The Six Wives of Henry VIII (book)

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The Six Wives of Henry VIII is an account of Henry VIII's marriages from British historian Alison Weir. Within the book are descriptions of many events in Europe during the first half of the sixteenth century.

The book was Weir's first historical work since her 22-year expedition to put together her first book, "Britain's Royal Families." It is divided into three sections - "Catherine of Aragon," "The Great Matter" and "How many wives will he have?"

The book was a huge commercial success, but experts in the field were critical. Some said that Weir's admiration for Henry's first wife, Catherine of Aragon led her to be unfairly harsh with his second wife, Anne Boleyn. Weir later described Catherine as her historical hero, whilst she described Anne as "an ambitious adventuress with a penchant for vengeance."

Others said, unfairly, that there were gaps in research. More seriously (and more accurately) some said she was incredibly stereotypical about the wives - picking those she liked and disliked.

Nonetheless, the book was very popular with the public.

The six wives of Henry VIII were: Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard and Catherine Parr.