This was my first non-fiction read of 2026 and I really enjoyed starting the year with this breezy and opinionated perspective on the much mythologised and maligned Anne Boleyn.
I’ve read quite a few books about Anne, so it was interesting to hear Nolan‘s take and some of her criticism of the other research and books that have been written about Anne.
This is not necessarily a fully chronological take on Anne’s life, though it does roughly follow chronology, but I think it’s more about delving into the different aspects of her story and mythology, and also reframing her relationship with Henry.
Looking at new evidence, and reevaluating old ones, Nolan builds a manifesto that posits Anne as a religious reformer and Henry as a sociopath.
I appreciate the feminist slant and witty asides.
Despite not agreeing with every “take” and at times, the book falling into the trap of overstating in the same way it criticises others of doing, it’s a well-written and entertaining piece of scholarship.
Read it if you’re looking to get an overview of Anne’s life and how scholarship has viewed her, or you want to challenge your preconceived ideas on the Tudor period.
Leave a Comment