Featured on The Book Show on Sky Arts on 10 December 2009.

Alison Weir brings history to life yet again in this study of the last few days of Anne Boleyn's life. This reads as well as any fictional conspiracy theory novel with Weir delving in to historical documents to figure out if Henry plotted his wife's downfall, in order to marry Jane Seymour, or whether evidence was brought before him leaving him no options but to order her execution. Whatever the case, Anne Boleyn's short reign as Queen of England is one of the most fascinating periods of British History and Alison Weir makes it accessible and enthralling.

Synopsis

The imprisonment and execution of Queen Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII's second wife, in May 1536 was unprecedented in English history. It was sensational in its day, and has exerted endless fascination over the minds of historians, novelists, dramatists, poets, artists and film-makers ever since. Anne was imprisoned in the Tower of London on 2 May 1536, and tried and found guilty of high treason on 15 May.

Her supposed crimes included adultery with five men, one her own brother, and plotting the King's death. Mystery surrounds the circumstances leading up to her arrest. Was it Henry VIII who, estranged from Anne, instructed Master Secretary Thomas Cromwell to fabricate evidence to get rid of her so that he could marry Jane Seymour? Or did Cromwell, for reasons of his own, construct a case against Anne and her faction, and then present compelling evidence before the King? Or was Anne, in fact, guilty as charged? Never before has there been a book devoted entirely to Anne Boleyn's fall.

Alison Weir has reassessed the evidence, demolished many romantic myths and popular misconceptions, and rewritten the story of Anne's fall, creating a richly researched and impressively detailed portrait of the dramatic last days of one of the most influential and important figures in English history.

About the Author

Alison Weir lives and works near Peebles in Scotland. Her books include Britain's Royal Families, The Six Wives of Henry VIII, Children of England, Eleanor of Aquitaine and Henry VIII: King and Court.     More books by this author Author 'Like for Like' recommendation