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George Boleyn: Tudor Poet, Courtier and Diplomat
George Boleyn has gone down in history as being the brother of the ill-fated Queen Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII, and for being executed for treason, after being found guilty of incest and of conspiring to kill the King.
This biography allows George to step out of the shadows and brings him to life as a court poet, royal favourite, keen sportsman, talented diplomat and loyal brother. Clare Cherry and Claire Ridgway chart his life from his spectacular rise in the 1520s to his dramatic fall and tragic end in 1536.
George Boleyn: Tudor Poet, Courtier and Diplomat is divided into three sections – Beginnings, Career and Influence, and End of an Era – and topics include:
- George Boleyn’s poetry
- Personal attributes and social pursuits
- Religion
- George’s marriage to Jane Parker
- The Reformation Parliament and the League of Schmalkalden
- George the Diplomat
- The fall of the Boleyns, arrests and trials
- The aftermath of their fall
- George Boleyn, Dean of Lichfield, and the Clonony Castle Boleyns
The biography is fully referenced and includes chapter notes, bibliography and useful appendices.
This biography allows George to step out of the shadows and brings him to life as a court poet, royal favourite, keen sportsman, talented diplomat and loyal brother. Clare Cherry and Claire Ridgway chart his life from his spectacular rise in the 1520s to his dramatic fall and tragic end in 1536.
George Boleyn: Tudor Poet, Courtier and Diplomat is divided into three sections – Beginnings, Career and Influence, and End of an Era – and topics include:
- George Boleyn’s poetry
- Personal attributes and social pursuits
- Religion
- George’s marriage to Jane Parker
- The Reformation Parliament and the League of Schmalkalden
- George the Diplomat
- The fall of the Boleyns, arrests and trials
- The aftermath of their fall
- George Boleyn, Dean of Lichfield, and the Clonony Castle Boleyns
The biography is fully referenced and includes chapter notes, bibliography and useful appendices.
386 pages, Paperback
First published April 25, 2014
64 people are currently reading
430 people want to read
About the author
Claire Ridgway
22 books284 followersClaire Ridgway is the author of the best-selling books On This Day in Tudor History(October 2012), The Anne Boleyn Collection (Feb 2012), The Fall of Anne Boleyn: A Countdown (April 2012), The Anne Boleyn Collection II (September 2013) George Boleyn: Tudor Poet, Courtier and Diplomat (April 2014), Sweating Sickness: In an Nutshell (August 2014), Illustrated Kings and Queens of England (November 2014) and Tudor Places of Great Britain (October 2015).
Claire worked in education and freelance writing before creating The Anne Boleyn Files history website and becoming a full-time history researcher, blogger and author. The Anne Boleyn Files is known for its historical accuracy and Claire's mission to get to the truth behind Anne Boleyn's story. Her writing is easy-to-read and conversational, and readers often comment on how reading Claire's books is like having a coffee with her and chatting about history.
Claire is also the founder of The Tudor Society.
Claire worked in education and freelance writing before creating The Anne Boleyn Files history website and becoming a full-time history researcher, blogger and author. The Anne Boleyn Files is known for its historical accuracy and Claire's mission to get to the truth behind Anne Boleyn's story. Her writing is easy-to-read and conversational, and readers often comment on how reading Claire's books is like having a coffee with her and chatting about history.
Claire is also the founder of The Tudor Society.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 41 reviews
June 23, 2025
Read for free with Kindle Unlimited
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Highly recommend checking out Claire's channel, she gives talks on this and many other topics with Anne Boleyn, the Tudors, etc with grace 👑 and (at least for me), makes it easier to keep everything straight when it gets complicated.
https://youtube.com/@anneboleynfiles?...
Will be checking out Clare Cherry books sometime soonish 👍🏼
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I hadn't thought much about Anne's brother (probably not the only one) and watching Claire's YouTube I got more curious about him.
So when she mentioned her book, I zoomed over to Amazon and was extra glad to see it on Kindle Unlimited (still there as of 6-13-2025).
George Boleyn was certainly an interesting, compelling person with a big personality.
Would have loved to know him as a friend.
You don’t realize how messed up the trial was until you read the details :(.
Full of anger and sadness how all of it played out.
Would highly recommend 👌.
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Highly recommend checking out Claire's channel, she gives talks on this and many other topics with Anne Boleyn, the Tudors, etc with grace 👑 and (at least for me), makes it easier to keep everything straight when it gets complicated.
https://youtube.com/@anneboleynfiles?...
Will be checking out Clare Cherry books sometime soonish 👍🏼
---'
I hadn't thought much about Anne's brother (probably not the only one) and watching Claire's YouTube I got more curious about him.
So when she mentioned her book, I zoomed over to Amazon and was extra glad to see it on Kindle Unlimited (still there as of 6-13-2025).
George Boleyn was certainly an interesting, compelling person with a big personality.
Would have loved to know him as a friend.
You don’t realize how messed up the trial was until you read the details :(.
Full of anger and sadness how all of it played out.
Would highly recommend 👌.
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December 17, 2018
cross posted to blog:
Background:
Going into this, I was not especially familiar with Clare Cherry’s work. However, I was very familiar with Claire Ridgway, and as far as collective Tudor resourcing goes, her website Anne Boleyn Files is the very best. She is always very fair and balanced in her assessments, considering sources from all sides, and she doesn’t omit sources if they don’t adhere to her view– she simply explains why it is they don’t.
