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Catherine of Aragon: An Illustrated History
Catherine of Aragon was the first wife and queen of England's most married King, Henry VIII. She did not know it, but she would be immortalised as the first in a line of six queens still hotly debated and discussed today. Catherine and Henry were married for over twenty years, longer than his other five marriages combined, but she knew him even longer. Arriving in England in 1501 to marry Henry's elder brother, Arthur, she was widowed shortly after and was forced to endure seven years of uncertainty and hardship before marrying her second husband. Henry and Catherine were happy and indeed in love on their wedding day in 1509, and they had a lot of shared interests and ambitions.
Setbacks and losses would tear apart this once-happy couple. As one of three parties involved in the King's Great Matter, which changed the face of England forever, Catherine refused to back down and fought for what she believed to be right until the very end. This book gives us a glimpse of Catherine's her family, her friends, her enemies, and her legacy, which still inspires us with her loyalty and courage to this day.
Setbacks and losses would tear apart this once-happy couple. As one of three parties involved in the King's Great Matter, which changed the face of England forever, Catherine refused to back down and fought for what she believed to be right until the very end. This book gives us a glimpse of Catherine's her family, her friends, her enemies, and her legacy, which still inspires us with her loyalty and courage to this day.
- GenresTudor PeriodNonfiction
192 pages, Hardcover
Published November 25, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
September 13, 2025
‘In a man world, she stood out as a rare type of woman in a century that produced some quite extraordinary women around the world.’
Being an arc I noticed a mistake when it comes to Catherine’s mother’s birthday which is written as 22 April 1541, when it should be 1441.
Also, having read a lot of Tudor I knew who Mary was (Catherine’s daughter) but for someone who doesn’t know this, it felt a little bizarre having her mentioned for the first time at 46% into the book. (And providing for a marriage agreement for Henry and Catherine’s daughter, Mary.)
Besides these two issues, I loved this!
I admire Catherine, everything she went through and her strength to not give in to the pressure’s made by Henry and his people.
‘For Catherine, seven long years of uncertainty and overtly were now over, and she stood vindicated in her belief and cause - she was finally to marry her prince.’
Being an arc I noticed a mistake when it comes to Catherine’s mother’s birthday which is written as 22 April 1541, when it should be 1441.
Also, having read a lot of Tudor I knew who Mary was (Catherine’s daughter) but for someone who doesn’t know this, it felt a little bizarre having her mentioned for the first time at 46% into the book. (And providing for a marriage agreement for Henry and Catherine’s daughter, Mary.)
Besides these two issues, I loved this!
I admire Catherine, everything she went through and her strength to not give in to the pressure’s made by Henry and his people.
‘For Catherine, seven long years of uncertainty and overtly were now over, and she stood vindicated in her belief and cause - she was finally to marry her prince.’
October 22, 2025
The success of this biography of Catherine of Aragon, by Carol-Ann Johnston, kindly provided by Pen & Sword via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review, is how it mines the vaults of history and delivers a rich drama. The players are bold, determined, unwavering and through Johnston's delivery, certain players finally get their time in the sun.
I struggled a little bit with the writing - perhaps, there was so much detail to cover, some historical setpieces were covered too quickly in summary. There was also a small error in the ARC as well: Isabella of Castille's DoB is given as be a decade earlier, meaning that in this timeline, she gave birth to Catherine at 43, which today wouldn't be quite as impressive but then would have potentially helped Catherine's fate.
Johnston encourages us to take note: Catherine's family was formidable and she was a Queen of great stature. She, of course married Henry's brother in a marriage that would surely have been traumatic (that she was young, a foreigner in a strange, wet land, a widow at 16... and that her husband died so young). It's nice for Johnston to chart the progress of Catherine's Royal life with such care - that she was loved by public and prince-now-king from the get-go. That her intelligence and kindness were uniformly on show.
Therefore, the way in which the carpet is pulled from under her feet is told particularly well; that Catherine's understanding was perpetually two-steps behind the maneuverings which went to the heart of Europe. Henry's coldness brings to mind that wonderful quote from The Believers by Zoe Heller of the character Audrey reading once in a history book: “King Henry was much feared by his people but he was never loved.” Even Sex and the City used Henry VIII as the butt of a joke about how you needed to yield to Henry or losing your head off (I've cleaned up the reference). Henry's singlemindedness could be a vision that other countries have of Britain's stubbornness when its comes to differences. On Britain's relationship with Europe, on Britain's current self-destructive nature. Much like the French, relations of which are covered well through this biography, Henry broke the chains.
