The Fifth Queen: And How She Came to Court

The Fifth Queen: And How She Came to Court (1906) 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. Through the tragic figure of Howard, Ford explores the intersection of sex and power in a political atmosphere characterized by violence and espionage. The novel presents Howard as an intelligent, confident, and morally righteous young woman whose greatest misfortune was being good in a court controlled by self-serving men. This edition of the book features a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, making it a classic work of British literature reimagined for modern readers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 202 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2022
Publisher: West Margin Press

The Fifth Queen: And How She Came to Court (1906) is a novel by Ford Madox Ford, the first 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 offers a masterful portrayal of Tudor England. Ford's trilogy delves into court intrigue, romance, and betrayal, focusing on the tragic figure of Katharine Howard, the fifth wife of the King. Through his investigation of the interconnection of sex and power in a political atmosphere clouded by violence and espionage, Ford presents a captivating portrayal of history that is both entertaining and undeniably human.

Katharine Howard, a noblewoman whose family's fortunes had been in decline, was brought to the court of King Henry VIII by her cousin Thomas Culpeper. Despite opposition from Thomas Cromwell, a brutally efficient schemer, Howard quickly gained the attention of the King, who made her his fifth Queen. At the age of seventeen, Howard was thrust into the spotlight, forced to play 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 is a woman whose life and death are worthy of literature and hold valuable lessons for the men and women of Edwardian England.

In The Fifth Queen: And How She Came to Court, Ford introduces his readers to this largely unknown and tragic figure. Through his vivid storytelling, he delves into Howard's upbringing, her marriage to the King, and her tragic downfall. Ford explores the complex dynamics of power, sex, and loyalty within the royal court, shedding light on the societal pressures and expectations that shaped Howard's life.

One of the key themes in the novel is the intersection of sex and power. Ford examines how the desire for power and status can lead individuals to engage in morally questionable behavior, such as adultery and treason. Howard's story serves as a cautionary tale, highlighting the dangers of compromising one's values for personal gain.

Another notable aspect of the novel is Ford's portrayal of Thomas Cromwell, the influential minister who played a crucial role in the downfall of Anne Boleyn and the rise of Henry VIII. Cromwell is depicted as a complex and enigmatic character, driven by his desire for power and his belief in religious reform. Ford's portrayal of Cromwell challenges traditional narratives, presenting him as a flawed yet compelling figure who was instrumental in shaping English history.

The Fifth Queen: And How She Came to Court also explores the themes of romance and betrayal. Howard's relationship with the King is portrayed as a tragic love story, marked by her naivety and his desire for a younger bride. However, Howard's infatuation with Thomas Culpeper, her cousin and confidant, leads her to engage in a series of betrayals that ultimately led to her downfall.

The novel's setting in Tudor England provides a rich backdrop for the unfolding events. Ford's vivid descriptions of the court, the palace, and the social customs of the time bring the period to life, allowing readers to immerse themselves in the world of the Tudor court.

In conclusion, The Fifth Queen: And How She Came to Court is a masterful novel by Ford Madox Ford that offers a compelling portrayal of Tudor England. Through his exploration of the tragic figure of Katharine Howard, Ford delves into the interconnection of sex and power, challenging traditional narratives and presenting a nuanced and complex view of English history. The novel's vivid storytelling, rich setting, and compelling characters make it a must-read for anyone interested in the history and literature of the Tudor era.

Dimension: 203 x 127 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781513133416