The Assessment:
Well, I have never read a George Boleyn biography before, so I have little to compare it to. I have read other biographies before, but they have been about figures on who we have more information. This one doesn’t have all the answers, but one thing I liked about it was that it didn’t fill in the gaps of what we don’t know; but rather, acknowledged those gaps for what they were. This book is more a comprehensive list of what we do know; and the analysis of the information thereof.
The book is split into three parts: Beginnings (including family background, birth and childhood, laying the groundwork for personality, court life, marriage, religion, etc.), Career and Influence (mainly, his court career and politics, and a bit on his relationship with Anne), and The End of an Era (the downfall in 1536 and all leading up to it; execution and aftermath/ his impact).
Very helpfully, at the end of the book there are many sources. There is a chronology/timeline, the poetry of George Boleyn, Cavendish’s verses on George Boleyn, George Boleyn’s scaffold speech, Thomas Wyatt’s poetry and, of course, sources.
Likes/Dislikes (what can I say, I’m basic):
I won’t say George came to life on the page, because, frankly, this work was a little dry. But I will say I came to have a better sense of him, particularly his career and importance in not only English history; but European history as well. I don’t think we have enough information on him to get to a solid read of his personality. He was witty and intelligent and gracious, charming and tenacious and there is a joie de vivre that comes across…he was passionate about religion, and that his biggest concern upon his death sentence was making sure his debts were paid, and the debts of those that owed him money dismissed, speaks a lot to his strength of character.
And yet, still…he is more than a cipher, but not quite tangible. I don’t feel that I really know him. There’s simply not enough documents written in his own hand, enough letters, for me to get a really solid sense of him. It’s not necessarily the fault of the bio; I think it is just that there is, sadly, not enough information that relates to him personally available, to make such an assessment.
I didn’t care for the treatment of Henry VIII. The animosity the author clearly feels towards him as a person and figure came across a bit too clearly for my taste in nonfiction. That surprised me, and I was a bit disappointed by it, because Claire Ridgway, despite running a website called The Anne Boleyn Files; has always taken a very balanced approach to Henry, and usually contextualizes him. My best guess is that this view comes mainly from Cherry; it may have been Ridgway that righted the misconception that “no one dared lose against Henry in games/gambling/sporting events” (actually, as Privy Purse Expenses show, he lost quite often).
“Henry was a selfish, self-centered man with little patience.”
And etc., etc.– selfish and self-centered, certainly (although it would be a challenge to find a nobleman, much less a monarch, of this time that wasn’t, at the very least, a little of both). “Little patience”? Well, I think years of being Rome’s favorite chewtoy would test the patience of any 16th century king. Kings had gotten annulments much more quickly, and for much more fantastical reasons, in times past– Henry IV of Castile had received one by saying his wife had put a spell on him making him impotent with her only, that had included testimony from sex workers that he could ‘get it up’ otherwise. And that’s just a for instance…
Another thing that bothered me was that Eustace Chapuys was taken at 100% face value in regard to Anne Boleyn. He wasn’t very fond of George after he learned who he was, or the Boleyns in general, but his animosity towards Anne was greater– it was Anne, after all that had “seduced Henry away from his rightful marriage” and was the sole reason for his ill treatment of his eldest daughter, etc. etc. etc. George did no such seduction, so Chapuys’ animosity towards him is marginally less than that towards his royal sister. And so, it seems a bit convenient that an anecdote provided by Chapuys in which George comes off as better than Anne (the one in which Anne says she could have Mary executed, and George is the Voice of Reason) is the one the taken at 100% face value in a George bio.
Overall, though, this is a very well-sourced, mainly accurate*, and enjoyable read and I’m happy to have it in my collection. It also did some mythbusting of popular Tudor lore, which I always appreciate.
*I say ‘mainly’ accurate because I cannot find any other source for a quote from a letter by Henry referring to Mary and Thomas Boleyn (’his natural daughter, now in her extreme necessity’) other than Agnes Strickland. The letter it is connected to there, does not include such a passage, in the Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 4, 1524-1530. Rather, it reads:
"The cause of my writing at this time, good sweetheart, is only to understand of your good health and prosperity, whereof to know I would be as glad in manner as mine own; praying God that (and it be His pleasure) to send us shortly together"—(he was then at Hunsdon, and she at Hever);—"for I promise you I long for it; howbeit, trust it shall not be long to (until it be). And seeing my darling is absent, I can no less do than send her some flesh representing my name, which is hart's flesh for Harry, prognosticating that hereafter, God willing, you must enjoy some of mine, which, He pleased, I would were now." "... No more to you at this time, mine own darling, but that a while I would we were together of an evening;"
And no mention of it.
Edit:
"He pleased, I would were now. As touching your sister's matter, I have caused Water Welze to write to my Lord my mind therein, whereby I trust that Eve shall not have power to deceive Adam; (fn. 4) for surely, what soever is said, it cannot so stand with his honor but that he (fn. 5) must needs take her his natural daughter now in her extreme necessity. No more to you at this time, mine own darling, but that a while I would we were together of an evening. With the hand of yours."
