Customer Reviews

Anne of Cleves: Henry VIII's Discarded Bride

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It's a shame that this book seems to have gone out of print so quickly. I bought it mainly for the photo section. (The photos in Norton's Jane Seymour were by far the best part of the book). On that count Anne of Cleves: Henry VIII's Discarded Bride did not disappoint. Numerous photos give a glance into Anne and her world. Having found the book on Jane Seymour to be a disappointment, I wasn't expecting much here, but I was pleasantly suprised. Although this is in no way the serious biography that Anne of Cleves deserves, it was a quick and pleasant read, and Ms. Norton delved into Anne's German roots more than I would have expected. A fair amount of attention is also given to Anne's life and financial situation following her divorce. Ms. Norton largely restrains herself from supplying her subject with thoughts and emotions that she has no way of knowing. Perhaps this is because she finds the German Anne more of a puzzle than she did Anne Boleyn or Jane Seymour, but it serves her subject well. Although I'm still waiting for that serious biography of Anne, this book offered a brief and enjoyable glance into the life of Henry's most elusive queen.

Norton is profiling Henry XIII's wives. This volume follows Norton's book on Jane Seymour. The Jane book was wanting, perhaps due to her short life and time of fame. This new book is a very good account of Anne and how she came to marry Henry, how he came to divorce her and her life beyond his.

The author is sympathetic to her subject. Anne comes to England speaking German. She has had little formal education and very little worldly experience. She is a bridal candidate somewhat by default. Her marriage deteriorated quickly. She does not understand why and is humiliated by it. Anne tries to be the pleasing model wife, but Henry's lack of attraction to her is deep. As it becomes a legal issue, Norton describes what little room she had to maneuver.

Norton feels Anne is the most fortunate of all Henry's wives. She survives him, and his gratitude for her not contesting his divorce made her very wealthy... at least for a time.

The author has books coming out soon on Anne Boleyn and Catherine Parr.

For people who love the Tudor period, this is an excellent biography. The author has pulled as much information as possible about Anne from various sources. This is an excellent book.