Tanzanite's Book Covers

Anne Boleyn

2011-05-19T08:13:00.000-07:00

On this date in 1536, Anne Boleyn was executed. Although in recent years there have been a number of books (fiction and non-fiction) written about her, there are also quite a few "older" books with some great covers.

1989

unknown year

1971

This is a YA book

1934

unknown year

1972

unknown year

And here are a few older covers from Jean Plaidy:

1962

1973 - is it just me or is the Anne on this cover channeling a little Natalie Dormer??

1988

unknown year

And for some great covers of Norah Loft's The Concubine (that I put together a few years ago, click here

The Borgias

2011-03-29T14:26:00.000-07:00

Earlier today I watched the premiere episode of Showtime's The Borgias (on demand) and loved it! Last year I did on a post on books about Lucrezia Borgia, but there are other books about the family. Has anyone read any of these?

unknown year

1972

unknown year

1970

1952

1980

1972

1965

I'll try to do a better job at updating the site...

Crusades and Romance

2010-09-17T15:14:00.000-07:00

I can't remember where I heard about these books, but I've gotten the first one (which is buried somewhere on the TBR spreadsheet) so I was wondering if anyone has read them?? They were published in the early 80's. (descriptions from Goodreads)

From the days of knights in armour, the powerful epic of a woman's love and a man's quest for honor and glory.

From the verdant land of Aquitaine to the bleak Sahara she was an article of barter, marked by scorn... but one courageous man pursued her for love alone.

Defenders of England and knights of Leauville, they spilled their blood for a woman's proud love.

Lucrezia Borgia

2010-08-27T16:08:00.000-07:00

While looking for something totally unrelated on the internet, I happened upon the names of some older books on Lucrezia Borgia, so what did I do?? That's right, I went on the hunt for covers and look what I found!

1954

1937

1971

1977

unknown year and I'm not sure what language either, but the name says it all...

1973 (this one is non-fiction)

unknown year and I believe this one is French

unknown year and from best I could tell, it is German

1960 (non-fiction I believe)

1958

1976

1974

unknown year

Catherine the Great

2010-08-11T11:19:00.000-07:00

I just finished up a book about Catherine the Great so I thought I would feature the few fiction books that seem to focus on her and her family.

This is the one I just finished. It is the first in a trilogy by Evelyn Anthony about Catherine and her immediate family (cover from 1988)

1993

unknown year

1953 (the original title of Imperial Highness)

1974

Royal Intrigue is the second book in the trilogy about Catherine and her son Paul. It was also published as Curse Not the King (cover from 1954)

1974

1988

Far Flies the Eagle is the third in Anthony's trilogy and is about Catherine's grandson, Alexander I and Napoleon (1974).

unknown year

In 1960, Far Flies the Eagle was also published as Warrior's Mistress with this great cover!

1988

This is a Young Adult book from 2005

And then, there is this beauty from 2009!

Great Vintage Finds

2010-07-08T17:52:00.000-07:00

Here are some recent finds:

1966 - set during the reign of James IV of Scotland. She's a saucy looking wench, isn't she?!

unknown year

1961 (King James of Scotland and Janet Kennedy)

unknown year (Jane Shore/Edward IV). Here is another great cover for this one.

Vintage Plaidy

2010-06-26T11:43:00.000-07:00

I recently bought a lot on ebay of Jean Plaidy books which included these real hum-dinger vintage covers (and honestly, that's part of the reason I bought the lot!).

From 1951 (this book is set in Australia during the reign of George III)

From 1952 (set in the late 16th/early 17th centuries about witches, Puritans, fanaticism and persecution)

From 1954. I had never heard of this book before and I just LOVE the cover so I had to have it! The back of the book indicates that it is about Catherine de Medici and after comparing some of the text with the trilogy of books about her that I already had, it appears that this is The Italian Woman with a new name. I think the new name goes with the cover more!!

The Tudors

2010-06-03T08:11:00.000-07:00

These three titles have recently been combined into on volume, Katherine of Aragon. I think these covers are from the 1980's.

1970 - Katherine of Aragon and Anne Boleyn

1966

1965 - Anne Boleyn is looking a little unusual here

unknown year

1973

Henry VII and Elizabeth of York

Henry VIII's sister, Mary Rose Tudor

The Brothers of Gwynedd by Edith Pargeter

2010-05-22T14:03:00.000-07:00

Originally published as 4 separate books (and later combined into one volume), The Brothers of Gwynedd was reissued earlier this month. Having finished the first "book" last week, I thought I would check out covers for the four volumes (all years are approximate).

The first book: Sunrise in the West

unknown year

1974

1991

The second book: The Dragon at Noonday

1975

1976

1978

1991

The Third book: The Hounds of Sunset

1976

1978

1991

The fourth book: Afterglow and Nightfall

1977

1979

1991

These are all pretty masculine looking covers and in stark contrast to the cover for the new combined volume:

Got Medieval?

2010-05-03T15:16:00.000-07:00

I have found a number of interesting covers for books set during the medieval time period that don't lend themselves well to the other categories I've come up so far, so this will be kind of a "catch-all" category. Lots of knights, pretty ladies in pretty dresses, castles, kings and queens.

1982 (not "cheesy" enough for the romance category)

unknown year

1974 (about Empress Matilda and King Stephen)

1972 (Henry VII/Perkin Warbeck)

1973 (Robert the Bruce)

Alfred Duggan

2010-03-24T15:32:00.000-07:00

Alfred Duggan wrote a variety of historical novels in the 1950's and 60's. I picked up this copy of his Conscience of the King (about Cerdic) and I will admit that, although I have an interest in the subject after reading Joan Wolf's Born of the Sun, I really bought this for the cover (from 1951). Isn't it something?!!

So, I decided to see what else was out there. Although many of his books were recently republished with some very nice looking covers, I found quite a variety of funny, weird and ugly ones:

The Little Emperors (coups in late Roman-Britain)

The Lady For Ransom (11th Century Byzantine Empire)

Leopards and Lilies (set during reign of King John)

The Cunning of the Dove (Edward the Confessor)

Children of the Wolf (Romulus and the Founding of Rome a/k/a Founding Fathers)

The King of Athelney (Alfred the Great a/k/a The Right Line of Cerdic)

Time For More Cheesy Romance

2010-03-15T15:03:00.000-07:00

I was reminded of these books today when Marie over at The Burton Review indicated that she had gotten one of them last week. Published in the mid 1980's, the books cover various members of William Marshall's extended family. Even though I've had them on my TBR list for quite some time, I think I'm just a little bit nervous about reading them since I absolutely adore Elizabeth Chadwick's version of the Marshalls. I'm not sure if they have to be read in any particular order. Has anyone read any of these??

parents of Isabel de Clare

William Marshall

one of William Marshall's sons

set in the court of Henry III

Richard III

2010-03-12T12:22:00.000-08:00

Here are a few books depicting Richard III on the cover - I haven't read any of them, have you?