-- Henry VIII: June 1528, 21-30
Pages 1929-1947
Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 4, 1524-1530.
However, the author implies that the Carey children had Henry VIII's paternity (to definitively make her point that Henry was shirking responsibility and 'discarded those he no longer derived pleasure from', meaning Mary in this instance, and by extension her children), when we really have no way of knowing. So I would still say this was a nearly, if not wholly, accurate work.
Background:
Going into this, I was not especially familiar with Clare Cherry’s work. However, I was very familiar with Claire Ridgway, and as far as collective Tudor resourcing goes, her website Anne Boleyn Files is the very best. She is always very fair and balanced in her assessments, considering sources from all sides, and she doesn’t omit sources if they don’t adhere to her view– she simply explains why it is they don’t.
The Assessment:
Well, I have never read a George Boleyn biography before, so I have little to compare it to. I have read other biographies before, but they have been about figures on who we have more information. This one doesn’t have all the answers, but one thing I liked about it was that it didn’t fill in the gaps of what we don’t know; but rather, acknowledged those gaps for what they were. This book is more a comprehensive list of what we do know; and the analysis of the information thereof.
The book is split into three parts: Beginnings (including family background, birth and childhood, laying the groundwork for personality, court life, marriage, religion, etc.), Career and Influence (mainly, his court career and politics, and a bit on his relationship with Anne), and The End of an Era (the downfall in 1536 and all leading up to it; execution and aftermath/ his impact).
Very helpfully, at the end of the book there are many sources. There is a chronology/timeline, the poetry of George Boleyn, Cavendish’s verses on George Boleyn, George Boleyn’s scaffold speech, Thomas Wyatt’s poetry and, of course, sources.
Likes/Dislikes (what can I say, I’m basic):
I won’t say George came to life on the page, because, frankly, this work was a little dry. But I will say I came to have a better sense of him, particularly his career and importance in not only English history; but European history as well. I don’t think we have enough information on him to get to a solid read of his personality. He was witty and intelligent and gracious, charming and tenacious and there is a joie de vivre that comes across…he was passionate about religion, and that his biggest concern upon his death sentence was making sure his debts were paid, and the debts of those that owed him money dismissed, speaks a lot to his strength of character.
And yet, still…he is more than a cipher, but not quite tangible. I don’t feel that I really know him. There’s simply not enough documents written in his own hand, enough letters, for me to get a really solid sense of him. It’s not necessarily the fault of the bio; I think it is just that there is, sadly, not enough information that relates to him personally available, to make such an assessment.
I didn’t care for the treatment of Henry VIII. The animosity the author clearly feels towards him as a person and figure came across a bit too clearly for my taste in nonfiction. That surprised me, and I was a bit disappointed by it, because Claire Ridgway, despite running a website called The Anne Boleyn Files; has always taken a very balanced approach to Henry, and usually contextualizes him. My best guess is that this view comes mainly from Cherry; it may have been Ridgway that righted the misconception that “no one dared lose against Henry in games/gambling/sporting events” (actually, as Privy Purse Expenses show, he lost quite often).
“Henry was a selfish, self-centered man with little patience.”
And etc., etc.– selfish and self-centered, certainly (although it would be a challenge to find a nobleman, much less a monarch, of this time that wasn’t, at the very least, a little of both). “Little patience”? Well, I think years of being Rome’s favorite chewtoy would test the patience of any 16th century king. Kings had gotten annulments much more quickly, and for much more fantastical reasons, in times past– Henry IV of Castile had received one by saying his wife had put a spell on him making him impotent with her only, that had included testimony from sex workers that he could ‘get it up’ otherwise. And that’s just a for instance…
Another thing that bothered me was that Eustace Chapuys was taken at 100% face value in regard to Anne Boleyn. He wasn’t very fond of George after he learned who he was, or the Boleyns in general, but his animosity towards Anne was greater– it was Anne, after all that had “seduced Henry away from his rightful marriage” and was the sole reason for his ill treatment of his eldest daughter, etc. etc. etc. George did no such seduction, so Chapuys’ animosity towards him is marginally less than that towards his royal sister. And so, it seems a bit convenient that an anecdote provided by Chapuys in which George comes off as better than Anne (the one in which Anne says she could have Mary executed, and George is the Voice of Reason) is the one the taken at 100% face value in a George bio.
Overall, though, this is a very well-sourced, mainly accurate*, and enjoyable read and I’m happy to have it in my collection. It also did some mythbusting of popular Tudor lore, which I always appreciate.
*I say ‘mainly’ accurate because I cannot find any other source for a quote from a letter by Henry referring to Mary and Thomas Boleyn (’his natural daughter, now in her extreme necessity’) other than Agnes Strickland. The letter it is connected to there, does not include such a passage, in the Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 4, 1524-1530. Rather, it reads:
"The cause of my writing at this time, good sweetheart, is only to understand of your good health and prosperity, whereof to know I would be as glad in manner as mine own; praying God that (and it be His pleasure) to send us shortly together"—(he was then at Hunsdon, and she at Hever);—"for I promise you I long for it; howbeit, trust it shall not be long to (until it be). And seeing my darling is absent, I can no less do than send her some flesh representing my name, which is hart's flesh for Harry, prognosticating that hereafter, God willing, you must enjoy some of mine, which, He pleased, I would were now." "... No more to you at this time, mine own darling, but that a while I would we were together of an evening;"
And no mention of it.
