Catherine Parr: Wife, Widow, Mother, Survivor, The Story of the Last Queen of Henry VIII

The first biography to show the real Catherine Parr; matronly and dutiful she might have been, but she fought tooth and nail for what she wanted. The hardback published in January 2010 was very well received. There is huge interest in the wives of Henry VIII, most of whom are the subject of at least two books while Catherine has only one very academic treatment.

The sixth wife of Henry VIII was also the most married queen of England, outliving three husbands before finally marrying for love. Catherine Parr was enjoying her freedom after her first two arranged marriages when she caught the attention of the elderly Henry VIII. She was the most reluctant of all Henry's wives, offering to become his mistress rather than submit herself to the dangers of becoming Henry's queen. This only served to increase Henry's enthusiasm for the young widow and Catherine was forced to abandon her lover for the decrepit king.

Catherine Parr is often portrayed as a matronly and dutiful figure. 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.

REVIEWS

'Scintillating, moving' THE FINANCIAL TIMES.

'Wonderful... an excellent book... a joy to read' HERSTORIA

'Norton cuts an admirably clear path through tangled Tudor intrigues' JENNY UGLOW