1971

1973

1967

1972

1973

WTF Wednesday Cover

2010-02-17T06:00:00.000-08:00

Elizabeth of York and Henry VII

2010-02-11T14:51:00.000-08:00

To celebrate the birth in 1466 (and commemorate the death in 1503) of Elizabeth of York, here are some depictions of her and her husband, Henry VII. See also my post on covers for The Tudor Rose by Margaret Campbell Barnes.

1973

unknown year

1973

1994

unknown year

1981

Cheesy Romance

2010-01-28T17:31:00.000-08:00

I'm really sorry I haven't posted anything here for a while and I really don't have a good excuse - or any excuse for that matter! So, back to the show...

From the early 80's - set shortly after the time of William the Conqueror.

unknown year - 10th century England

1990 - Set in the court of Henry VII

1987 - Wars of the Roses

unknown year - set in the court of Henry VIII

WTF Wednesday Cover

2009-11-11T12:55:00.000-08:00

I came upon this little gem the other day from 1976- WTF?!!!!!!

Happy Halloween

2009-10-28T14:46:00.000-07:00

In celebration of Halloween this weekend, here are some creepy, scary and just plain ugly covers:

1989

1957 (who would be attracted by this cover?)

1966

1976

1980

The Lute Player by Norah Lofts

2009-10-21T10:12:00.000-07:00

Touchstone has been reissueing Norah Lofts books in the US and next up is The Lute Player (release date December 8, 2009). This is one of Lofts books that I haven't read yet - has anyone read it?
Summary: Beloved author Norah Lofts brings to life the romance and adventure of the crusading king Richard the Lionhearted through the eyes of his most humble and trusted companion -- his lute player.

One of the most renowned figures in medieval history, Richard the Lionhearted, inspired by a vision of the Holy Land, led his knights onto the battlefields of the Third Crusade. During the years of fighting and intrigue, Richard's life was intertwined with the lives of two strong, vibrant, and drastically different women who loved him -- Berengaria, princess of Navarre, and his mother, Eleanor of Aquitaine. While his marriage to Berengaria was ill-fated, Eleanor loved her son with a frantic, possessive pride. But it is Blondel, the king's lute player, who here steps forward from the shadows to tell this tale of romance, war, and betrayal.
In her trademark style, Norah Lofts paints a complex and human portrait of alegendary king.

2009 (new)

2007 (UK) - I don't get this one at all!

1971

1969

1964

1954

1953

The Goldsmith's Wife by Jean Plaidy

2009-10-01T13:03:00.000-07:00

This book has had some interesting covers over the years and they really run the gamut - from pretty and elegant to creepy and cheesy. It has also been published as The King's Mistress. I wonder if it will be reissued in the UK (since they have been reissuing many of Plaidy's books).

1950

1952

1971

1978

1981

1984

unknown year

1960

1952

Angelique and the Demon

2009-09-11T13:29:00.000-07:00

Angelique and the Demon is the 8th book in the series. Here is a summary:

Angélique is denied the peace of mind she has longed for when the beautiful but unsettling Ambrosine, Duchess de Maudriborg, and her entourage of King's girls are shipwrecked on the shores of Goldsboro.

She is threatened by strange forces and by a mysterious band of pale strangers creating discord and mayhem in the region.

Angélique and her friends combat poison, skulduggery and treachery as she battles for the life of her closest friend Abigail who is awaiting the birth of her first born.

Mesmerised by the compelling wiles of the brilliant and charming Ambrosine, our heroine's fey instincts are clouded and her judgement impaired.

Unsure of love, not knowing whom to trust and fearful for the safety of her children and friends, Angélique must discover the ringleader of the evil that threatens them before it is too late.

Surrounded by shadowy figures, isolated from her friends and entangled in a web of deception, she must confront her most chilling foe.

1973

also from 1973

1975 - I think the size of her sleeves is competing with other parts of her body!

This is a Russian edition (year unknown). It definately has a different vibe to it!

Gotta Love Vintage!

2009-08-20T19:03:00.000-07:00

1975 - Isabella is looking a little sultry

1956

1969

1946

Elizabeth Woodville

2009-08-07T14:38:00.001-07:00

Next week is the release of Philippa Gregory's new book The White Queen, about Elizabeth Woodville. Most people don't seem too crazy about the cover (I could do without the silver stuff at the top) but it's not the worst depiction I've seen of the woman who was supposed to be very beautiful. There aren't a lot of historical fiction books about Elizabeth, so most of these are different versions of the few that I know of.

2009

2008

2000

unknown year (she looks a little haughty here)

unknown year, although I'm guessing from the 80's (sorry it is so small - maker it bigger distorts it too much)

1974

1973

1973 - Now this is what a medieval femme fetale should look like!

Katherine Parr

2009-07-14T10:48:00.000-07:00

There have been some fiction books written about Katherine Parr - not as many as about Anne Boleyn or Katherine of Aragon, but definately more than Jane Seymour and Anne of Cleves. Here are some of the ways she has been depicted.

1968. I'm guessing that's supposed to be Katherine in the background.

1966

This one is within the last couple of years

1972. Take a look at that Henry in the background!

2007

2002

1961

unknown year

Final Plaidy Plantagenet Covers

2009-07-10T11:56:00.000-07:00

Finally the covers for the final three installments in the Plantagenet Series (being released in the UK) are up on Amazon. What do you think?

Oh No I Didn't!

2009-07-01T15:30:00.000-07:00

A couple of posts ago I included a odd looking vintage cover for a book I had never heard of before about Jane Shore - Merry Mistress by Philip Lindsay. Then a few days later I came across this one from 1954 and I bought it! Is this priceless vintage or what?!!