Edit:
"He pleased, I would were now. As touching your sister's matter, I have caused Water Welze to write to my Lord my mind therein, whereby I trust that Eve shall not have power to deceive Adam; (fn. 4) for surely, what soever is said, it cannot so stand with his honor but that he (fn. 5) must needs take her his natural daughter now in her extreme necessity. No more to you at this time, mine own darling, but that a while I would we were together of an evening. With the hand of yours."
-- Henry VIII: June 1528, 21-30
Pages 1929-1947
Letters and Papers, Foreign and Domestic, Henry VIII, Volume 4, 1524-1530.
However, the author implies that the Carey children had Henry VIII's paternity (to definitively make her point that Henry was shirking responsibility and 'discarded those he no longer derived pleasure from', meaning Mary in this instance, and by extension her children), when we really have no way of knowing. So I would still say this was a nearly, if not wholly, accurate work.
January 23, 2017
Nicely done short biography about Anne Boleyn's brother. Good analysis and evaluation.
July 12, 2022
So little is known about the brother of the notorious? Famous? Infamous? Ill fated? Anne Boleyn. We do not even know what he looked like.
This book did an excellent job of showing the man behind the trumped up incest charges and the roll he played in history.
Well researched and beautifully told
This book did an excellent job of showing the man behind the trumped up incest charges and the roll he played in history.
Well researched and beautifully told
February 18, 2021
During his lifetime, George Boleyn was a zealous reformer, a talented poet, a successful diplomat, and the kind of man who had people putting money on his acquittal at his own treason trial. And yet, for all this, history has largely forgotten him. In popular media he is frequently shown riding both his sister's coat tails, achieving little, and behaving badly at every opportunity. To get from one to the other is a puzzle.
I won't say that this is a definitive biography, or that it's perfect. But it's a bold attempt at unearthing George Boleyn as he appears in contemporary sources - before history started to tar and feather his reputation. It's a sympathetic picture, and one which has a tendancy to leap to the most positive of all possible explanations without really digging at the negative. But given how frequently he has bene criticised, I think I can forgive that.
I won't say that this is a definitive biography, or that it's perfect. But it's a bold attempt at unearthing George Boleyn as he appears in contemporary sources - before history started to tar and feather his reputation. It's a sympathetic picture, and one which has a tendancy to leap to the most positive of all possible explanations without really digging at the negative. But given how frequently he has bene criticised, I think I can forgive that.
May 22, 2021
An excellent book. Well written, well researched, and combines zesty storytelling with solid factual evidence. The books asks questions of previously established ideology, and challenges assumptions made by previous historians and social-historical myths. Thoroughly enjoyable and an absolute must for every Tudor or history addict.
December 2, 2020
Well researches by obviously biased. Very repetitive in some chapters.
June 15, 2014
Claire Cherry and Ridgway are really objective and they hit the spot on George and his family. It's not about making saints and villains but discovering who were the people behind this mysterious period and piercing through the veil of stereotypes and propaganda. They don't spare any punches, George certainly had his flaws, his contemporaries, including his friends, didn't shy away from admitting them, but he was also a very accomplished politician, poet, and scholar. Henry trusted him for important missions and he accomplished so much in those missions that bo other ambassador could have and he was also very young, something which caused an impression. And despite enjoying court life in France and England to the fullest, he was very serious in his work. He exerted pressure on Francois I when everyone thought it would be impossible to get him to bully the universities in agreeing with Henry on his Great Matter but he did it and he did it again when he managed to make Francois I agree to convince the pope of Henry's recent union with his sister (though the King od France had very little success here and later showed he was not very committed to the Boleyns as they previously thought).
But while it destroys the long conceived notions about George and his family, it does keep others (Chapuys, scheming, unreliable fanatic, Jane as the boring one, etc). So, something you might want to watch out for. But exclusding this small detail, the book was great and I really enjoyed reading the Appendixes too and all the beautiful and sad poetry regarding this figure. The saddest chapter has to be the antepenultimate and penultimate. George defended himself with such passion that knowing he would die, he went down giving the performance of his life and in those small hours garnered sympathy for himself and the other accused, including his sister. His execution speech days later was brilliantly done as only he could've done it. One of the things I enjoyed most about this biography is that the authors clarify in every chapter that whether we love or hate George, we can't judge him by our standards. He lived in a period that was completely alien to us that it is almost impossible for us to understand if we don't have any knwoledge of it and that's why Claire and Claire invest so much on giving us the background for every decission he made in every chapter.
But while it destroys the long conceived notions about George and his family, it does keep others (Chapuys, scheming, unreliable fanatic, Jane as the boring one, etc). So, something you might want to watch out for. But exclusding this small detail, the book was great and I really enjoyed reading the Appendixes too and all the beautiful and sad poetry regarding this figure. The saddest chapter has to be the antepenultimate and penultimate. George defended himself with such passion that knowing he would die, he went down giving the performance of his life and in those small hours garnered sympathy for himself and the other accused, including his sister. His execution speech days later was brilliantly done as only he could've done it. One of the things I enjoyed most about this biography is that the authors clarify in every chapter that whether we love or hate George, we can't judge him by our standards. He lived in a period that was completely alien to us that it is almost impossible for us to understand if we don't have any knwoledge of it and that's why Claire and Claire invest so much on giving us the background for every decission he made in every chapter.
