Catherine of Aragon: An Intimate Life of Henry VIII's True Wife

I am so addicted to reading this!!! I became interested in Catherine’s story after watching ‘The Spanish Princess’ and ‘The Tudors.’ I really connected and empathised with her on screen presence so was eager to learn more about her as a real person. I purchased the book with an interest to learn what was historically accurate and what life was like for her as a young Princess, widow and Queen.I can’t put the book down! I’m really fascinated with her story. I would highly recommend the buy; with the book including information about maps, renaissance art and other findings going on at the same time across different Countries.The only negative comment I can give is that when the author describes the different paintings of Catherine, Arthur and Henry; I would have loved to see these paintings as images alongside her descriptions. But other than that, I am very happy with this purchase.

I've now read quite a few books about Catherine of Aragon as she is someone who I truly respect and admire, but I can honestly say that this is definitely one of my favourites. I love the fact that it starts right at the very beginning of her life and then progresses through each part of her life. I often wonder how different poor Catherine's life would have been if only poor Prince Arthur had lived longer and she never met Henry. I'm now even more inspired by this truly strong and incredible woman, R.IP. Queen Catherine you were and still are my true Queen x

This is the first book by this author I have read and absolutely loved it. I read a lot of none fiction and there aren't a lot of authors who can combine fact from reliable sources with an entertaining discussion of what might only be gossip or hearsay. The pages describing what might or might not have happened on Catherine's wedding night with Arthur was very well written: not deliberately salacious, nor titillating, but genuinely exploring the topic and ultimately saying 'we'll never know'. I enjoyed her voice throughout, and felt like I got a very clear picture of Catherine's personality. This is an excellent biography for anyone who wants to know more about the queen, or even the Tudor period as the evocation of the time is so clear. I can't wait to read more!

Still only halfway through, but utterly fascinating. I'd no idea that so much detailed information was available about her life and the lives of those around her.

A scholarly, detailed, and immensely readable biography of Henry VIII's first/true wife. Amy Licence's care over every little detail of Catherine's life makes this a fascinating read. I particularly appreciated learning the specific context of key events in her life, as the author explained what other famous events were happening elsewhere at the same time. It's refreshing to have the spotlight shone on this, the first of Henry's queens: a place usually occupied by the following five.