Upcoming Non-Fiction

2009-06-17T20:03:00.000-07:00

I've found a few non-fiction covers for upcoming releases:

I really don't think I like this one. Although she has a head, I think it looks more like a fiction book than a non-fiction one. I just don't find it attractive. What do you think? US and UK Release date: June 26, 2009

This is the US cover, scheduled for release on October 13, 2009

This will be released in the US on August 1, 2009. It is already available in the UK

Vintage Covers

2009-06-09T17:34:00.000-07:00

You gotta love old covers!

unknown year - those harem pants are sitting awfully low!

unknown year - the adventures of an English Knight in Indochina. The girl looks like a Las Vegas show girl!

unknown year - story of Jane Shore, mistress of Edward IV

1962 - about Henry VIII's sister Mary

The Tudor Rose by Margaret Campbell Barnes

2009-05-19T16:08:00.000-07:00

The Tudor Rose will be re-issued later this year and it has a pretty cover (although headless). It tells the story of Elizabeth of York. I read it a couple of years ago and enjoyed it very much.

Here are some older covers:

1953

Also from 1953

1971

1976

1977

This is the version I have. I'm not sure of the exact year (and it's in storage so I can't look it up) but I believe it's from the early 80's

Unknown year

Angelique in Revolt by Sergeanne Golon

2009-05-11T09:23:00.000-07:00

Angelique in Revolt is the 5th in the Angelique Series and finds the heroine mixed up in a rebellion by the Protestant Huguenots against the French Catholics.

1961

1965

1972

unknown year

unknown year (from Italy)

The Devil's Queen by Jeanne Kalogridis

2009-04-20T14:13:00.000-07:00

I was hoping to get back to posting cheesy, strange or other old covers, but the "new release" gods seem to have other plans. A couple of years ago I read The Borgia Bride by Jeanne Kalogridis and really enjoyed it. I am looking forward to her take on Catherine de Medici. US and UK release date: July 21, 2009. She is still faceless, but at least she has a head! It's a step in the right direction.

The Queen's Mistake by Diane Haeger

2009-04-17T11:02:00.001-07:00

This will be released this fall: October 6, 2009 in the US and November 3, 2009 in the UK. So far I have not idea what it is about except that it's set in the court of Henry VIII. (I wish they would post this all at once - it would make my job a lot easier!!).

Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran - US

2009-04-17T07:55:00.000-07:00

The US cover for Michelle Moran's new book was posted on Amazon this morning. I like the UK on better. Which one do you prefer?

One More New Release - Non-Fiction

2009-04-15T18:49:00.000-07:00

Last one (today!), I promise...

I heard about this one a few weeks ago. The Lady Queen by Nancy Goldstone is a non-fiction book about Joanna I, Queen of Naples, Jerusalem and Sicily. I know nothing about her, but her life sounds fascinating! US release is 10/27/09 and UK release is 8/1/10. Blurb from Amazon:

On March 15, 1348, Joanna I , Queen of Naples, stood trial for her life before the Pope and his court in Avignon. She was twenty-two years old. Her cousin and husband, Prince Andrew of Hungary, had recently been murdered, and Joanna was the chief suspect. Determined to defend herself—Joanna won her acquittal against enormous odds. Returning to Naples, she ruled over one of Europe’s most prestigious courts for more than thirty years—until she was herself murdered.

As courageous as Eleanor of Aquitaine, as astute and determined as Elizabeth I of England, Joanna was the only female monarch in her time to rule in her own name. She was notorious: The taint of her husband’s death never quite left her. But she was also widely admired: Dedicated to the welfare of her subjects and realm, she reduced crime, built hospitals and churches, and encouraged the licensing of women physicians. While a procession of the most important artists and writers of her day found patronage at her glittering court, the turmoil of her times swirled around her: war, plague, intrigue, and the treachery that would, ultimately, bring her down.

As she did in her acclaimed Four Queens, Nancy Goldstone takes us back to the turbulent and colorful Middle Ages, and with skill and passion brings fully to life one of history’s most remarkable women. Her research is impeccable, her eye for detail unerring, and in The Lady Queen she paints a captivating portrait of medieval royalty in all its incandescent complexity.

More Upcoming Releases

2009-04-15T10:53:00.000-07:00

It seems to be the week for unveiling covers for upcoming releases:

This is on Amazon UK as the cover for the paperback (no cover for the hardback version listed). US and US release date: Sept 8, 2009. Although I'm glad to see some covers with "ladies with heads", I'm not really sure I like it.

US release for this reissue is July 14, 2009. The covers they have been using for the US reissues of Loft's books are nice and look so elegant.

Upcoming Release - Cleopatra's Daughter

2009-04-14T10:45:00.000-07:00

One book I am looking forward to this year is Cleopatra's Daughter by Michelle Moran. I saw this cover on Amazon UK today and I think it is just beautiful! I hope this is the actual cover! UK release is July 2, 2009; US is September 15, 2009.

Which One is Not Like the Others

2009-04-09T16:38:00.000-07:00

UK Paperback. This isn't that recent, but I hadn't seen it before and it goes with the group.

The Sonnets. UK Release November 2008

UK Paperback released March 2009

US release: June 30th, 2009; UK July 2009

And just to show that we don't discriminate, here's a non-fiction one with head intact:

Released in UK last month

Headless Non-Fiction

2009-03-29T17:54:00.000-07:00

Non-fiction books often have a known portrait of the subject on the cover (good, but somewhat boring), but once in a while they follow the current "headless" trend in historical fiction. Here are a couple of new/upcoming releases:

Recently UK released paperback of the first volume of David Starkey's new biography on Henry VIII: Henry, Virtuous Prince. It's nice to see a headless man for a change!

UK release 4/14/09

The Angelique Series by Sergeanne Golon

2009-03-26T14:33:00.000-07:00

In the 1960's, a husband and wife team from France wrote a series of books about a fiesty heroine set during the time of Louis XIV of France, although a few of the books take place in other locations. Thirteen books made up the original series, with 10 of them being translated into English. A decade long legal battle in France resulted in Anne Golon winning the sole rights to her work. Fans of the series hope this will result in the republishing of her books and the translation of the remaining three books. Ms. Golon is apparently working on additional books.

Given the period of time in which they were originally published, some of the covers are wonderfully cheesy. Since I love cheesy covers, today begins a new feature highlighting some of the best of them.

These are some of my favorites from Angelique in Barbary (a/k/a Angelique and the Sultan). Enjoy!

1963. It is a little hard to see, but I think you get the general idea (it might be easier to see if you click on the picture).

1971

unknown year

1961. I love the way her pose wraps around the back side of the dust jacket.

1964

Scantily clad women seems to be the theme here...