March 15, 2016
Just who was George Boleyn? Was he the womanizing deviant portrayed in the Showtime series The Tudors or was he the timid fop prone to tantrums portrayed in the Other Boleyn Girl? For years, it seems like those were the only two versions ever considered for this ambitions, charming and highly accomplished courtier often overshadowed by the tragic life of his sister, Anne Boleyn. In this exciting new biography, authors Claire Ridgway and Clare Cherry, take the preconceived notions pop culture has perpetuated of this enigmatic man and turn them upside down. Ridgway and Cherry stick to the facts in this engaging and thorough biography on a man who's true character has remained elusive over the centuries. I was impressed with the way the author's debunked the claims of George's debauchery without making him a completely innocent victim. The style of writing is professional, yet informal so it's easy to understand the ramifications of George's actions in the grand scheme of the court without having intricate knowledge of Tudor society. I highly recommend this book for the amateur or the advanced historian!
May 3, 2014
just finished an advance copy and loved it. what these authors were able to find in their research with little information to go on is amazing but they did it. George is outshined by both sisters so I enjoyed finding out about his many accomplishments that most aren't aware can be attributed to him. So sad he was drawn into the situation
March 5, 2016
So much is not actually known about George Boleyn. I think this book does bring him out of the shadows of his famous family. If you are fan of the time of The Tudors reign you will enjoy this book. I myself have always felt that George and his wife Jane have always been treated as a punchline for historians who have always favored the Anne's story. Again it is an enjoyable and interesting read.
April 11, 2016
Excellent, down-to-earth biography of Anne Boleyn's brother who was accused of incest with her and also executed by Henry VIII. The reality of historical facts and documents throw a new light on the Boleyns, historical figures much mistreated and falsely represented by historical fiction in books, films and TV. Ridgway does an excellent work and presents it in an entertaining way.
August 6, 2015
A font of knowledge.......
Thanks for setting the record straight . Tudor history is a favorite subject of mine , I was entreged . I've hoped for years I'd live to see poor George and Anne pardoned and reburried.
Thanks for setting the record straight . Tudor history is a favorite subject of mine , I was entreged . I've hoped for years I'd live to see poor George and Anne pardoned and reburried.
March 27, 2021
BOOK REVIEW ⭐️⭐️⭐️
History is written by the (ultimate) winners. In the case of the other Boleyns, including George, much of what had been known has been expunged: letters, portraits, poetry, fortunes. However, even if records are meager, a fine biography can sometimes be written. Such is the case here. George’s story is often set in the light of the more highly documented Anne, but George as an individual comes through pretty clearly here.
History is written by the ultimate winners: Here Henry VIII thought by executing Anne and George on the most ludicrous of charges he could control the narrative. Though much about George has been lost, Anne certainly had the last and heartiest laugh in the life of her daughter, Elizabeth I. I enjoyed this.
#bibliophile #book #bookish #booklover #books #books2021 #booksofinstagram #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagrammers #bookworm #goodreads #instabook #instabooks #reader #readers #reading #readingroom #readersofinstagram #bookreview
History is written by the (ultimate) winners. In the case of the other Boleyns, including George, much of what had been known has been expunged: letters, portraits, poetry, fortunes. However, even if records are meager, a fine biography can sometimes be written. Such is the case here. George’s story is often set in the light of the more highly documented Anne, but George as an individual comes through pretty clearly here.
History is written by the ultimate winners: Here Henry VIII thought by executing Anne and George on the most ludicrous of charges he could control the narrative. Though much about George has been lost, Anne certainly had the last and heartiest laugh in the life of her daughter, Elizabeth I. I enjoyed this.
#bibliophile #book #bookish #booklover #books #books2021 #booksofinstagram #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookstagrammers #bookworm #goodreads #instabook #instabooks #reader #readers #reading #readingroom #readersofinstagram #bookreview
June 25, 2018
This was a really insightful read! I'm so glad that George was able to get his place to shine, especially with his less then favorable portrayals in popular fiction. I feel like I was finally able to get a true, more well rounded look into his life and personality. I also especially enjoyed the new insights I gained about Anne and her relationship with her brother. It was also nice to get a more balanced look at Lady Rochford as well. Overall, I'd highly recommend this book to any fan of Anne Boleyn!
January 6, 2021
I really enjoyed this book more than the others in the series. I think because so much information is out there about Anne Bolyen, but this is the most detailed research into George Bolyen. Fictionalized drama has done him such a disservice. He led an interesting life and was yet another victim of King Henry's cruelty and lies. It also makes me more interested in the Reformation movement in Europe.
February 16, 2021
Dynamic new historical character! Hidden behind a strong-willed sister who caught the eye of an evil king, George was exciting in his own right. I'm so happy I got a chance to read this. I had to keep reminding myself that all the movies and series I watched are fictional, while the authors did their best to stay true to factual documents of the day. In spite of that, the book did not lag or make me put it down. I'm sure this is a book I will reread.
