Anne Boleyn: Fatal Attractions by G W Bernard
Posted By Claire on May 1, 2010
Because this book is an Anne Boleyn book, I have actually reviewed it over at The Anne Boleyn Files. Here is the beginning of my review and you can click on the “Read more…” to read it in full.
There has been lots of controversy over this new Anne Boleyn biography because, unlike other modern historians like Eric Ives, G W Bernard is of the opinion that Anne Boleyn may have been guilty. This theory has had Anne Boleyn fans around the world up in arms but I decided to read Bernard’s book with an open mind and refrain from judging a book by its cover, or rather all of the newspaper articles about it. I was pleasantly surprised and my blood actually did not boil once.
My history teacher used to say that you can argue any point of view in an essay as long as you back it up with evidence and Bernard has made a good use of primary sources in backing up his views.
Claire, I just finished this book and I am glad I read it. Bernard does lay out a strong case for Anne’s guilt in the issue of adultery. Another strong case made was that it was Henry who was the impetus for the Henrician Reformation, not Anne. It was Henry, not Anne, who held off sexual relations until the time was right (a legitimate heir). Bernard certainly did his research! Some parts of this book were very dry and it was all I could do to not skip a chapter or two. Tied up beautifully at the end!
I agree, Lynn, that it’s definitely worth reading and that he argues his case pretty well but I think that Eric Ives makes a stronger case for Anne’s innocence. In the 1990s Bernard and Ives wrote many articles arguing with each other and they are wonderful to read and I must say that I’m definitely on Ives side but it was refreshing to read another point of view.
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