The events which led to the execution of Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII's second queen, in 1536 have traditionally been explained by historians in terms of a factional conspiracy masterminded by Henry's minister Thomas Cromwell. Retha Warnicke's fascinating and controversial reinterpretation focuses instead on the sexual intrigues and family politics pervading the court, offering a new explanation of Anne's fall. The picture which emerges - placing Anne's life in the context of social and religious values, and superstitions about witches and the birth of deformed children - changes our perception of her role within the court, and suggests that her execution (occurring only four months after a miscarriage) was the tragic consequence of Henry's profound concern about the continuation of the Tudor dynasty.

Retha Warnicke's fascinating and controversial reinterpretation focuses on the sexual intrigues and family politics pervading the court, offering a new explanation of Anne's fall.
Reviews
'... succeeds triumphantly ... this is an intriguing thesis, and Warnicke develops it with erudition.' The Observer
'The Rise and Fall of Anne Boleyn ... an excellent book, clears away various misapprehensions.' The Times Higher Education Supplement



Book Information
ISBN 9780521406772
Author Retha M. Warnicke
Format Paperback
Page Count 338
Imprint Cambridge University Press
Publisher Cambridge University Press
Weight(grams) 430g
Dimensions(mm) 216mm * 136mm * 22mm