May 30, 2019
Captivating
I thoroughly love Tudor history. This telling is one of the best I have read. The author used proper English in a very understandable manner, and when quoting sixteenth century documents, presented them in appropriate context. I appreciate Claire Ridgway’s style of writing.
I thoroughly love Tudor history. This telling is one of the best I have read. The author used proper English in a very understandable manner, and when quoting sixteenth century documents, presented them in appropriate context. I appreciate Claire Ridgway’s style of writing.
September 16, 2021
Eye opening!
The portrayals of George Boleyn on the screen are usually horrific. This book shows how the real George should be portrayed. Using so much from the archives you really get a sense of his intelligence and wit. Hopefully in the future George will be talked about in the way that befits him.
The portrayals of George Boleyn on the screen are usually horrific. This book shows how the real George should be portrayed. Using so much from the archives you really get a sense of his intelligence and wit. Hopefully in the future George will be talked about in the way that befits him.
November 28, 2020
A Legacy Restored
It was most interesting to read such an extensive background of George Boleyn. Before this, he seemed as nothing more than an afterthought in history. In this book, he becomes an important person in his own right rather than a shadow of his sister.
It was most interesting to read such an extensive background of George Boleyn. Before this, he seemed as nothing more than an afterthought in history. In this book, he becomes an important person in his own right rather than a shadow of his sister.
March 9, 2021
Lots of details!
Although this book contains many details, times, quotes & poems. I wish it were written more like an actual story, not just the facts.
I do love Claire Ridgeway & enjoy her books.
Although this book contains many details, times, quotes & poems. I wish it were written more like an actual story, not just the facts.
I do love Claire Ridgeway & enjoy her books.
June 20, 2021
Slow going at first
I nearly gave up a few times and found myself skimming quite a lot. However, I persevered and I'm glad I did because the last third of the book was quite interesting.
I nearly gave up a few times and found myself skimming quite a lot. However, I persevered and I'm glad I did because the last third of the book was quite interesting.
January 14, 2020
History comes alive
A very interesting read always been fascinated by Tudor history gives a insight into a bloody n interesting period of our history
A very interesting read always been fascinated by Tudor history gives a insight into a bloody n interesting period of our history
April 28, 2020
Fascinating book, didn't know much about George Boleyn before, now I know all about Anne Boleyn's brother, and Henry VIII 's brother-in-law.
August 25, 2015
George Boleyn, Lord Rochford, younger brother to Mary and Anne Boleyn, is a someone whose story is often told in a biography, film/tv or novel, focusing on that of his most well known sister Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII of England, and mother of Queen Elizabeth I, and- although to a far lesser extent- one focusing on his other sister Mary Boleyn. In this biography however, Claire Ridgway, creator of the successful Anne Boleyn Files site, and her friend, Clare Cherry, a solicitor who has been researching about the life of George Boleyn for many years, set out to uncover just who this enigmatic man was. For the first time, George steps right out of the shadows of his sisters, and into the limelight himself.
Usually I must admit, I am a tremendously slow reader, taking weeks to finish a book. However with this book, I finished it in less then two weeks, finding the pace of writing, dialogue and style in which the book has been laid out, incredibly absorbing to read.
The biography is divided into four sections; 'beginnings' focuses on the background of the family, the possibilities of George's birth and upbringing, his social pursuits, his Religion, life at the Tudor court, and George's marriage to Jane Parker. 'Career and influence' focuses on George's rise at the court of Henry VIII, his role in the Reformation Parliament, his role in the King's Great Matter, and his various missions abroad- particularly to France- in his role as Diplomat, and the various positions he came to hold during his sisters time as Queen Consort. 'The end of an era' focuses on the last year of George and his sisters life, their subsequent downfall, the role in which George's wife is said to have played in that, and George's remarkable bravery at his trial and execution. The fourth and final part, 'additional information', looks at poetry which was possibly George's work, as well as the execution poetry of Sir Thomas Wyatt, and the possible descendants George Boleyn in Ireland, and whether George Boleyn, Dean of Lichfield, in the reign of George's niece Elizabeth I, was an illegitimate son of George.
The authors make no excuse for some of George Boleyn less remarkable attributes, his poor handling of his money, and his arrogance, following his quick rise at court. But they do point out- with strong evidence to back it up- how George's rise was not only down to his sisters position, but also his own intelligence and charm. George, in many ways, was a calming influence over his more hot-tempered sister Anne, and many of the Boleyn enemies; Cavendish, Chapuys etc. grudgingly acknowledged George's more remarkable attributes. This biography has succeeded in taking George right of the shadows of his sisters, and shown him for the intelligent and charismatic man that he is. It does not set out to make him a saint, but it does show how George Boleyn was an important figure in his own right, in English history.
Usually I must admit, I am a tremendously slow reader, taking weeks to finish a book. However with this book, I finished it in less then two weeks, finding the pace of writing, dialogue and style in which the book has been laid out, incredibly absorbing to read.
