The Stolen Crown explodes the myth of a peaceful, approved succession from Elizabeth I to James VI of Scotland. As revelatory new research shows, history was literally re-written on the orders of James VI to hide the truth: Elizabeth went to her grave without formally naming an heir. And so James’s rule in England began […]
The House of Cromwell by Miranda Malins
Within a century, the Cromwell family produced two of the most powerful, impactful and controversial commoners in British history. Thomas served the Tudors, helping to forge Henry VIII’s autocratic state and the Church of England; Oliver led a revolution that executed a king, abolished the monarchy and established a republic, before founding a ruling dynasty. […]
Thomas Cromwell, Oliver Cromwell, and the many links between them
What links Thomas and Oliver Cromwell, apart from the name? They were related, and for at least three centuries people have got the two confused. Both led dramatic changes to church and state. And, as Miranda Malins explains, there are other “uncanny historical parallels” between the two powerful statesmen. One of the Edwardian music hall […]
Sinners by Elizabeth Fremantle
Rome, 1599. Beatrice yearns to escape the clutches of her abusive father. Determined to find a way back to Rome, she enlists the help of Olimpio, the castle’s keeper. Soon the love that grows between them will transform Beatrice’s fortunes, for better and for worse. . . History has sold her short. She is no […]
Jane Seymour: Patronage, Material Culture and Image Crafting by Elizabeth Norton
Jane Seymour, the third wife of Henry VIII, was queen of England for only 17 months, something which has accounted for the little interest shown in her by historians. In her lifetime, however, she was a significant political figure, while her legacy and memorialization extended beyond her early death following childbirth in October 1537. This […]
Pale Mistress by Naomi Kelsey
Cyprus in the 16th century. Murder, lies and vengeance have left lovers dead, promises broken and no one to trust. Only one woman survives, Bianca. The slain? History knows their names: Emilia, Desdemona, Othello. But why do we not know Bianca? Who was the pale mistress? Liar or lied to? Instigator or victim? In telling […]
Heroines of the Tudor World by Sharon Bennett Connolly
These are the women who ruled, the women who founded dynasties, the women who fought for religious freedom, their families and love. These are the women who made a difference, who influenced countries, kings and the Reformation. This book focuses on the women who lived through the Renaissance and Reformation, examining the threats and challenges […]
Shadow of Madness by DV Bishop
It’s Tuscany in the winter of 1540. Travelling north into the hills above Florence, investigator Cesare Aldo seeks answers about his past. The trail leads him to Ospedale de’ Pazzi, a secure institution for the criminally insane. Soon after arriving a blizzard engulfs the area, trapping Aldo and his companion, Doctor Saul Orvieto. Even more […]