Nevertheless, Aragon's defence, much like her enemy, Anne Boleyn's defiant bearing in '36 (and I agree that as a fan of Boleyn in various ways that her behaviour was shocking - wearing yellow after the death of Catherine - shocking!) was admirable and, again unwavering, even when her child was used as collateral. The need to humiliate Catherine of Aragon to confirm whether she had relations with Arthur (I think she did) was all-encompassing and likely exhausting. However, to quote Theresa May, she was a "bloody difficult woman" and, therefore, it's satisfying that "Nature wronged her in not making her a man. But for her sex, she would have surpassed all the heroes of history." Courage, dignity and vision are her calling cards.
The story writes itself in some ways but a good author needs to pick and choose how to tell it. Johnston chose a somewhat non-linear narrative, exploring her queendom first, later, introducing her child and miscarriages and finally ending in a chronological fashion as Catherine reaches her end. I found the concept of the Spanish Ambassador going regularly to Peterborough for Queen Catherine day fascinating. In general, a very multifaceted vision of Catherine of Aragon from Johnston is presented here.
There's another book about Catherine of Aragon available on NetGalley right now, featuring the six wives. Her value as a historical figure is truly undeniable.
I struggled a little bit with the writing - perhaps, there was so much detail to cover, some historical setpieces were covered too quickly in summary. There was also a small error in the ARC as well: Isabella of Castille's DoB is given as be a decade earlier, meaning that in this timeline, she gave birth to Catherine at 43, which today wouldn't be quite as impressive but then would have potentially helped Catherine's fate.
Johnston encourages us to take note: Catherine's family was formidable and she was a Queen of great stature. She, of course married Henry's brother in a marriage that would surely have been traumatic (that she was young, a foreigner in a strange, wet land, a widow at 16... and that her husband died so young). It's nice for Johnston to chart the progress of Catherine's Royal life with such care - that she was loved by public and prince-now-king from the get-go. That her intelligence and kindness were uniformly on show.
Therefore, the way in which the carpet is pulled from under her feet is told particularly well; that Catherine's understanding was perpetually two-steps behind the maneuverings which went to the heart of Europe. Henry's coldness brings to mind that wonderful quote from The Believers by Zoe Heller of the character Audrey reading once in a history book: “King Henry was much feared by his people but he was never loved.” Even Sex and the City used Henry VIII as the butt of a joke about how you needed to yield to Henry or losing your head off (I've cleaned up the reference). Henry's singlemindedness could be a vision that other countries have of Britain's stubbornness when its comes to differences. On Britain's relationship with Europe, on Britain's current self-destructive nature. Much like the French, relations of which are covered well through this biography, Henry broke the chains.
Nevertheless, Aragon's defence, much like her enemy, Anne Boleyn's defiant bearing in '36 (and I agree that as a fan of Boleyn in various ways that her behaviour was shocking - wearing yellow after the death of Catherine - shocking!) was admirable and, again unwavering, even when her child was used as collateral. The need to humiliate Catherine of Aragon to confirm whether she had relations with Arthur (I think she did) was all-encompassing and likely exhausting. However, to quote Theresa May, she was a "bloody difficult woman" and, therefore, it's satisfying that "Nature wronged her in not making her a man. But for her sex, she would have surpassed all the heroes of history." Courage, dignity and vision are her calling cards.
The story writes itself in some ways but a good author needs to pick and choose how to tell it. Johnston chose a somewhat non-linear narrative, exploring her queendom first, later, introducing her child and miscarriages and finally ending in a chronological fashion as Catherine reaches her end. I found the concept of the Spanish Ambassador going regularly to Peterborough for Queen Catherine day fascinating. In general, a very multifaceted vision of Catherine of Aragon from Johnston is presented here.
There's another book about Catherine of Aragon available on NetGalley right now, featuring the six wives. Her value as a historical figure is truly undeniable.
November 1, 2025
Born December 16, 1485, Catherine was the youngest child of Spain's mighty Ferdinand II and Isabella I. Her siblings were Isabella, John, Joanna, and Maria.
First Marriage & Limbo: She married Arthur, Prince of Wales, in 1501. The brief marriage ended six months later with Arthur's death from illness. She later swore under oath the marriage was unconsummated. As a young widow, she spent seven years in poverty and limbo while Henry VII and Ferdinand bickered over her dowry. Henry VII even considered marrying her after he was widowed. To survive, Catherine was named the first female ambassador (1507).
Queen & Accomplishments: Upon Henry VIII's accession in 1509, he married her. Catherine was intelligent, pious, and adored by the English people. She served as an exceptional Regent (1513) during the Battle of Flodden, rallying troops, and being a leading patron of learning. She endured at least six pregnancies (including a son, Henry, who lived only two months) before giving birth to her only surviving child, Mary I (b. 1516).
