Bestselling author and acclaimed historian Alison Weir takes on what no
fiction writer has done before: creating a dramatic six-book series in
which each novel covers one of King Henry VIII's wives. In this
captivating opening volume, Weir brings to life the tumultuous tale of
Katherine of Aragon, Henry's first, devoted, and "true" queen.
A princess of Spain, Catalina is only sixteen years old when she sets
foot on the shores of England. The youngest daughter of the powerful
monarchs Ferdinand and Isabella, Catalina is a coveted prize for a royal
marriage--and Arthur, Prince of Wales, and heir to the English throne,
has won her hand. But tragedy strikes and Catalina, now Princess
Katherine, is betrothed to the future Henry VIII. She must wait for his
coming-of-age, an ordeal that tests her resolve, casts doubt on her
trusted confidantes, and turns her into a virtual prisoner.
Katherine's patience is rewarded when she becomes Queen of England. The
affection between Katherine and Henry is genuine, but forces beyond her
control threaten to rend her marriage, and indeed the nation, apart.
Henry has fallen under the spell of Katherine's maid of honor, Anne
Boleyn. Now Katherine must be prepared to fight, to the end if God wills
it, for her faith, her legitimacy, and her heart.
Praise for Katherine of Aragon, The True Queen
**
"Alison Weir starts off her fictional series about the wives of Henry
VIII with a nuanced portrayal of Katherine of Aragon."--The Christian
Science Monitor**
"Weir is excellent on the little details that bring a world to
life."--The Guardian
"As always, Weir demonstrates a keen eye for crafting dramatic scenes of
beautiful, accurate detail, instilling in the reader a vivid sense of
being there. . . . If this greatly impressive inaugural installment is
any indication, Tudor lovers have much to look forward
to."--Booklist (starred review)
"Vividly detailed . . . Weir brings considerable expertise to her
fictional retelling of the life of Katherine of Aragon. . . . [The
author] portrays her sympathetically as both credulous and
steely."--Kirkus Reviews
"An illuminating and engaging portrait of 'the true
queen.'"--Historical Novels Review
"[Weir's] fresh approach to Henry's first wife [is] a wonderful
place to start for those unfamiliar with Katherine's story. Weir's
portrayal is far from that of a weak, victimized woman, but one of a
courageous, strong, devoted queen fighting for her life and rights. An
easy, quick read to begin the series."--RT Book Reviews
"In this first novel of the Six Tudor Queens series, Alison Weir
dazzlingly brings Katherine of Aragon to life. Based on extensive new
research, it is a portrayal that shatters the many myths about Henry
VIII's long-suffering first wife. Far from being the one-dimensional
victim of history, she emerges as a charismatic, indomitable, and
courageous heroine whose story never fails to enthrall."--Tracy
Borman, author of Thomas Cromwell
"Yet again, Alison Weir has managed to intertwine profound historical
knowledge with huge emotional intelligence, to compose a work that
throws light on an endlessly fascinating figure. But her real gift in
all of this is making it feel so fresh and alive."--Charles Spencer,
author of Killers of the King
