Customer Reviews
The Life and Death of Anne Boleyn: The Most Happy - By: A. Neill, 18 Nov 2008 
I have been looking for a truly historical analysis that neither confinces this complex character to one chapterin a book on the reign of Henry VIII, portrays her as a saucy temptress nor eulogises herin sickeningly romantic tonesin the manner of the unprofessional outpourings of Joanna Denney, who should be ashamed to call herself a historian with a one-sided diatribe such as England's Tragic Queen.
This book is it. A well researched & analysed construction, that really builds up the layers of historical evidence to present a picture of Anne Boleyn's life, character, & influence, & shows an interestin considering whether there was any meritin the charges that led to her death. I this is quite simply a must for anyone interestedin getting as close to historial accuracy as is possible given the limited sources available, yet is donein an entirely readable way. Hats off to Mr Ives!
Extremely well researched - By: John Hopper, 04 Oct 2008 An exhaustively researched but generally very readable biography. In a few places (esp. the chapters on image, art & costume) the level of detail does get a little too much, but this is a testament to the author's endeavours. It is difficult to see how this can be bettered as a biography of this subject, absent the discovery of some significant new primary source.
One of the best biographies ever written about Anne Boleyn - By: Apocalyptic Queen, 23 Jan 2008 This highly informative account of Anne Boleyn brings to life a Tudor woman once seen as elusive & obscure.
Due to the high volume of biased primary accounts of Anne Boleyn written by the likes of Chapuys (the Spanish ambassador to England at the time) & others, it has been notoriously difficult to make an objective & impartial assessment of Anne Boleyn however Ives succeedsin bringing the true character of Anne Boleyn to life using a variety of sources, challenges biased accounts of Anne's life (such as Chapuys' accounts of the ailing marriage) & also presents compelling evidence to support his assertions, such as the controversy surrounding Anne's birth date.
Whilst at times, Ives presents the not so endearing qualities of Anne Boleyn, on the whole Ives' account of Anne is largely sympathetic, particularlyin the last two chapters of the book where politics & religion appear to play a pivotal rolein Anne's downfall & destruction.
It is also refreshing to see Anne portrayed as human & not demonized as she has so often been portrayed.
Ultimately, this is a balanced, magnificently researched & a tribute to Anne, whose efforts helped shape the reformationin England, a sentiment even echoed by Thomas Cromwell, one of her bitterest enemies who helped bring down the "most controversial queen consort" of England.
Detailed and enlightening about Anne Boleyn! - By: Sissel M. Østdahl, 29 Nov 2007 If one is looking for mere entertainment, this is not the book to buy. I thoroughly enjoyed "The Six Wives of Henry VIII" written by Antonia Fraser, which contained only the most necessary historical factsin order to present the six Queens properly.
When I have given Eric Ives' book five stars, it's because this book is probably the most detailed & enlightening book ever written about Anne Boleyn. But the book is not an easy read, not if one is searching for pure entertainment. For me it is more a book of facts about Anne which I can go back to whenever I'm searching for more information about her. That does not mean the book lacks for numerous enjoyable anecdotes from Anne's life & vivid descriptions of her as a person.
The book tells about Anne's family & background, which was far more important than one is often led to believe. Originally, the family made its fortunein trade, but later on its relations with the Tudors became significant & Anne was by no means an unsuitable match for King Henry.
What I found most interesting was the picture of Anne as a very cultured & highly educated young woman. The time she spent at the Continent & how this influenced herin her role as Queen of England. It thoroughly explains why she became as powerful & politically important as she did. And not the least, the circumstances leading to her death.
For a complete picture of Anne Boleyn, look no further. This book gives all the answers.
A wonderful work on an interesting lady - By: Chris Warne, 05 Feb 2007 By far the most famous of Henry's queens, Anne Boleyn is also the most controversial. Any biography of her must be objective, thoroughly researched & carefully portrayed. Ives succeeds on all counts. This book is a brilliant life of Anne Boleyn & goes into great detail without ever being boring. 10/10.