Downfall: Henry's obsession with a male heir led him to pursue an annulment, claiming their marriage was cursed. The happy relationship became terrible, but Catherine stood firm on her title and virtue, displaying legendary integrity. She was separated from Mary as punishment.
Mary I, Death & Vindication: Catherine's greatest influence on Mary I was securing her an excellent education and instilling the fierce Catholic faith and courage that defined Mary’s later reign. Catherine died in isolation on 7 January 1536.
Crucially, Catherine's survival protected Anne Boleyn from Henry's wrath. While Catherine was alive, Henry could not risk the political turmoil and public outcry of divorcing/annulling a second marriage (to Anne) and potentially executing a second queen while his first, who was still recognised as Queen by the Pope, lived.
With Catherine's death, that political risk vanished, leading to Anne’s execution four months later. Catherine achieved posthumous vindication when the Pope declared her marriage to Henry valid. Her legacy is one of unwavering dignity, devotion, and courage against overwhelming power.
First Marriage & Limbo: She married Arthur, Prince of Wales, in 1501. The brief marriage ended six months later with Arthur's death from illness. She later swore under oath the marriage was unconsummated. As a young widow, she spent seven years in poverty and limbo while Henry VII and Ferdinand bickered over her dowry. Henry VII even considered marrying her after he was widowed. To survive, Catherine was named the first female ambassador (1507).
Queen & Accomplishments: Upon Henry VIII's accession in 1509, he married her. Catherine was intelligent, pious, and adored by the English people. She served as an exceptional Regent (1513) during the Battle of Flodden, rallying troops, and being a leading patron of learning. She endured at least six pregnancies (including a son, Henry, who lived only two months) before giving birth to her only surviving child, Mary I (b. 1516).
Downfall: Henry's obsession with a male heir led him to pursue an annulment, claiming their marriage was cursed. The happy relationship became terrible, but Catherine stood firm on her title and virtue, displaying legendary integrity. She was separated from Mary as punishment.
Mary I, Death & Vindication: Catherine's greatest influence on Mary I was securing her an excellent education and instilling the fierce Catholic faith and courage that defined Mary’s later reign. Catherine died in isolation on 7 January 1536.
Crucially, Catherine's survival protected Anne Boleyn from Henry's wrath. While Catherine was alive, Henry could not risk the political turmoil and public outcry of divorcing/annulling a second marriage (to Anne) and potentially executing a second queen while his first, who was still recognised as Queen by the Pope, lived.
With Catherine's death, that political risk vanished, leading to Anne’s execution four months later. Catherine achieved posthumous vindication when the Pope declared her marriage to Henry valid. Her legacy is one of unwavering dignity, devotion, and courage against overwhelming power.
September 8, 2025
A mostly enjoyable book that is a little too light on the evidence at times.
I really enjoyed the early chapters; so much of the work about Catherine is focused on her last few years, so to spend some time looking at her parents, the situation in Spain etc. was really refreshing. The images of course were a delight, a lot of the paintings were new to me and it was lovely to see these lesser known paintings, to see how artists through the ages have depicted and considered her.
I also liked that the letters she wrote were quoted at greater length than is usually seen. This offered context that is otherwise missed and clears up some points. I also didn't know that she failed to make a death bed declaration of her status - every book I've read repeats that Chapuys arranged for it to be done, but this is the first one that says despite that, they didn't.
I did get a little frustrated a couple of times when the author presented one of the mysteries of the time - that infamous wedding night, what came first; Henry's doubts or Anne - and rather than delve into the evidence and offer both sides, just gave a very surface look and said it was up to the reader. I know your own conclusions should be drawn, but one of the reasons you read a book like this is to see what someone else things and how that lines up with conclusions you have drawn yourself, possibly even challenging previously held views. I don't know what the author thinks of Catherine by the end of it, if she admired her or thought she lied, if she considered her too proud of her title, or too brave.
The short length of the book meant that it was easy to devour and I enjoyed this look at this beloved Queen, lifting her out of the shadows of being the first of six wives into her own person.
~Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
I really enjoyed the early chapters; so much of the work about Catherine is focused on her last few years, so to spend some time looking at her parents, the situation in Spain etc. was really refreshing. The images of course were a delight, a lot of the paintings were new to me and it was lovely to see these lesser known paintings, to see how artists through the ages have depicted and considered her.
I also liked that the letters she wrote were quoted at greater length than is usually seen. This offered context that is otherwise missed and clears up some points. I also didn't know that she failed to make a death bed declaration of her status - every book I've read repeats that Chapuys arranged for it to be done, but this is the first one that says despite that, they didn't.
