Katherine (novel)
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Anya Seton's Katherine is a thoroughly researched historical novel based largely on facts. It tells the story of the love affair between the titular Katherine and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster and son of King Edward III. The novel begins with their first meeting and ends just after their marriage in 1396. The book is well written, with seemingly little divergance from the historical fact. It gives an excellent view of medieval England, life at court, and the role of women in that time and place. Well worth a read for anyone interested in historical biography. The novel was placed in the BBC's Big Read survey of 2003, is currently number 95 on the survey's 100 best-loved novels, and is generally considered to be one of the best examples of the historical novel.
This book tells the story of a woman who was born the daughter of a French herald, with no noticeable prospects before her. Married first to Sir Hugh Swynford of Lincolnshire, England, Katherine DeRoet Swynford later becomes the mistress of John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, and bears him several children out of wedlock. Lady Swynford was also the official governess to the Duke's three eldest children, including the future King Henry IV.
Although the novel offers a fascinating look at life in 14th century England (including glimpses of Geoffrey Chaucer, Katherine's brother-in-law), it is also considered one of the greatest love stories written. In a poll conducted in the 1990's by Ladies Home Journal the novel Katherine ranked in the top 10 all time best love stories.
Katherine deRoet is a little known (today) figure of English history, but she is still important-- for without her long-term liaison with John, Duke of Lancaster, much of English history (and its royal family) as we know it today, would never have happened.
When King Henry VII took the English crown from Richard III he ensured that John and Katherine's blood would flow through the veins of royalty for generations to come - for John and Katherine were his 5th great grandparents.
