Divorced, Beheaded, Survived: A Feminist Reinterpretation Of The Wives Of Henry Viii

Features

• Cover Type: Paperback with 262 pages
• Published by: Da Capo Press May 2, 1996
• Written in: English
• ISBN 10 Number: 0201408236
• ISBN 13 Number: 978-0201408232
• Book Dimensions: 8.7 x 6 x 0.6 inches
• Weighs: 13.4 ounces

From Booklist
One hardly requirements to reinterpret history to conclude that some of Henry VIII's wives were manipulated and victimized by a male-dominated society; most historians see that as a given. In her apparent determination to find something new under the sun, Lindsey sacrifices both objectivity and credibility. Virtually every important event is filtered through her feminist prism. Ann Boleyn may not have been the "great whore" of popular lore, but Lindsey's portrayal of her as a victim of sexual harassment on a grand scale is a bit much. Still, this book has value. In looking at these women as flesh-and-blood humans rather than pawns in a chess game of power politics, Lindsey has performed a useful service. Her portrait of Henry's first and perhaps most tragic wife, Catherine of Aragon, is particularly poignant. This is a generally enjoyable and informative work, considering the self-imposed constraints the author worked under. Jay Freeman --This text refers to an out of print or unavailable edition of this title.

About The Author
Karen Lindsey is coauthor of Dr. Susan Love's Breast Book and Dr. Susan Love's Hormone Book.

Reader Reviews
Author Lindsey does a fine job of describing the Tudor time period and what being a women meant during that time. All of the wives are examined in detailed, with Catherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn standing out compared to the others. Especially Catherine who is portrayed as a very sympathetic character, with her unwavering love for her husband, no matter how fouly he has treated her. But it is not this undeserving love on her part which makes her stand out. Of all of the wivesm Catherine defied him most openly and with such bravery and conviction that she seems the most modern of the wives. Henry VIII is not dealt with kindly but he does not seem to deserve any kind of credit for his treatment of these women. His cold and calculating manner with Anne Boleyn is hard to fathom. The title of the book is a little misleading. While clearly a critique of the manner in which these women were treated, it is also clear that many women of this time led enriching and productive lives. The text is lively and flows very smoothly. After reading this book, I feel that I have a much better understanding of the time period.