The enigmatic Anne Boleyn comes to life in this charming, brilliant portrayal by acclaimed British novelist Margaret Campbell Barnes. The infamous love of King Henry VIII and the mother of Queen Elizabeth I, Anne Boleyn undertook a rocky journey from innocent courtier to powerful Queen of England. A meticulous researcher, Margaret Campbell Barnes immerses readers in this intrigue and in the lush, glittery world of the Tudor Court. The beauty and charms of Anne Boleyn bewitched the most powerful man in the world, King Henry VIII, but her resourcefulness and cleverness were not enough to stop the malice of her enemies. Her swift rise to power quickly became her own undoing. The author brings to light Boleyn's humanity and courage, giving an intimate look at a young woman struggling to find her own way in a world dominated by men and adversaries.

Brief Gaudy Hour: A Novel of Anne Boleyn

Literature & Fiction

Campbell Barnes, Margaret

Contemporary

Sourcebooks Landmark

"Turns A BRILLIANT LIGHT on one of the lustiest and one of the most dramatic periods of English history."―Philadelphia Inquirer
The mesmerizing story of Anne of Cleves, fourth wife of Henry VIII, one of the rare women who matched wits successfully with the fiery king and lived to tell the tale.
 Aware of the disastrous consequences of not bearing an heir, Anne of Cleves bravely took on the duty of weathering the Tudor King's temper and won the hearts of his subjects in the process.
Written by world-renowned historical novelist Margaret Campbell Barnes, My Lady of Cleves gives readers an intimate portrait of the warm, unpretentious princess who never expected to become Queen of England and how she navigated a world of high drama and courtly elegance.
A refreshing historical fiction about infamous Tudor England, fans of Philippa Gregory, Anya Seton and Bernard Cornwell will delight in this tale of Henry's fourth Queen, her secret love, her power-hungry husband, and the country that ruled them all.
Praise for My Lady of Cleves: "At long last Anne of Cleves gets her day as a noble and highminded heroine in the lists of historical fiction!" ― Chicago Tribune "Barnes' vision of Anne is so different from others I have encountered, it was like reading her story for the first time. This is the Anne of Cleves I choose to live in my memory." ―Books N Border Collies "an appealing story of a woman who makes the best of a bad situation... it's nice to see this novel in particular being reissued." ―Reading, Ranting, and Raving "I have to say that from the moment I read the inscription, I was hooked in this book... Anne is brought to life, and is portrayed as a capable woman..." ―Historical Tapestry

My Lady of Cleves

United States

"A moving and lifelike portrait... a thoroughly delightful novel." - New York Times
 Country-lad-turned-jester Will Somers tells the behind-the-scenes story of King Henry VIII and his six wives. Told by the man who saw the triumphs and tragedies, weddings, divorces, and dramatic pageantry that was the Tudor court.
 When country lad Will Somers lands himself the plum position of jester to the mercurial King Henry VIII, he has no idea that he's just been handed a front-row seat to history.
 At court Will witnesses firsthand the dizzying power struggles and sly scheming that marked the reign of the fiery Tudor king. A confidante of all six wives of Henry VIII including the tragic Katherine of Aragon, the doomed Anne Boleyn, and the charming princess Mary Tudor, Will's tale casts a new light on England's most infamous king. This intimate peek into the royal chambers gives readers a unique perspective on the capricious King Henry, told from the point of view of a sympathetic friend whose loyalty never wavered. A unique tale of tumultuous Tudor England, fans of Philippa Gregory, Anya Seton and Sharon Kay Penman will delight in this new look at a well-known dynasty from world-renowned historical novelist Margaret Campbell Barnes. 
Other books about the six wives of Henry VIII and the Tudors by Margaret Campbell Barnes: Brief Gaudy Hour – a refreshing novel of Anne Boleyn, cast in a new light My Lady of Cleves – a fresh story of Anne of Cleves, the bride who survived Henry VIII The Tudor Rose – the richly drawn story of Elizabeth of York who united a kingdom and birthed a dynastyWhat readers are saying about The King's Fool:"a remarkable insider tale of the Tudor court"
"I loved this REFRESHING perspective"
"What a great way to look at King Henry VIII. Henry was a very difficult King to feel compassion for. Yet, after reading this book, one is reminded that things aren't always as the world views it."
"But THIS book revealed sides to all characters in depths I've never seen."
"a deftly written, well-researched, absorbing story"
"If you liked The Other Boleyn Girl, here's another prospective of Henry 8th court."
"Absolutely loved this book~ Must read for any TUDOR fan."What reviewers are saying about The King's Fool: "A moving and lifelike portrait... a thoroughly delightful novel." - New York Times "Immensely entertaining and absorbing." - Chicago Tribune
 "A dramatic story, full of color and good characters, great people made more human." - Book of the Month Club
 "...Watch the king's cruel vanities through the eyes of a friend whose love and sympathy never waver." - News ChronicleWhat everyone is saying about Margaret Campbell Barnes:"Margaret Campbell Barnes has added brilliant hues to a picture which never lacked in color." - Vancouver (BC) Daily Province
"Immensely entertaining and absorbing." - Chicago Tribune
 "Turns A BRILLIANT LIGHT on one of the lustiest and one of the most dramatic periods of English history." - Philadelphia Inquirer

