Here are four non-fiction books on Catherine Howard, Henry VIII’s fifth wife, that provide insight into her brief yet dramatic time as queen, as well as the events leading to her downfall:
- “Young and Damned and Fair: The Life of Catherine Howard, Fifth Wife of King Henry VIII” by Gareth Russell – This biography offers an in-depth exploration of Catherine Howard’s life, her short marriage to Henry VIII, and her tragic end. Gareth Russell delves into her upbringing, political dynamics, and the circumstances that led to her execution, giving readers a fuller understanding of her character and the Tudor court.
- “Catherine Howard: The Adulterous Wife of Henry VIII” by David Loades – David Loades is a well-known Tudor historian, and this book examines Catherine Howard’s rise to queen and her fall from grace, focusing on the politics and intrigue surrounding her. Loades also covers the broader historical context of her story.
- “Catherine Howard: Henry VIII’s Slandered Queen” by Conor Byrne – Conor Byrne provides a revisionist take on Catherine Howard’s life, arguing that she has been misrepresented by history. He portrays her not as the frivolous girl she is often depicted as, but as a politically aware figure caught in a dangerous game of court intrigue.
- “The Wives of Henry VIII” by Antonia Fraser – While this book covers all six of Henry’s wives, Fraser offers a detailed and sympathetic portrayal of Catherine Howard, showing her not just as a victim of circumstance but as a woman of her time, who was trapped by courtly expectations and political maneuvering.
These books provide different perspectives on Catherine Howard, shedding light on her life, her relationship with Henry VIII, and the factors that led to her execution. They also explore the broader Tudor context, making them invaluable for anyone interested in this period of history.