A Lemon of an Award

2009-03-25T18:24:00.000-07:00

I always enjoy Misfit's contributions over at Historical Fiction Online and she also writes some great reviews at Amazon (the girl believes in being honest!) so I was thrilled when she finally started her own blog. She recently gave me this lovely little award, "Where Life Hands You Lemons" for showing great attitude and/or gratitue. My mother always said I had an "attitude". Nice to know I can get an award for it now - won't Mom be so proud!!

Norah Lofts - UK reissues

2009-03-19T15:24:00.000-07:00

Although some of Norah Lofts books have been reissued here in the US, it seems that more of them are available in the UK. Here are some of the recent releases. Has anyone read any of them?

Forced to flee Revolutionary France after the brutal guillotining of her beloved father, Isabella de Savigny arrives at Nethergate, the Suffolk house of her cousin, hoping for sympathy and succour. Instead, as a poor relation, she is forced to live the life of a servant and suffer the casual cruelty of lady's maid Martha Pratt. When she is seduced and abandoned by the son of the house, Isabella is forced to marry Martha's brother, and her struggle to survive truly begins. However, her misery is lessened when her daughter is born, and for her sake she decides to fight back against this hostile world.

Sir Walter Raleigh was one of the brightest stars in the Elizabethan firmament. Born into relative obscurity in rural Devon, he grew up in company of smugglers and fishermen, listening to stories of voyages to far-flung lands. His lust for adventure was to take him from the bloody battlefields of Europe to the colonies of the New World and on to the dazzling court of Good Queen Bess. He was a naval commander against the Spanish Armada and led two expeditions to South America to search for El Dorado. This is the story of his relationship with the two women who dominated his life: Elizabeth, his queen, and Bess, her lady-in-waiting and his secret wife. It is the story of one of the greatest men in the greatest age in English history.

The Suffolk House Trilogy
The Town House is the first in a trilogy of novels by Norah Lofts about the inhabitants of a country house in Suffolk from the late fourteenth century to the middle of the twentieth. It begins with the story of Martin Reed, a serf existing under the control of a universally accepted and supported hierarchy. His rebellion, in defence of the woman he loves, casts both of them into the unknown. Freed from his acceptance of circumstance, Reed forges a new path, a path which culminates in the building of the House, and the foundations of a dynasty.

More Vintage Covers

2009-03-09T18:07:00.000-07:00

I'm come across some real gems recently:

From 1952 - According to the blurb on the back, Captain Barney is an officer in the infant US Navy during the American Revolution and the object of his affection is a Tory sympathizer.

From 1953. I'm not really sure exactly what this one is about, but I couldn't resist!

From 1952. It's a little blurry, but the outfit on the woman reminds me of something from the 1960's Star Trek.

From 1970 about France's Francois I. Gotta love that 70's hair.

Just Gorgeous!

2009-03-01T09:37:00.000-08:00

On May 5, 2009, C.W. Gortner's The Last Queen (link to my review) will be out in paperback. This is the cover and I thought it was too gorgeous not to share - even without her head! Even though I already own two version of the book (the original from 2006 and last years new hardcover), I am seriously thinking about buying this just for the cover (I know, I have a serious problem...). I especially love the red on the purple background - very regal looking!

Isolde/Iseult

2009-02-23T17:04:00.000-08:00

One of the new books I plan on reading this year is Twillight of Avalon by Anna Elliott, a new version of the Tristan and Isolde/Iseult story. It will be released May 5, 2009.

She is a healer, a storyteller, a warrior, and a queen without a throne. In the shadow of King Arthur's Britain, one woman knows the truth that could save a kingdom from the hands of a tyrant...
Ancient grudges, old wounds, and the quest for power rule in the newly widowed Queen Isolde's court. Hardly a generation after the downfall of Camelot, Isolde grieves for her slain husband, King Constantine, a man she secretly knows to have been murdered by the scheming Lord Marche -- the man who has just assumed his title as High King. Though her skills as a healer are renowned throughout the kingdom, in the wake of Con's death, accusations of witchcraft and sorcery threaten her freedom and her ability to bring Marche to justice. Burdened by their suspicion and her own grief, Isolde must conquer the court's distrust and superstition to protect her throne and the future of Britain.
One of her few allies is Trystan, a prisoner with a lonely and troubled past. Neither Saxon nor Briton, he is unmoved by the political scheming, rumors, and accusations swirling around the fair queen. Together they escape, and as their companionship turns from friendship to love, they must find a way to prove what they know to be true -- that Marche's deceptions threaten not only their lives but the sovereignty of the British kingdom.
In Twilight of Avalon, Anna Elliott returns to the roots of the legend of Trystan and Isolde to shape a very different story -- one based in the earliest written versions of the Arthurian tales -- a captivating epic brimming with historic authenticity, sweeping romance, and the powerful magic of legend.

I read Bedier's Romance of Tristan and Iseult a year or so ago and thought it was such a sad story. Shortly after that, I went to a performance of the symphony here in Denver and one of the pieces was from Wagner's opera - it was so beautiful and moving. Just the music alone almost made me cry. Some day I would love to see an opera performance. Below are some other depictions of Isolde in historical fiction:

1985

2003

1988

unknown year

1994

1971 (I believe this one is YA )

Lawrence Schoonver

2009-02-19T17:12:00.000-08:00

Last year I read The Queen's Cross by Lawrence Schoonover which is about Queen Isabella of Spain (she financed Christopher Columbus' trip to the new world and her daughter was Katherine of Aragon, Henry VIII first wife). Schoonover wrote several historical fiction books in the 50's and some of them are being re-issued (a project taken on by Schoonover's great nephew). The Queen's Cross was release last fall and two more are being released this spring and are available via Amazon.

February 2009 - “Ignorant of his noble Venetian birth...he met and loved a beautiful Italian girl… midst the flames of fallen Constantinople and the crash of history’s first cannonade”- The New York Times
In a turbulent and changing world where old orders are threatened by a new strength rising from the desert, a young warrior discovers a history he had long forgotten and must choose between two worlds.

April 2009 - “Battles, betrayals, treacheries, diplomatic crises, all of them are set against a brightly colored pageant of medieval life.”- The New York Times
The young Prince was hated by his father, his powerful cousin, and challenged by a personal foe known only to his wife, his priest, and his alchemist.
This is the story of the resolute dreamer Louis and his supporters, who saw a nation’s unrealized potential and its way to greatness.