The biography is divided into four sections; 'beginnings' focuses on the background of the family, the possibilities of George's birth and upbringing, his social pursuits, his Religion, life at the Tudor court, and George's marriage to Jane Parker. 'Career and influence' focuses on George's rise at the court of Henry VIII, his role in the Reformation Parliament, his role in the King's Great Matter, and his various missions abroad- particularly to France- in his role as Diplomat, and the various positions he came to hold during his sisters time as Queen Consort. 'The end of an era' focuses on the last year of George and his sisters life, their subsequent downfall, the role in which George's wife is said to have played in that, and George's remarkable bravery at his trial and execution. The fourth and final part, 'additional information', looks at poetry which was possibly George's work, as well as the execution poetry of Sir Thomas Wyatt, and the possible descendants George Boleyn in Ireland, and whether George Boleyn, Dean of Lichfield, in the reign of George's niece Elizabeth I, was an illegitimate son of George.
The authors make no excuse for some of George Boleyn less remarkable attributes, his poor handling of his money, and his arrogance, following his quick rise at court. But they do point out- with strong evidence to back it up- how George's rise was not only down to his sisters position, but also his own intelligence and charm. George, in many ways, was a calming influence over his more hot-tempered sister Anne, and many of the Boleyn enemies; Cavendish, Chapuys etc. grudgingly acknowledged George's more remarkable attributes. This biography has succeeded in taking George right of the shadows of his sisters, and shown him for the intelligent and charismatic man that he is. It does not set out to make him a saint, but it does show how George Boleyn was an important figure in his own right, in English history.
May 1, 2014
First of all, I need to tell you that I received an advance copy of this book for the purpose of an honest review.
Now, with that said, I am a huge fan of Claire Ridgway and have purchased all of her books and I spend a ridiculous amount of time on her website, The Anne Boleyn Files. I have had a fascination with all things Tudor since I was a kid.
One of the figures that we literally don't have all that much direct information on is Anne Boleyn's brother George, Lord Rochford. History has told us, of course, that he rose to great notoriety in King Henry VIII's court, though much of his success is attributed to the king's relationship with George's sister. We also know about his tragic end. Unfortunately there's not much else in between.
Fortunately for us, what Claire Ridgway and Clare Cherry have done is taken all of the available information - court documents, letters, receipts, etc. to paint as clear of a picture of George Boleyn as is currently possible. They've used these documents and all other available information to answer the most pressing questions about the man: Was his success his or merely the influence of his sister? Was he a rake? Was he a homosexual? Did he really have sex with his sister? Who was he, really?
The good news is that these two historians have given us both sides of as many issues as possible and, if the evidence does not support popular theory or legend, then they simply tell us that the documents and messages that we have available from the era do not justify or do justify the rumors. This book isn't simply filled with the author's opinions, as some other historical writers are wont to do - they allow the evidence to speak for itself.
I truly enjoyed reading this book and I believe I now have a much clearer picture of George Boleyn as I ever have. This is a great read for Tudor-philes, history buffs and folks who simply love to learn.
I also hope that this isn't the only collaboration between these two ladies as I believe that they work well together and compliment each other's knowledge and writing.
Now, with that said, I am a huge fan of Claire Ridgway and have purchased all of her books and I spend a ridiculous amount of time on her website, The Anne Boleyn Files. I have had a fascination with all things Tudor since I was a kid.
One of the figures that we literally don't have all that much direct information on is Anne Boleyn's brother George, Lord Rochford. History has told us, of course, that he rose to great notoriety in King Henry VIII's court, though much of his success is attributed to the king's relationship with George's sister. We also know about his tragic end. Unfortunately there's not much else in between.
Fortunately for us, what Claire Ridgway and Clare Cherry have done is taken all of the available information - court documents, letters, receipts, etc. to paint as clear of a picture of George Boleyn as is currently possible. They've used these documents and all other available information to answer the most pressing questions about the man: Was his success his or merely the influence of his sister? Was he a rake? Was he a homosexual? Did he really have sex with his sister? Who was he, really?
The good news is that these two historians have given us both sides of as many issues as possible and, if the evidence does not support popular theory or legend, then they simply tell us that the documents and messages that we have available from the era do not justify or do justify the rumors. This book isn't simply filled with the author's opinions, as some other historical writers are wont to do - they allow the evidence to speak for itself.
I truly enjoyed reading this book and I believe I now have a much clearer picture of George Boleyn as I ever have. This is a great read for Tudor-philes, history buffs and folks who simply love to learn.
I also hope that this isn't the only collaboration between these two ladies as I believe that they work well together and compliment each other's knowledge and writing.
January 2, 2016
Allow me to join many other readers and say that I absolutely loved this book! Although I love Anne Boleyn and I am wrapped in the Tudor history in my free time, I have to confess that I read only one historical biography about Lord Rochford before this book caught my eye. That’s why this masterpiece took me through a principally new and captivating journey through George Boleyn’s life, starting from his childhood and youth and ending with his tragic death in May 1536.
The best thing about this book is that it dissipates all the existing myths about George Boleyn and his life, giving the readers a full and fair assessment of George’s life and his achievements. George wasn’t a violent man who raped his life on their wedding night; he wasn’t a stupid and undereducated nobleman who squandered his life at the court; and he wasn’t homosexual either. It is a beautifully written story of a poet, courtier & diplomat (the title is really eye-catching and highlighting the main things we need to know about Lord Rochford). I fear to imagine how difficult it was for the two talented authors of this book to perform such a rigorous and deep historical research because they clearly dug deeply into George’s life story and the life of the Tudor court, using each and every available source of information about him.
