La Reine Blanche: Mary Tudor, A Life in Letters

The childhood of Mary Tudor was overshadowed by the men in her life, including her father, Henry VII, and her brothers Arthur and Henry VIII. She was trained to be a dutiful wife but took charge of her life and shaped her own destiny after her husband's death. She remarried for love and at great personal risk, and her story is told through her own words for the first time.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 288 pages
Publication date: 15 November 2021
Publisher: Amberley Publishing

Mary Tudor's childhood was marked by the influential figures in her life, including her father, Henry VII, and her brothers, Arthur, who was the heir to the Tudor throne, and Henry VIII. These men, along with the prevailing beliefs about women during that time, played a significant role in shaping Mary's life. From a young age, she was trained to be a dutiful wife, and at the age of eighteen, she married the French king, Louis XII, who was thirty-four years her senior. Tragically, her husband passed away just three months into the marriage, leaving Mary to navigate life on her own.

As a young widow, Mary seized the opportunity to assert herself and shape her own destiny. She remarried for love, despite the considerable personal risk involved. Her second marriage was to King Philip II of Spain, a union that was filled with passion and respect. Mary deeply loved and cherished her husband, but she also held a strong disdain for Anne Boleyn, who had replaced her as queen. This stance put Mary in a precarious position, as it was a dangerous game to oppose the queen, especially during the volatile political climate of the Tudor era.

Author Sarah Bryson has delved into primary sources, state papers, and letters to uncover the truth about this remarkable and complex woman. In her book, "The Other Boleyn Girl," Bryson presents Mary Tudor's story through her own words, offering a fresh perspective on this influential historical figure. This captivating narrative sheds light on Mary's intelligence, passion, and determination, providing a deeper understanding of her life and contributions to English history.

Weight: 272g
Dimension: 140 x 318 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781398103375