The tempestuous bloody and splendid reign of Henry VIII of England 15091547 is one of the most fascinating in all history not least for his marriage to six extraordinary women. In this accessible work of brilliant scholarship Alison Weir draws on early biographies letters memoirs account books and diplomatic reports to bring these women to life. Catherine of Aragon emerges as a staunch though misguided woman of principle Anne Boleyn an ambitious adventuress with a penchant for vengeance Jane Seymour a strongminded matriarch in the making Anne of Cleves a goodnatured and innocent woman naively unaware of the court intrigues that determined her fate Catherine Howard an emptyheaded wanton and Catherine Parr a warmblooded bluestocking who survived King Henry to marry a fourth time.