I did get a little frustrated a couple of times when the author presented one of the mysteries of the time - that infamous wedding night, what came first; Henry's doubts or Anne - and rather than delve into the evidence and offer both sides, just gave a very surface look and said it was up to the reader. I know your own conclusions should be drawn, but one of the reasons you read a book like this is to see what someone else things and how that lines up with conclusions you have drawn yourself, possibly even challenging previously held views. I don't know what the author thinks of Catherine by the end of it, if she admired her or thought she lied, if she considered her too proud of her title, or too brave.
The short length of the book meant that it was easy to devour and I enjoyed this look at this beloved Queen, lifting her out of the shadows of being the first of six wives into her own person.
~Thank you to Net Galley for the ARC in return for an honest review~
September 28, 2025
Thank you Netgalley for the ARC. Queen Catherine of England was an incredible person. She was a strong woman and took after her mother, the Queen of Spain. She lost her first husband, Arthur Tudor and eventually marries his younger brother and they become and Queen and king together. Their marriage at first was all about love and then, it was not. The King’s eye started to waiver and he found Anne Boleyn. Anne was able to convince the king to void his first marriage to marry her. Henry could not get the pope to agree so he became the of the Church of England. His marriage to Catherine was voided and she was sent away to live out the rest of her life without seeing her daughter Mary again. Catherine was pious, loyal, and was loved by many. This book is a short book on her and does not dive too deep into everything but I still found this story to be great and did a fantastic job sticking to Catherine. I really enjoyed all of the added paintings as well.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 12, 2025
This was a greatly woven tale telling the story of Catherine of Aragon, a queen who, to cut a long story short, had a lot to deal with!
And bonus, it’s illustrated with a truly stunning collection of portraits, pictures and photographs which really helped bring the book to the readers eye. I really enjoyed reading this and with each chapter you build more of a picture of Catherine’s life - from her childhood, to her famous marriage, the kings ‘Great Matter’ and finally to her life’s end.
It was super well written but not too in depth. It’s not an all encompassing guide to everything in her life but instead, a perfect overview to the main stopping points throughout this part of the Tudor period.
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
And bonus, it’s illustrated with a truly stunning collection of portraits, pictures and photographs which really helped bring the book to the readers eye. I really enjoyed reading this and with each chapter you build more of a picture of Catherine’s life - from her childhood, to her famous marriage, the kings ‘Great Matter’ and finally to her life’s end.
It was super well written but not too in depth. It’s not an all encompassing guide to everything in her life but instead, a perfect overview to the main stopping points throughout this part of the Tudor period.
Thank you to the author and publisher for this book on NetGalley in return for my honest thoughts and review.
September 21, 2025
I received an ARC via Netgalley and I quite literally acquired a newfound love for Catherine of Aragon after reading this. I've always appreciated her and admired her refusal to sell her soul and appease Henry VIII's demands but this book right here has gifted me a whole new point of view around her persona.
The writing is engaging (which is important as someone who loves reading and history but has not much time to do so, fighting the urge to just sleep after long shifts) each chapter revolves around one specific theme, making it easy to follow and entertaining.
I cannot wait to read more Carol-Ann books!
The writing is engaging (which is important as someone who loves reading and history but has not much time to do so, fighting the urge to just sleep after long shifts) each chapter revolves around one specific theme, making it easy to follow and entertaining.
I cannot wait to read more Carol-Ann books!
November 2, 2025
Loved reading this! I'm a huge fan of the Tudor history. I have watched a couple of series featuring the legendary queen and I'm always excited to read more about her. She is one of the key historical figures with a huge impact and the book does an amazing job of detailing her life in chronology. This is quite extensive and had facts that I was interested to know more about.
Thank you Pen & Sword and NetGalley for this e-arc in exchange of my unbiased review.
Thank you Pen & Sword and NetGalley for this e-arc in exchange of my unbiased review.
October 5, 2025
Thank you Netgalley for an advanced copy!
A solid biography of Catherine of Aragon, covering all the basics of her life, and being careful not to get too deep into unprovable speculation, either of events or people's thoughts. Also, Johnston makes it clear she is very firmly #TeamCatherine!, rooting for this amazing queen and making sure to celebrate all the successes in her life.
A solid biography of Catherine of Aragon, covering all the basics of her life, and being careful not to get too deep into unprovable speculation, either of events or people's thoughts. Also, Johnston makes it clear she is very firmly #TeamCatherine!, rooting for this amazing queen and making sure to celebrate all the successes in her life.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews