Customer Reviews

Mary Tudor: Courageous Queen or Bloody Mary? (Wicked History)

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I really love this series of book, and especially this overview of Mary Tudor. Because, of course, history is written by the victors, Elizabeth I frequently gets the Heroine Treatment- which leaves Mary to be the wicked older sister. This book is wonderfully balanced, and presents events from Mary's point of view, which I found quite refreshing. And though the series is appropriate for children, it doesn't change or hide history when it's ugly. It explains it- and very well.

Scholastic's "Wicked History" series is a wonderful idea that actually works in execution. The books are small, short paperbacks intended for middle school aged children, but that can be enjoyed by anyone with an interest in history. Each book takes an historical figure, usually infamous or nefarious, and gives a brief history. The work is enriched with the use of maps, a "web" of actors (genealogy and key figures in that person's life) and historical pictures or drawings. The font size is also larger than standard, for younger readers.

Here, we get a glimpse into the life of Mary Tudor, nicknamed "Bloody Mary" for the nearly 300 protestants she had burned during her short reign as queen. In fact, the book opens with one such burning, a dramatic way to draw a reader in. However, there was more to her than that and this book tries to give a more balanced look at a much maligned figure. How she went from cherished, pampered daughter to exiled bastard.

These are not intended for history buffs/people highly familiar with the subject. They are more like an expanded, enriched encyclopedia entry. Great for hooking a child's interest, and then literally offering sources at the end of where to go for more information. I was especially impressed that they do not only list scholarly books, but also websites. Overall, a great idea and I intend to continue with the series. Many of the figures I know absolutely nothing about, and a little bit more history would be welcome.

Henry VIII: Royal Beheader (Wicked History)
Sir Francis Drake: Slave Trader and Pirate (Wicked History)

This book is more geared toward young adult readers who have to get some facts quickly for history class. It gives the facts, but doesn't look into the psychology of this fanatical monarch. For anyone who is seriously interested in the Tudors and the chaos that took place after Henry VIII died (not that he was any prize) this will leave you wanting a bigger, better book.

I would hate for any (especially young) person to read this book and then close the subject on Queen Mary Henry 8s first child with his first wife, Katherine. Read the rich writers who explain the real Mary and WHY she came to earn her moniker of Bloody Mary. Some pre-knowledge is defintely needed and this book should not be the first and last source of informing yourself on this monarch. This book will leave you with a skewed view of Mary if it is just read for the gore and cruely. We need to know WHY people became WHO they were.