King's Fool

"If you love Historical Fiction or the Tudors, you cannot go wrong by picking up this book." ― The Literate Housewife
The richly drawn tale of Elizabeth of York, full of intrigue, lies, and plots to steal the throne
As a young woman, Elizabeth of York has the most valuable possession in all of England―a legitimate claim to the crown. Her quest to do what is right for her country and her family throw her into a tumultuous drama of political intrigue, rebellion, and murder.
Two princes battle to win Britain's most rightful heiress for a bride and her kingdom for his own. On one side is her uncle Richard, the last Plantagenet King, whom she fears is the murderer of her two brothers, the would-be kings. On the other side is Henry Tudor, the exiled knight. Can he save her from a horrifying marriage to a cut-throat soldier?
Thrust into the intrigue and drama of the War of the Roses, Elizabeth has a country within her grasp―if she can find the strength to unite a kingdom torn apart by a thirst for power. 
A refreshing historical fiction about infamous Tudor England, fans of Philippa Gregory, Anya Seton and Sharon Kay Penman will delight in this richly drawn tale of the woman who launched one of the most dramatic dynasties England has ever seen.

The Tudor Rose: Meet the Matriarch of England's Most Famous Kings and Queens

"Within the hollow crown that rounds the mortal temples of a king..." -Shakespeare, The Tragedy of King Richard II Unlike his father, the Black Prince, or his namesake, King Richard the Lionheart, Richard II never really wanted to be king. But the mantle of royalty is thrust upon his shoulders at age 11, at a time when England is racked by unrest and class warefare. A leader as unexpected as he is inexperienced, young Richard must find a way to triumph over a fierce conflict more destructive than any foreign enemy.Richard's love for his wife, Anne of Bohemia, gave him the strength to outwit the schemes of his enemies and govern as he saw fit, providing England with years of properity under his reign. But when tragedy strikes, Richard begins to loose the common touch by which he had ruled so brilliantly, and begins a downward spiral from which his detractors would derive strength...
"Sympathetic picture of sensitive, peace-loving, and ill-beset Richard II, who had it in him to be one of the best kings England ever had."-Booklist
"Ms. Barnes captures the flavor, pageantry, and color of the Middle Ages...a distinguished novel." -Philadelphia Inquirer

Within the Hollow Crown: A Valiant King's Struggle to Save His Country, His Dynasty, and His Love

British & Irish

A Spirited Retelling of King Richard the Lionheart and the Third Crusade
"Margaret Campbell Barnes has been one of the most reliable of England's historical novelists." ―Chicago Tribune
In this compelling novel of love, loyalty, and lost chances, Margaret Campbell Barnes gives readers a new perspective on Richard the Lionheart's triumphs and tragedies. Drawing on folklore, Barnes explores what might have happened if King Richard's foster brother were none other than Robin Hood, a legendary figure more vibrant than most in authentic history. Thick as thieves as Richard builds a kingdom and marshals a crusade, the two clash when Robin Hood so provokes the king's white hot temper that Richard banishes him. The Passionate Brood is a tale of a man driven to win back the Holy Land, beset by the guilt of casting out his childhood friend, and shouldering the burden of being the lionhearted leader of the Plantagenets.
Praise for Margaret Campbell Barnes
"Barnes vividly depicts Anne's hopes and fears in an age where royal marriages were brokered like a cattle fair, and beheading could befall even a Queen." ―Publishers Weekly on Brief Gaudy Hour
"Rich in detail and flows beautifully, letting readers escape into Anne's court and country life. It is a must read for those who love exploring the dynamic relationships of Henry VIII and his wives."―Historical Novels Review on My Lady of Cleves

The Passionate Brood: A Novel of Richard the Lionheart and the Man Who Became Robin Hood

Genre Fiction

"Margaret Campbell Barnes has been one of the most reliable of England's historical novelists." -Chicago Tribune A Girl, A King, and the castle that changed them both Forever... Charles I, king of England, thought that Carisbrooke Castle would be safe, an Isle of Wight refuge far from the madding crowd of Cromwell. But Charles ran straight into the arms of betrayal, his retreat morphing to prison and his allies few and far between. Mary, a quiet servant girl in awe of her king and country, vaults into intrigue and danger as she helps to plot the king's escape. A moving story of royal hopes and misfortunes, Mary of Carisbrooke is at its heart the tale of a charming girl who is as romantic and alluring as she is smart and bold. Loyal to herself and to the Crown, Mary's brush with history reveals just how quickly fate can shift the paths of power. Praise for Margaret Campbell Barnes "Barnes vividly depicts Anne's hopes and fears in an age where royal marriages were brokered like a cattle fair, and beheading could befall even a Queen." -Publishers Weekly on Brief Gaudy Hour "Rich in detail and flows beautifully, letting readers escape into Anne's court and country life. It is a must read for those who love exploring the dynamic relationships of Henry VIII and his wives." -Historical Novels Review on My Lady of Cleves

Mary of Carisbrooke: The Girl Who Would Not Betray Her King

Literary

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