Tudor hierarchy. Also I’m letting everyone know that the prologue from my soon to be released book The Liberties of London will be on the Red Ned blog tomorrow.
In the meantime good luck and have a great week end
http://rednedtudormysteries.blogspot....
Regards Greg

Thanks, Greg!! I'm now following your blog also :P Also, you'll have to let us know when your other books become available!!! I have a kindle, so I'll be looking you up!

Just wanted to say another great Tudor website is http://tudorhistory.org/. I really like the Q&A blog that Lara has set up over there. I have actually learned quite a bit from some of the questions, so that's always a plus!!

Thanks Aly for the vote of confidence, with luck and no unfortuante program crashes or power blackouts The Liberties of London will be uploaded later this week to Kindle and Smashwords. As for Lara's site I agree it is excellent, over the past few years I have posted a number of ticklish Tudor questions and the responses have been very helpful and informative.
Regards Greg

Just checked out your blog Greg, and I love it. I am now following you!

To Lyn thank you very much I will try to keep it both informative and amusing.
Regards Greg

To all tudor fans I have just posted short article on Henry VIII on my blog
http://rednedtudormysteries.blogspot....

Regards Greg

To all tudor fans I have just posted chapter 1 of The Liberties of London on my blog
http://rednedtudormysteries.blogspot....
Regards Greg

To my friends at Goodreads just a quick note to let you know I’ve put up an article on that famous Tudor figure Sir Thomas More. I am afraid to some of you that it may contradict a number of the modern myths that have sprung up around the Tudor Period Politian, Lawyer and Royal servant. For that you have my apologies however I believe that a more realistic examination of the crucial position of More may hold the key to understanding Henry VIII later actions.
Regards Greg

http://rednedtudormysteries.blogspot....

If you guys have a Barnes & Noble near you, I recognized a couple of the authors for good price in the bargain section. Notably, Philippa Gregory's The White Queen in a lovely paperback which kills me because I had bought the new edition when it came out for full price. Well worth the 5 dollars, though.

Here's an updated list :)

Alison Weir
Allison Plowden
Anne Easter Smith
Antonia Fraser
Brandy Purdy/Emily Purdy
C.J. Sansom
C.W. Gortner
Carolly Erickson
Carolyn Meyer
CC Humphreys
Chris Skidmore
David Loades
David Starkey
Diane Haeger
Elizabeth Chadwick
Elizabeth Norton
Elswyth Thane
Emily Purdy
Emma Darwin
Eric Ives
Helen Hollick
Jane Dunn
Jean Plaidy (aka Victoria Holt & Philippa Carr)
Jeane Westin
Joanna Denny
John Guy
Julia Fox
Julianne Lee
Karen Harper
Kelly Hart
Laurien Gardiner
Leanda de Lisle
Linda Porter
M.G. Scarsbrook
Margaret Campbell Barnes
Margaret George
Margaret Irwin
Maria Perry
Mary M. Luke
Norah Lofts
Philippa Jones
Phillipa Gregory
Richard Rex
Robert Hutchinson
Robin Maxwell
Rosalind Miles
Sandra Worth
Sarah A. Hoyt
Sarah Gristwood
Sharon Kay Penman
Susan Doran
Susan Higginbotham
Susan Holloway Scott
Susan Kay
Suzannah Dunn
Tasha Alexanda