To me, this book was one of the greatest historical reads in the past several years, and it took me some time to finish it due to real life distractions. It is for those who truly love history and prefer to read something fundamental which needs to be contemplated and analyzed. If someone reads this book, they will no longer have any illusive and biased pictures of George Boleyn’s life which many of us still have. This book is highly recommended for all history lovers, especially for those who love the Tudor era and Anne Boleyn, and for historical novelists – you will worship this book!
The best thing about this book is that it dissipates all the existing myths about George Boleyn and his life, giving the readers a full and fair assessment of George’s life and his achievements. George wasn’t a violent man who raped his life on their wedding night; he wasn’t a stupid and undereducated nobleman who squandered his life at the court; and he wasn’t homosexual either. It is a beautifully written story of a poet, courtier & diplomat (the title is really eye-catching and highlighting the main things we need to know about Lord Rochford). I fear to imagine how difficult it was for the two talented authors of this book to perform such a rigorous and deep historical research because they clearly dug deeply into George’s life story and the life of the Tudor court, using each and every available source of information about him.
To me, this book was one of the greatest historical reads in the past several years, and it took me some time to finish it due to real life distractions. It is for those who truly love history and prefer to read something fundamental which needs to be contemplated and analyzed. If someone reads this book, they will no longer have any illusive and biased pictures of George Boleyn’s life which many of us still have. This book is highly recommended for all history lovers, especially for those who love the Tudor era and Anne Boleyn, and for historical novelists – you will worship this book!
May 16, 2014
I received an advanced copy of this book for the purpose of reviewing.
I have thoroughly enjoyed all of Claire Ridgway's books so far and follow her website the Anne Boleyn Files. I found this book a very informative and enjoyable read- it's not as heavy as some history biographies can be so much easier to follow.
I have read a lot about the Tudor period but George is always treated as a side story to Anne so it was good to see him treated as the centre role for once. Unfortunately there is still not a huge amount of information on George so some of the book is based on conjecture and logic (i.e. The court was at a certain place and although George isn't recorded as being there it's logical to presume he probably was.) Because of this parts of the book are still based on Anne's whereabouts and experiences assuming George was by her side which I found a little disappointing- I was looking forward to reading more on his marriage but there just isn't any information. The two Claires deal with this well though making what I think is a good assessment of George's character and suggesting the actions he may have taken at a certain time based on this.
Overall a good well written book, I recommend a read to anyone who loves Tudor history. I also recommend you check out this site... http://www.theanneboleynfiles.com/
I have thoroughly enjoyed all of Claire Ridgway's books so far and follow her website the Anne Boleyn Files. I found this book a very informative and enjoyable read- it's not as heavy as some history biographies can be so much easier to follow.
I have read a lot about the Tudor period but George is always treated as a side story to Anne so it was good to see him treated as the centre role for once. Unfortunately there is still not a huge amount of information on George so some of the book is based on conjecture and logic (i.e. The court was at a certain place and although George isn't recorded as being there it's logical to presume he probably was.) Because of this parts of the book are still based on Anne's whereabouts and experiences assuming George was by her side which I found a little disappointing- I was looking forward to reading more on his marriage but there just isn't any information. The two Claires deal with this well though making what I think is a good assessment of George's character and suggesting the actions he may have taken at a certain time based on this.
Overall a good well written book, I recommend a read to anyone who loves Tudor history. I also recommend you check out this site... http://www.theanneboleynfiles.com/
November 21, 2014
If you are interested in the Boleyn Family, you should definitely read this book that charts the rise and fall of Anne’s brother, George Boleyn.
In dramas and historical fiction, the George Boleyn we see is usually portrayed as a murderer, a rapist, behaving absolutely awful to his wife Jane Boleyn Lady Rochford and/or had possibly slept with his own sister. George is also often portrayed as gay, another common idea which is not based on any historical evidence. However, the book helps to find out who the real George was. In terms of the negative portrayals of George, in real life, he certainly wasn’t a Saint – he was a creature of his environment – but he had a very successful career at court and was good at poetry, things that often get overlooked and I thought it was fantastic how the book focussed on these areas more.
By focussing on George’s life, this also in some ways helped to show the real story behind his wife Jane Boleyn, another character whose portrayal in drama and historical fiction is often based on possible myths, as it focusses on the common notions surrounding their marriage. There is a very interesting section that looks at the possibility of George having descendants, an area still open to debate, but not totally impossible.
A great read that sorts the facts from the fiction!
In dramas and historical fiction, the George Boleyn we see is usually portrayed as a murderer, a rapist, behaving absolutely awful to his wife Jane Boleyn Lady Rochford and/or had possibly slept with his own sister. George is also often portrayed as gay, another common idea which is not based on any historical evidence. However, the book helps to find out who the real George was. In terms of the negative portrayals of George, in real life, he certainly wasn’t a Saint – he was a creature of his environment – but he had a very successful career at court and was good at poetry, things that often get overlooked and I thought it was fantastic how the book focussed on these areas more.
By focussing on George’s life, this also in some ways helped to show the real story behind his wife Jane Boleyn, another character whose portrayal in drama and historical fiction is often based on possible myths, as it focusses on the common notions surrounding their marriage. There is a very interesting section that looks at the possibility of George having descendants, an area still open to debate, but not totally impossible.
A great read that sorts the facts from the fiction!
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