Helpful Score: 10
I had this on my wish list for a VERY long time and finally gave up and bought it at full price, $26.95. What a disappointment!!! This is simply a re-hash of Henry VIII and his wives. I am amazed that at its title since there was so little of âJaneâ in the book. There is so little known about The Lady Rochford and from the title I was sure that we could finally get âthe truthâ. The only thing I could see that Ms. Fox gave us was the Jane was born, she did marry George Boleyn, she served five of Henry's queens and then she was beheaded; what of that didn't we already know?
This is the book for you if you would enjoy suppositions like "Jane was almost certainly an honored guest", " a few moments' reflection would have revealed to Jane", "Jane may even have helped Anne fasten (glittering stones) around her neck", "Perhaps Jane had witnessed", "Almost certainly, Jane was at her sister-in-law's side", "Jane was probably lodged", "It is most likely that Jane", "Perhaps Jane was wearing her favorite stocking", "That Jane was (a witness to Henry and Anne's wedding) is remotely possible but speculative", "Jane probably did not travel", ⦠and on and on and on!!!!
Perhaps if Ms Fox would have written a book of fiction based on Tudor history it would have been more enjoyable but if you love Tudor history, save your PBS point or your money.
This is the book for you if you would enjoy suppositions like "Jane was almost certainly an honored guest", " a few moments' reflection would have revealed to Jane", "Jane may even have helped Anne fasten (glittering stones) around her neck", "Perhaps Jane had witnessed", "Almost certainly, Jane was at her sister-in-law's side", "Jane was probably lodged", "It is most likely that Jane", "Perhaps Jane was wearing her favorite stocking", "That Jane was (a witness to Henry and Anne's wedding) is remotely possible but speculative", "Jane probably did not travel", ⦠and on and on and on!!!!
Perhaps if Ms Fox would have written a book of fiction based on Tudor history it would have been more enjoyable but if you love Tudor history, save your PBS point or your money.
Jennifer J. reviewed Jane Boleyn: The True Story of the Infamous Lady Rochford on + 4 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
I wanted to read this book as I love all things Tudor but was very disapointed. I was hoping for some insight into a figure that lurked in the background of several events. However, there was too much speculation. The author supposes quite a bit but doesn't present enough facts to back it up. If you wish to read more about the Tudor court-read David Starkey or Alison Weir.
Leo T. reviewed Jane Boleyn: The True Story of the Infamous Lady Rochford on + 1775 more book reviews
Most excellent scholarship and admittedly a lucky break for Professor Fox when she found a figure from Henry VIII's reign that has not been written about many times, i.e. a well-plowed field. I myself was surprised that there is so much documentary evidence available, given how the Paxton Letters from the previous century are so vital given the limited remaining evidence.
The author rooted out a bit of previously ignored information and consulted many archives. It is well written but she is at her best, in my opinion, when she offers a surmised explanation and is always careful to give her reasons for reaching that conclusion. She is well in tune with the difficulties that a gentlewoman had in making her way in the world (as a widow without children securing her jointure and marriage settlement, remaining at court, etc.) and shares her knowledge of life at court and attire. The latter is aided by the inventory of possessions seized by the crown from those people that were executed. Note her evaluation of Cromwell's help to Lady Rochford.
Sample: "Henry did not welcome Mary back with open arms, all memories of her disobedience instantly erased. Before that happened, she would be forced to recognize the invalidity of her mother's marriage and her own illegitimacy. Rumors of the pressure that was placed on her would have reached Jane's ears."
Several plates, a few footnotes, bibliography, short essays on each chapters' sources in the endnotes, and index.
The author rooted out a bit of previously ignored information and consulted many archives. It is well written but she is at her best, in my opinion, when she offers a surmised explanation and is always careful to give her reasons for reaching that conclusion. She is well in tune with the difficulties that a gentlewoman had in making her way in the world (as a widow without children securing her jointure and marriage settlement, remaining at court, etc.) and shares her knowledge of life at court and attire. The latter is aided by the inventory of possessions seized by the crown from those people that were executed. Note her evaluation of Cromwell's help to Lady Rochford.
Sample: "Henry did not welcome Mary back with open arms, all memories of her disobedience instantly erased. Before that happened, she would be forced to recognize the invalidity of her mother's marriage and her own illegitimacy. Rumors of the pressure that was placed on her would have reached Jane's ears."
Several plates, a few footnotes, bibliography, short essays on each chapters' sources in the endnotes, and index.
