Splendid and sumptuous historical novel from the internationally bestselling author, Philippa Gregory, telling of the early life of Katherine of Aragon. We think of her as the barren wife of a notorious king; but behind this legacy lies a fascinating story. Katherine of Aragon is born Catalina, the Spanish Infanta, to parents who are both rulers and warriors. Aged four, she is betrothed to Arthur, Prince of Wales, and is raised to be Queen of England. She is never in doubt that it is her destiny to rule that far ...
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Splendid and sumptuous historical novel from the internationally bestselling author, Philippa Gregory, telling of the early life of Katherine of Aragon. We think of her as the barren wife of a notorious king; but behind this legacy lies a fascinating story. Katherine of Aragon is born Catalina, the Spanish Infanta, to parents who are both rulers and warriors. Aged four, she is betrothed to Arthur, Prince of Wales, and is raised to be Queen of England. She is never in doubt that it is her destiny to rule that far-off, wet, cold land. Her faith is tested when her prospective father-in-law greets her arrival in her new country with a great insult; Arthur seems little better than a boy; the food is strange and the customs coarse. Slowly she adapts to the first Tudor court, and life as Arthur's wife grows ever more bearable. But when the studious young man dies, she is left to make her own future: how can she now be queen, and found a dynasty? Only by marrying Arthur's young brother, the sunny but spoilt Henry. His father and grandmother are against it; her powerful parents prove little use. Yet Katherine is her mother's daughter and her fighting spirit is strong. She will do anything to achieve her aim; even if it means telling the greatest lie, and holding to it. Philippa Gregory proves yet again that behind the apparently familiar face of history lies an astonishing story: of women warriors influencing the future of Europe, of revered heroes making deep mistakes, and of an untold love story which changes the fate of a nation.
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Seller's Description:
Very good. All items inspected and guaranteed. All Orders Dispatched from the UK within one working day. Established business with excellent service record.
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Very good in Very good jacket. VGC plus. HarperCollins, 2005. First edition-first printing(1 3 5 7 9 8 6 4 2). Purple hardback(gilt lettering to the spine) with Dj(a couple of small nicks, ink mark and crease on the edges of the Dj cover), both in VGC plus. Nice and clean pages with a couple ink marks on the outer edges, inscription and pencil mark impression on the half-title page of the book, a couple of creases on the edges of the pages.490pp including Author's note. Price un-clipped. First edition. Heavy book.
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Fine in Near fine jacket. Fine condition. HarperCollins, 2005. First edition-first printing(1 3 5 7 9 8 6 4 2). Purple hardback(gilt lettering to the spine, two small nicks on the cover) in fine condition, with Dj(very small tear, mark, crease and a couple of small nicks on the edges of the Dj cover) in near fine condition. Nice and clean pages as new with a very small mark on the edge of page 487, a couple of small nicks and crease on the edges of the pages. Nice and clean book as new.490pp including Author's note. Price un-clipped. This is another paragraph Product Description: Splendid and sumptuous historical novel from this internationally bestselling author, telling of the early life of Katherine of Aragon. We think of her as the barren wife of a notorious king; but behind this legacy lies a fascinating story. Katherine of Aragon is born Catalina, the Spanish Infanta, to parents who are both rulers and warriors. Aged four, she is betrothed to Arthur, Prince of Wales, and is raised to be Queen of England. She is never in doubt that it is her destiny to rule that far-off, wet, cold land. Her faith is tested when her prospective fahter-in-law greets her arrival in her new country with a great insult; Arthur seems little better than a boy; the food is strange and the customs coarse. Slowly she adapts to the first Tudor court, and life as Arthur's wife grows ever more bearable. But when the studious young man dies, she is left to make her own future: how can she now be queen, and found a dynasty? Only by marrying Arthur's young brother, the sunny but spoilt Henry. His father and grandmother are against it; her powerful parents prove little use. Yet Katherine is her mother's daughter and her fighting spirit is strong. She will do anything to achieve her aim; even if it means telling the greatest lie, and holding to it. Philippa Gregory proves yet again that behind the apparently familiar face of history lies an astonishing story: of women warriors influencing the future of Europe, of revered heroes making deep mistakes, and of an untold love story which changes the fate of a nation.
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Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. This book is in good condition but will show signs of previous ownership. Please expect some creasing to the spine and/or minor damage to the cover. Aged book. Tanned pages and age spots, however, this will not interfere with reading.
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Seller's Description:
Dispatched, from the UK, within 48 hours of ordering. This book is in good condition but will show signs of previous ownership. Please expect some creasing to the spine and/or minor damage to the cover.
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Very good. This book is in stock now, in our UK premises. Photos of our books are available on request (the pictures you see on Alibris are NOT our own). Are you outside UK? Then unless you arrange shipping 'Via Alibris' we WILL cancel your order; this is due to the derisory shipping allowance that Alibris make to sellers for overseas orders.
This book drew me in from its first page and did not release me until the end. The characters are finely drawn and entirely believable. This is another one of Philippa Gregory's excellent historical novels. She is an outstanding author of this genre.
Smanatha
Aug 7, 2008
Awesome!
I found that this book was awesome! This was my second Philippa Gregory Book and I enjoyed imensely! She is a wonderful author! I have read the other Boleyn Girl and although this book was not as great as that one it was still wonderful, and I look forward to reading other books by her! I love that she actually researches the history before she writes the books! Anyway.... you should definatley read this book!
ozzie
Aug 9, 2007
Excellent Read
As in the majority of Phillippa Gregory's books, this story was entertaining and held my interest and as usual, I hated when it ended. If you love books about English King's and court you'll find this book one of the best!!
donna
Jul 17, 2007
HISTORY REVISED
PHILLIPPA GREGORY PUTS A NEW SPIN ON THE OFT TOLD TALE OF KATHERINE OF ARAGON AND HENRY VIII. I COULD NOT REALLY GO ALONG WITH HER PREMISE AS IT CONTRADICTS ALL THE OTHER HISTORICAL ACCOUNTS I HAVE READ. I COULD NOT SEE KATHERINE LIVING OUT A LIE FOR THE REST OF HER LIFE AND BECAUSE OF HER BACKGROUND AND BELIEFS, I COULD NOT BUY HER FONDNESS FOR THE MUSLIM RELIGION. DO NOT READ THIS FOR THE HISTORY BUT LOOK AT IT AS JUST A STORY WITH REAL HISTORICAL NAMES ATTACHED TO THE CHARACTERS.
Smithcuse
Mar 20, 2007
Fascinating history and tale
I have read several of this author's books, and this is my favorite. The word pictures she paints are absolutely lovely and the story riveting. Catalina, daughter of Ferdinand and Isabella of Spain is to marry Prince Edward. The young prince, with whom she falls deeply in love, dies young. From this point on we see a woman of great strength and determination emerge to marry Edward's brother and rule her adopted country of England as Catherine. The author brings to life some of the most fascinating characters in history.
