Privy Seal: His Last Venture

Privy Seal: His Last Venture (1907) is a novel by Ford Madox Ford that delves into the life of Katharine Howard, the fifth wife of King Henry VIII, during a turbulent period in Tudor England. Set against the backdrop of political oppression and religious turmoil, the book explores the interconnection of sex and power in a political atmosphere characterized by violence and espionage. Through the tragic figure of Katharine, Ford examines the challenges and consequences of being a woman in a male-dominated world. This edition of the novel features a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, making it a classic work of British literature reimagined for modern readers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2022
Publisher: West Margin Press

Privy Seal: His Last Venture (1907) is a novel by Ford Madox Ford, the second installment of his The Fifth Queen Trilogy. Set during the reign of Henry VIII, a tumultuous period characterized by political and religious oppression in a land ruled by a murderous King, the trilogy recreates Tudor England in a masterful tale of court intrigue, romance, and betrayal. Ford's focus is on the tragic figure of Katharine Howard, the fifth wife of the King, who inadvertently captures the attention of his majesty. Brought to the court by her cousin Thomas Culpeper, Katharine, a noblewoman whose family's fortunes had been in decline, quickly rises to prominence in the eyes of the King, who appoints her as his fifth Queen. At the age of seventeen, she is thrust into an impossible role as a public figure whose every move could enrage her notoriously violent husband. Traditionally, Howard has been viewed as a minor figure in the history of Tudor England. However, for Ford, a master storyteller with a keen eye for tragedy and a talent for creating flawed yet compelling human characters, Howard's life and death are not only worthy of literature but also offer valuable insights for the men and women of Edwardian England.

In Privy Seal, Ford delves into the character of Thomas Cromwell, a powerful advisor to the King who develops a romantic interest in Katharine. Cromwell sees Katharine as a rival and a threat to his own power, and he sets out to manipulate and control her. As the story unfolds, Katharine's life becomes increasingly complicated and dangerous, as she is caught in the web of Cromwell's schemes and forced to navigate the treacherous waters of court politics.

Through his portrayal of Katharine Howard, Ford explores the interconnection of sex and power in a political atmosphere clouded by violence and espionage. He depicts some of the era's most notorious figures, including Thomas Cromwell, Bloody Mary, and the King himself, in a way that makes history both entertaining and undeniably human. Ford's storytelling skills and his ability to create flawed yet relatable characters make Privy Seal a compelling and thought-provoking read.

In conclusion, Privy Seal: His Last Venture (1907) is a novel by Ford Madox Ford that delves into the tragic life of Katharine Howard, the fifth wife of Henry VIII. Set during a tumultuous period in Tudor England, the trilogy explores the interconnection of sex and power, court intrigue, and betrayal. Through his portrayal of Thomas Cromwell and his exploration of the political atmosphere of the era, Ford creates a masterful story that is both entertaining and instructive for the men and women of Edwardian England.

Dimension: 203 x 127 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781513133393