Medieval Romance

2009-02-17T17:15:00.000-08:00

Although I get a big chuckle from the really cheesy romance covers that grace some historical fiction, there are others that evoke more of a fairy tale romance without crossing that really 80's cheesy line - think beautiful ladies, handsome knights, white horses and castles (I'll admit that some of them may be borderline cheesy!). So Medieval Romance is a new category of covers that I will periodically feature. Plus it's a great way to highlight some older historical fiction books/authors that some of you may not have heard of.

1988

1975

1976

1975

Within the Hollow Crown by Margaret Campbell Barnes

2009-02-09T09:32:00.000-08:00

Within the Hollow Crown is the story of Richard II. I read it last year and thought it was really good. There aren't very many books written about this time and since some of Barnes books are being reissued, I hope this is among them. In the meantime, here are some previous editions for your viewing enjoyment.

1947

1948

1972

I don't have the year for the rest of these:

This one was supposedly from the early 1970's, but it doesn't seem like it to me - it looks to modern.

New and Upcoming Non-Fiction

2009-01-28T17:14:00.000-08:00

While browsing Amazon today (I spend way too much time there!) I came across several non-fiction recent and upcoming releases. My TBR pile just keeps getting higher and higher...

Release Date: February 2009 - US; October 2008 - UK. Doomed queen of Henry VIII, mother to Elizabeth I, the epic story of Anne Boleyn from an exceptional new writer. Anne Boleyn was the most controversial and scandalous woman ever to sit on the throne of England. From her early days at the imposing Hever Castle in Kent, to the glittering courts of Paris and London, Anne caused a stir wherever she went. Alluring but not beautiful, Anne's wit and poise won her numerous admirers at the English court, and caught the roving eye of King Henry.
Anne was determined to shape her own destiny, first through a secret engagement to Henry Percy, the heir of the Earl of Northumberland, and later through her insistence on marriage with the king, after a long and tempestuous relationship as his mistress. Their love affair was as extreme as it was deadly, from Henry's 'mine own sweetheart' to 'cursed and poisoning whore' her fall from grace was total.

Release Date: January 2009 - UK; March 2009 - US. From convenient accessory to sovereign lady, this book assesses the critical, colourful and, at times, dramatic role of the Tudor queens of England.From Elizabeth of York - wife of Henry VII, the first Tudor monarch - through to Elizabeth I - her grand-daughter and the last in the line - this book explores some of the most colourful and dramatic women in British history. Queen consorts were central to the Royal Court but their role has rarely been examined or contrasted with the better known ruling queens. How did they behave (in and out of the bedchamber)? How powerful were they as patrons of learning and the arts? What religious views did they espouse and why? How successful and influential were they?

Release Date: January 2009 - US and UK. When Edward IV died in 1483, the Yorkist succession was called into question by doubts about the legitimacy of his son, Edward (one of the 'Princes in the Tower'). The crown therefore passed to Edward IV's undoubtedly legitimate younger brother, Richard, Duke of Gloucester. But Richard, too, found himself entangled in the web of uncertainty, since those who believed in the legitimacy of Edward IV's children viewed Richard III's own accession as a usurpation. From the day when Edward IV married Eleanor, or pretended to do so, or allowed it to be whispered that he might have done so, the House of York, previously so secure in its bloodline, confronted a contentious and uncertain future. John Ashdown-Hill argues that Eleanor Talbot was married to Edward IV and that therefore the marriage to Elizabeth Woodville was bigamous, making her children illegitimate. He thereby offers a solution to one of history's great mysteries.

Release Date: February 1, 2009 - UK; April 15, 2009 - US. In this first biography of a significant female figure in the male-dominated world of British Tudor politics, Hazel Pierce reconsiders the life and martyrdom of Catholic duchess Margaret Pole against the changing social and political landscape of her times. Pole, niece of both Edward IV and Richard III, was the only woman apart from Anne Boleyn to hold a peerage in her own right during the sixteenth century, and this important contribution to medieval scholarship provides a matchless understanding of aristocratic women during that time period, as well as new interpretations of Henry VIII and his relationship with the nobility.

Release Date: March 2009 in US and UK. A biography of Henry VIII of England's fifth wife, beheaded for playing Henry at his own game - adultery. At seven o'clock on the morning of 13th February 1542, Catherine Howard stepped out into the cold of the great courtyard of the Tower of London. Slowly she was escorted across the yard and carefully helped up the steps of the wooden scaffold. Only a small group of sightseers had gathered to watch the death of a queen; there was no weeping, no remorse, only chilly curiosity. The ax rose and fell, a life ceased, an episode came to an end. The life and death of Catherine was truly a Tudor tragedy.
A mere teenager, the vivacious and flirty Catherine Howard was an unsuitable bride for the elderly and fat Henry VIII. Like most of Henry's wives she had come to his attention at court whilst lady-in-waiting to his fourth wife of only a few months, Anne of Cleves. Henry was soon besotted and came to adore Catherine, his 'very jewel of womanhood'. His head already turned by the 19 year old, Henry never consummated his marriage to Anne, he divorced her and married for the fifth time on 28th July 1540.
Lacey Baldwin Smith, one of the finest historians of the Tudor age, narrates the rise and fall of the most tragic of Henry's queens, the woman who dared to cuckold the king of England.

And while I was at it, I noticed this striking new cover for the June 2009 UK paperback release of Alison Weir's The Lady Elizabeth.

My Lady of Cleves - Part II

2009-01-20T17:52:00.000-08:00

A few months ago I posted some covers of Margaret Campbell Barnes' My Lady of Cleves. I ran across this one today from 1952 and just couldn't resist posting it. This Anne definately does not look German to me!

An Award

2009-01-19T16:42:00.000-08:00

Alabama Book Worm has given me a Butterfly Award (and the button is sooo pretty!). Thanks so much Book Worm - I'm so sorry for the delay in acknowledging your thoughtfulness. I'm really hoping to post more this year so be on the look out for those cheesy covers (and plenty of new books as well).

June 2009 Plaidy UK Releases

2009-01-13T10:43:00.000-08:00

I couldn't find anything out about this one - does anyone know what it is about?

