I read many different accounts of about Anne Boleyn and the life of Henry VIII. I was intrigued with this version between the timelines of events and illustrates and it did not disappoint. I will actually be looking forward to buying a physical copy when it published to get a better view of the illustrations.

I enjoyed reading this book, as I do with most books about the Tudor era. Even though most of the information was not new to me, there were a few instances where the author's perception came through. That is what makes this book unique, because it is always interesting to see how a particular author will present his or her views on the events he or she is writing about. The illustrations were nice, but would have been better if they had been in color.
Thanks to NetGalley and Pen&Sword for access to this ARC, which I voluntarily read and reviewed.

Even though there has been countless books written about Anne Boleyn there are authors out there that still find ways to surprise their readers. And allow them to learn something new. And this book does it in both words and pictures.

I've read a lot about Anne Boleyn over the years. Some books, nonfiction and fiction, are well-written and many are not (think of those which make Anne seem utterly one-dimensional/leave out details of her religion and patronage).

While this is a short book, Roland Hui captures the reader's attention through interesting facts(even questioning the details around certain sources) written in an easy to understand style that is neither dull or boring. Hui doesn't try to paint Anne in a biased way (neither a misunderstood saint or witchy, mystical sinner like some do).

Anne Boleyn, executed by her husband Henry VIII before she turned thirty, had an immense effect on English history. Henry’s desire to marry her caused a split with the Roman Catholic Church and the formation of the Church of England. Elizabeth, her only child, became one of the most powerful rulers the country has had. Anne Boleyn, An Illustrated Life of Henry VIII's Queen by Roland Hui, is a detailed. biography of Anne, full of many illustrations and little known facts.

There are three parts. The first tells of her childhood. Her ambitious father sent her abroad when she was only seven, first to court in the Netherlands, then to France. The skills she learns there are valuable. She is independent, knowledgeable in court politics, skilled in dance and, most important, bilingual. Part two begins after she returns to England and is immediately popular at court. Henry notices her but his mind is on the inability of his wife Katherine to bear a much needed male heir. And in the third part, his desire to marry Anne leads to the schism with Rome, his divorce, subsequent marriage, birth of a daughter and Anne’s fall into disfavor. When Henry moves on to another, Anne’s fate is secured.

We are all familiar with this tale. What is different here is the attention to detail, the compelling illustrations and author Hui’s ability to turn facts into a fast paced story. 5 stars.

Thank you to NetGalley, Pen & Sword and Roland Hui for this ARC.

This one may work better as a physical book. In ebook format the images were too small to see in any great detail so I was just glancing and moving on which made me question why it was called an illustrated guide.

I struggled because there were alot of 'may have', 'probably did' statements. I've read a lot of historical biographies where sources are unreliable or conflicting and yet I've never felt like they've been guessing. But I did with this book. It needed more confidence. Instead of saying, 'it probably would have impressed Anne'. Just say, it would have been impressive to Anne.
I understand that it is hard to know everything as fact from so long ago and with sources either unreliable or lost. But just pick your narrative and give to me with some confidence so it builds more of a picture, and has more of an impact.
Instead all the hedging made me think it was just under researched and I didn't enjoy it as much as I'd hoped.

I didn't make it the whole way through, just to confirm. I just kept losing interest, it wasn't as dynamic as the story of Anne Boleyn should have been for me. Sorry!

This is a very interesting and detailed book on Anne Boleyn .many interesting facts about her childhood and upbringing are covered.there is an excellent display of pictures throughout the book.I would thoroughly recommend this book to anyone interested in medieval history.thanks.