Elizabeth Norton

Doomed queen of Henry VIII, mother to Elizabeth I, Anne Boleyn was the most controversial and scandalous woman ever to sit on the throne of England. From her early days at the imposing Hever Castle in Kent, to the glittering courts of Paris and London, Anne caused a stir wherever she went. This is the compelling story of one of history's most charismatic, controversial and tragic heroines.

Anne of Cleves was Henry VIII's least favourite wife - but the one who outlived them all. 'I like her not!' was the verdict of Henry VIII on meeting his fourth wife for the first time. But Anne was both intelligent and practical, ensuring that, whilst she was queen for the shortest period, she was the last of all Henry VIII's wives to survive.

Catherine is remembered as the wife of King Henry VIII who survived but, without her strength of character it could have been very different. This biography shows another side to Catherine. 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.

Jane Seymour, Henry VIII's third wife, died in childbirth giving the king what he craved most - a son and heir. Often portrayed as the most successful, but one of the least significant, of Henry VIII's wives, Elizabeth Norton tells of the thrilling life of a country girl from rural Wiltshire who rose to the throne of England and became the ideal Tudor woman.