These two are about Lucrezia Borgia

I believe this one has something to do with the Spanish Inquisition

New for 2009

2009-01-12T18:19:00.000-08:00

I'm sorry I have not posted for a while. With the big move (from Indiana to Denver) the holidays, getting settled back into my job and various computer issues, I haven't had the time I would like to devote to my blogs. Hopefully now that things have settled down I will be able to post more. I have been trying to keep up with upcoming releases, so here are some coming this year:

Subject: Katherine Valois (Henry V's wife)

Release Date: May 4th - UK only

Subject: John, Duke of Bedford (Henry V's brother)

Release Date: May 1

Subject: Alice Perrers (,mistress to Edward III)

Release Date: April 2 (UK only)

Subject: American Revolution

Release Date: April 7

Subject: unknown (but the cover indicates it is set in the court of Elizabeth I)

Release Date: August 4

Subject: Ankhesanamun (wife of King Tutankhamun)

Release Date: May 1

Elizabeth I

2008-12-07T10:14:00.000-08:00

I recently acquired a some books about Elizabeth I so I thought I would show some of them (as well as a few others). There are additional ones here on this post with different covers of the book My Enemy, My Queen.

1979

1989

1988

1960

unknown year

1954

Also from 1954 (it is the same picture as the previous one but the coloration on it is much different - it looks almost cartoonish)

Cheesy Romance

2008-11-28T11:04:00.000-08:00

It's been a while since I posted some cheesy romance looking covers, so here's a few to make you smile a little (in case you spent most of Black Friday frustrated and cursing!).

1973

1971

1983

This was recently reissued with a new title - The Last Boleyn by Karen Harper

1993

1984

1985

The two Lide books are part of a trilogy (the other book is called A Royal Quest). I have two of them but haven't read them yet. I think they lean more towards the romance side, but from what I've gathered, the history is pretty good as well. They are set during the time of Henry II.

New Books in 2009

2008-11-25T15:26:00.001-08:00

Here are the covers for two more upcoming books - it is going to be a good year for Historical Fiction!!

March 10, 2009 (US and UK)

I couldn't find a blurb about the book, but I believe the book is about an illegitimate daughter of Edward IV. I love the covers of all of Smith's books!

Release: February 3, 2009 (US); March 4, 2009 (UK)

Jane Popyngcourt was brought to the English court of Henry VII as a child to be a companion to his daughters—the princesses Margaret and Mary. With no money of her own, Jane could not hope for marriage, but as she grows into a seductively beautiful young woman, she receives flattering attention from virile young courtiers and even from the handsome new king, Henry VIII, who has recently married Catherine of Aragon. Then a dashing French prisoner of war, cousin to the king of France, is brought to London, and Jane finds she cannot help giving some of her heart—and more—to a man she can never marry. The Tudor court is filled with dangers as well as seductions, and there are mysteries surrounding Jane’s birth that have left her with deadly enemies. She must follow a perilous path in her search for answers and risk even more to have a chance at happiness.

More New UK Plaidy Covers

2008-11-19T08:58:00.000-08:00

These just showed up on Amazon today and I really like them. The next three installments of the Plantagenet Saga will be re-issued in the UK March 5, 2009. They are so much better than the cheesy romance cover ones I have from the 80's. I might really have to buy these!

More New Fiction

2008-11-14T14:20:00.000-08:00

Here are a couple more upcoming releases:

I really hope they continue to re-issue Margaret Campbell Barnes books. King's Fool is the story of Henry VIII's fool, Will. I think it's a little strange that they have part of Katherine Parr's portrait on the cover though. Appropriately, it will be released in the US on April 1, 2009.

From Amazon: Caterina was fifteen years old in 1452 when she bore an illegitimate child in the tiny village of Vinci. His name was Leonardo, and he was destined to change the world forever.Caterina suffered much cruelty as an unmarried mother and had no recourse when her boy was taken away from her. But no one knew the secrets of her own childhood, nor could ever have imagined the dangerous and heretical scheme she would devise to protect and watch over her remarkable son. This is her story. (Release date: January 6, 2009)

I'm planning on reading Signora da Vinci next year. I haven't decided about King's Fool. Has anyone read it?

The King's Pleasure by Norah Lofts

2008-11-06T12:30:00.000-08:00

I recently finished this book and saw on Amazon that a new edition will be available on December 2, 2008. Below is the new cover, as well as some older ones. I think the new one looks like a painting. Similarly beautiful covers of Lofts other books The Concubine and Crown of Aloes are also available.

From 2006

From 1976 (looks more like Anne Boleyn on the cover than Katherine)

From 1970

From 1969

Also from 1969 (and the version that I have)

Upcoming Fiction Releases

2008-10-27T19:20:00.000-07:00

Here are a few of the books that will be released over the next few months:

The King's Daughter will be released on December 2, 2008 and is about Elizabeth of York.

The Swan Maiden will be released February 24, 2009. It tells the story of Deirdre, the Irish "Helen of Troy".

Hand of Isis will be released March 23, 2009 (March 5 in the UK) and is about a half sister to Cleopatra.

I'm looking forward to reading all of these. And two out of three covers have heads!

Plaidy Versions

2008-10-22T17:06:00.000-07:00

During the 1970's and early 80's, many of Jean Plaidy's books were published as hardbacks with covers that were almost cartoonish looking. I'll feature a few of them periodically. First up, her Norman Trilogy covering William the Conqueror through the war between Stephen and Matilda (published in the mid 70's).

My Lady of Cleves by Margaret Campbell Barnes

2008-09-23T17:31:00.000-07:00

Several months ago I posted the cover of the new edition of My Lady of Cleves. Since then, I've found a number of covers from older versions.

1948

1971

Also from 1971

The book was also published under this name (year is unknown)

Somehow I think if Anne had looked like this, Henry would have liked her!

The Concubine by Norah Lofts

2008-09-09T15:57:00.001-07:00

I read this a couple of years ago and it is one of my favorite books about Anne Boleyn. A new edition is available through Amazon (released earlier this both in the US and UK but with different covers).

The new UK cover

The new US cover (I really like this one)

Here are several covers from the mid 60's:

Headlessness - An Equal Opportunity Condition

2008-09-04T17:31:00.000-07:00

A new biography of Henry VIII is being released in the UK on October 1, 2008 by David Starkey. Here is the description from Amazon UK:

The first instalment of the highly anticipated biography of Henry VIII, written by one of the UK's most popular, established and exciting historians. Published to coincide with the 500th anniversary of Henry's accession to the throne, 'Henry: Virtuous Prince' is a radical re-evaluation of the monarchy's most enduring icon. Henry VIII was Britain's most powerful monarch, yet he was not born to rule. Thrust into the limelight after the sudden death of his elder brother, Prince Arthur, Henry ascended the throne in 1509, marking the beginning of a reign that altered the course of English history. In his youth Henry was highly intelligent, athletic and musically talented. He excelled in Latin and Mathematics and was an accomplished musician. On his accession to the throne, aged just seventeen, after the tumultuous rule of his father, he provided England with hope of a new beginning. Nobody could have foreseen how radical Henry's rule would prove to be. Often overshadowed by the bloody saga of his six marriages, his reign has left a lasting legacy. An absolute monarch, Henry's quest for fame was as obsessive as any modern celebrity. His fierce battles against Papal authority mark one of the most dramatic and defining moments in the history of Britain. Yet his early life was insecure. The Tudor regime was viewed by many as rule by usurpers and the dark shadows of the Wars of the Roses often threatened to tear England apart once more. The culmination of a lifetime's research, David Starkey gives a radical and unforgettable portrait of the man behind the icon; the Renaissance prince turned tyrant, who continues to tower over history.

