The Fifth Queen Crowned

The Fifth Queen Crowned (1908) is a novel by Ford Madox Ford that delves into the life of Katharine Howard, the fifth wife of King Henry VIII, during a tumultuous 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. The novel offers a compelling portrayal of some of the era's most notorious figures, including Thomas Cromwell, Bloody Mary, and the King himself. This edition of The Fifth Queen Crowned features a beautifully designed cover and professionally typeset manuscript, making it a classic work of British literature reimagined for modern readers.

Format: Hardback
Length: 168 pages
Publication date: 15 February 2022
Publisher: West Margin Press

The Fifth Queen Crowned (1908) is a novel by Ford Madox Ford, the third and final 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, Ford's trilogy offers a masterful portrayal of Tudor England. The focus of the trilogy is on the tragic figure of Katharine Howard, the fifth wife of the King. Through the lens of Katharine Howard, Ford explores the intricate relationship between sex and power in a political landscape marred by violence and espionage. He vividly depicts some of the era's most notorious figures, including Thomas Cromwell, Bloody Mary, and the King himself, presenting history in an entertaining and undeniably human manner.

Katharine Howard, a noblewoman whose family's fortunes had been in decline, is brought to the court of King Henry VIII by her cousin Thomas Culpeper. Initially serving as a lady in waiting for Lady Mary, Howard catches the attention of the King, who appoints her as his fifth Queen. At the age of seventeen, she is thrust into the spotlight, facing an impossible role as a public figure whose every move could anger her notoriously violent husband. Historically, Howard has been viewed as a minor figure in 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 deserve to be celebrated in literature and hold valuable lessons for the men and women of Edwardian England.

In The Fifth Queen Crowned, Ford continues the story of Katharine in the aftermath of Thomas Cromwell's demise. Now married to the King's brother, Henry Percy, Howard finds herself caught between loyalty to her husband and the growing influence of her former lover, Thomas Culpeper. As political tensions escalate and the threat of rebellion looms, Howard must navigate a web of treachery and deception, all while trying to protect her own reputation and survival. Through her struggles, Ford explores the complexities of female power, societal expectations, and the consequences of pursuing personal desires in a male-dominated world.

The Fifth Queen Crowned is a testament to Ford's literary prowess and his ability to capture the essence of historical events while delving into the human experiences of his characters. The novel offers a rich and nuanced portrayal of a woman who defied societal norms and paid a heavy price for her choices. It serves as a reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by women in a patriarchal society and the importance of resilience and self-determination in the face of adversity.

In conclusion, The Fifth Queen Crowned (1908) by Ford Madox Ford is a remarkable novel that delves into the tumultuous reign of Henry VIII and the tragic life of Katharine Howard. Through the lens of this historical figure, Ford explores the intersection of sex, power, and politics in a captivating and thought-provoking manner. The novel offers a rich portrayal of Tudor England, showcasing the complexities of a male-dominated society and the struggles of women who sought to assert their autonomy. Ford's storytelling skills and his ability to create flawed yet compelling characters make The Fifth Queen Crowned a timeless masterpiece that continues to resonate with readers today.

Dimension: 203 x 127 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781513133409