I'm looking forward to this one. And I guess someone figured that if headlessness works for women, why not for men.

Katherine of Aragon

2008-08-21T18:12:00.000-07:00

The first wife of Henry VIII has been the subject of several fiction books. Although many use an actual portrait of Katherine on the cover, some have been a little more creative in depicting her.

1988 (this one is available on ebay but it's pretty pricey)

1993

1995

1962

unknown year

1997

The Conqueror by Georgette Heyer

2008-07-29T16:42:00.000-07:00

I'm currently reading Georgette Heyer's book about William the Conqueror. Written in the 1930's, it has been reprinted several times with a wide variety of covers.

1963

1967

1968 (this is the one I have)

1976

1981

1993

I don't know what year these were published:

This one is recent (within the last couple of years I think)

Upcoming New Plaidys

2008-07-24T15:45:00.000-07:00

The re-release of Plaidys continues in the UK on October 2, 2008 with the release of the 4 books in the Queen Victoria Series. Despite the headless women, they are rather nice. Does anyone know how accurate the clothing is for the time period?

Thank you, thank you very much

2008-07-22T11:55:00.001-07:00

My little blog collection of book covers has been nominated for an Excellent Blog Award. My thanks to Reading the Past, The Raucous Royals and World of Royalty. My main blog was nominated as well, so I combined all of my nominees into one post over there. I'm glad people enjoy my pet project - it's a lot of fun!

Vintage Covers

2008-07-09T17:45:00.000-07:00

Some of the covers that are the most fun are those from the 40's and 50's. Some are really goofy looking and others had to be considered a little risque at the time they were published.

A book about Atilla the Hun from 1949

A 1958 book about Pocahantes. Yeah, I'm sure she looked like that.

From 1946

From 1954 - a book about Robin Hood

Devil's Brood by Sharon Kay Penman

2008-07-03T10:41:00.001-07:00

One of the books I am most anxious to get my hands on later this year is the final installment in Penman's trilogy about Henry II and Eleanor of Aquitaine. It is due to be released in October. This cover appeared on Amazon this morning on both the US and UK sites (due to some weird reason, I can't seem to move the picture below the text).

New Non-fiction

2008-06-28T10:08:00.000-07:00

While browsing Amazon UK this morning I ran across this upcoming book to be released on September 1, 2008. It appears to be a non-fiction book exploring the lives of not only Lady Jane Grey, but her younger sisters, Katherine and Mary of whom very little seems to be written. So far, it's not listed on the US site. But alas, more headless women.

New Plaidy Reissues

2008-06-20T09:15:00.000-07:00

Three Rivers Press is apparently coming out with some more reissues of Plaidy's book and interestingly enough, reissueing some of the recent reissues (with brand new covers).

The first one is To Hold the Crown (originally - Uneasy Lies the Head) about Henry VII and Elizabeth of York and will be released October 7, 2008. It looks like the headless covers are back:

If you would like to see some of the other covers (including new reissues for Katherine of Aragon and Murder Most Royal which were reissued a couple of years ago), please click here. They are all pretty but unimaginative.

Crown of Aloes by Norah Lofts

2008-06-14T12:45:00.000-07:00

Not too long ago Crown of Aloes was reissued with a very pretty cover. The book is about Isabella of Spain. The new version is available both in the US and the UK on Amazon.

This is the new version.

1974 hardback (the one that I have)

1975 harback

1975 paperback

1976 paperback

1983 hardback

Eleanor of Aquitaine

2008-06-08T18:30:00.000-07:00

I just finished reading a couple of books about Eleanor of Aquitaine (one fiction; one non-fiction) and thought it would be fun to see how she has been portrayed on various book covers. Which one do you think is closest to the truth?

1970

1989

a YA book from 2002 (showing a young Eleanor)

From 2006

2003

1955

a non-fiction book from 1999

a YA non-fiction book from 2006

1990

unknown year

2006

Falls the Shadow by Sharon Kay Penman

2008-05-27T18:05:00.000-07:00

On August 19, 2008, Falls the Shadow (the 2nd in Penman's Welsh Trilogy) will be reissued. Although this is probably my least favorite Penman book, I did learn about Simon de Montfort - someone I had never heard of before.

The new cover

The following covers are from 1988/89

I rather like the new one.

Catherine de Medici

2008-05-14T16:53:00.000-07:00

Susan over at Reading, Raving and Ranting has posted a wonderfully cheesy (and provocative) cover of one of Jean Plaidy's books on Catherine de Medici from the 1950s. The only fiction books I know of about Catherine are the three that Plaidy wrote. Here are some of the covers which all depict Catherine very differently.

From 1971

From 1977

From 1953

From 1978

From 1952

unknown year

Also from 1978

From 2007

Upcoming UK Plaidy Releases

2008-05-04T11:11:00.000-07:00

I previously posted the cover for the UK reissue of the first book in Plaidy's Isabelle and Ferdinand trilogy, Castile for Isabella. I found the covers for the other two books today on Amazon. The baby on Daughters of Spain is cute! Any thoughts on the covers?

Rosemary Hawley Jarman - New Books

2008-04-23T17:06:00.001-07:00

Last year's reissue of We Speak No Treason is being followed up by two other of Jarman's books (released April 1, 2008). They are also available in the UK.

about Elizabeth Woodville

about Katherine of Valois

Here Be Dragons by Sharon Kay Penman

2008-04-11T16:37:00.000-07:00

In addition to the long awaited release of Sharon Kay Penman's The Devil's Brood this year, several of her older books are being reissued as well. Next up, one of my all-time favorite historical fiction books: Here Be Dragons. The next edition is scheduled for release her in the US in May. Here are some covers from the past (as well as the new one!).

This is the new one (2008).

From 1993 (This is version I own)

A 1991 paperback

Also from 1991 - I think the artwork on this one is very pretty

From 1987 - this one has a slighty "cheesy romance" look to it

From 1986

The Other Queen by Philippa Gregory

2008-04-02T11:35:00.000-07:00

I found this on the US Amazon site this morning. The book is due to be released in the US on September 9, 2008. It's beginning to look more and more like we are getting away from the "headless woman" covers.

My Lady of Cleves

2008-03-20T13:00:00.000-07:00

Following up on the re-issue of Brief Gaudy Hour by Margaret Campbell Barnes, her book on Anne of Cleves in being re-issued in September. I recently finished this book and really enjoyed it.

This is the new cover.

This is the cover of the one I own.

Isabella of France

2008-03-11T17:40:00.000-07:00

A few weeks ago I managed to snag a copy of Maurice Druon's book on Isabella of France for $17 (currently there are two other copies on ebay - one for $80 and the other for $100). So in celebration of my good fortune, here are some covers depicting everyone's favorite b*tch from the 14th century (well, everyone but Edward II, Piers and both Hughs that is).

This the book I bought (a 1988 edition).

A 1972 edition of the same book

I own this book from 1981. Is it just me or does this Isabella look kind of like Isabella from Braveheart?

From 2007

From 1985. She really looks the part in this one!

The Sunne in Splendour by Sharon Kay Penman

2008-03-04T13:08:00.001-08:00

While browsing in Barnes and Noble the other evening (killing time before I went to see The Other Boleyn Girl movie), I saw a new edition of Sharon Kay Penman's epic book about Richard III. Here is the new cover, along with some older ones.

The new 2008 paperback

1984 Paperback

I believe this one is from 1982

1982 Hardcover

1990 Paperback (this is the one I have)

Which one is your favorite? I like the artwork on the pinkish colored one from 1982 but I also like the one from 1984 and symbolism of the crown on the bush.

The Other Queen by Philippa Gregory

2008-02-25T15:32:00.001-08:00

Here is the UK cover of The Other Queen from Amazon (it will be released April 7, 2008 in the UK). What do you think?

New Books

2008-02-22T19:01:00.000-08:00

I found this today on the Amazon UK site:

Castile for Isabella, along with Spain for the Sovereigns and Daughters of Spain will all be reissued on June 5, 2008. The covers for the other two are not available yet, but I will post them as soon as they are.

There is also a new book about Mary Tudor (daughter of Henry VIII) coming out in July 2008:

It appears that it will be available on both the UK and US Amazon site. I'm not sure I like this cover though.

Now that's just cheesy

2008-02-20T17:57:00.000-08:00

I found this last week while looking for the cover of my edition of the author's book, The Queen's Cross. I'm not sure I would call this a "cheesy romance" cover, but it sure is cheesy looking - kind of looks like an ad for one of the original 'Star Trek' episodes. It's from 1965. And does that guy look particularly well endowed to any of you (or is that just a shadow)????

The Medici Queen by Jeanne Kalogridis

2008-02-13T17:38:00.001-08:00

While browsing around over at Amazon UK, I came across the upcoming release from Jeanne Kalogridis, author of The Borgia Bride (which I loved!). The books will be released in the UK May 6, 2008. I was unable to find the book on the US site - the author's website indicates it may be titled The Bloodiest Queen in the US. Perhaps we will start getting away from the headless women on the cover?

The King's Mistress by Jean Plaidy

2008-02-08T16:16:00.000-08:00

I have been rather neglectful of this blog lately, but intend to get back to regular posting.

Here is a revealing cover on the story of Jane Shore, Edward IV's most famous mistress. It's from 1960. Seems rather risque for the time, but maybe not based on some of the other covers I've seen from the late 50's/early 60's.

Brief Gaudy Hour by Margaret Campbell Barnes

2008-01-25T13:27:00.000-08:00

On March 1, 2008, this novel about Anne Boleyn is being reissued. I have heard that it is very good, but I haven't read it yet (although I do have a copy from 1949).

This is the 1949 version. Sadly, mine is missing the dustjacket.

This one is a paperback from 1971

I am not sure what year this is from. I apologize for the small size. I tried to make it larger, but the picture became distorted.

This is the 2008 cover. Not very imaginative - looks more like the cover from a non-fiction book.

More New Books

2008-01-06T14:14:00.000-08:00

Here are a few more upcoming releases:

I think this cover is very pretty. Having enjoyed the author's first book, A Rose for the Crown, I am looking forward to reading this one as well. Release date - February 12, 2008.

From the author of Courtesan, The Perfect Royal Mistress and The Secret Wife of King George IV, comes a new novel about Mary Tudor, Henry VIII's sister. I love the dress! Release date: April 1, 2008.

The Lady Elizabeth by Alison Weir

2007-12-15T09:09:00.000-08:00

With the move to Denver and looking for a place to live, I haven't had much time to look for cool, old book covers. I did see this one today on my Amazon recommendations for Alison Weir's new book (available April 29, 2008). What do you think?

February 2008 Plaidys

2007-11-29T11:14:00.000-08:00

Here are the covers for the next four volumes of the Plantagenet Series that are being reissued in the UK in February. I really love the red dress in The Queen from Provence. I'm not sure I really care for the ones for The Battle of the Queens or The Follies of the King. The covers on these reissues have really been hit or miss.

Reissued Margaret Irwin Books

2007-10-31T10:53:00.000-07:00

I came across these today. It is a series of books by Margaret Irwin about Elizabeth I and I've heard that they are very good. It looks like they will be available both in the US and UK through Amazon over the next few months. I like them (especially the first one) even though they are the current headless trend.

Miscellanous Cheesy Romance

2007-10-26T07:09:00.000-07:00

From 1985

From 1986

From 1983

I don't have the year on this one but I think Katherine of Aragon is showing a lot of cleavage here and I keep expecting her to have a cigarette in one hand!

Sharon Kay Penman Mysteries

2007-10-19T06:42:00.000-07:00

I haven't read any of Sharon Kay Penman's mystery books, but I love her straight historical fiction. I really like the covers of these though - both hardbacks from the mid 90's. Has anyone read either of these?

Juana "The Mad"

2007-10-12T07:36:00.000-07:00

Having read C.W. Gortner's The Last Queen about Juana of Spain (sister to Katherine of Aragon) I wondered if there were any other books about her and I found this one. The cover is part of a 16th Century Flemish tapestry and I think it is really pretty. I think the book is only available in the UK, but you can get more information on the author's website.

The Prisoner of Tordesillos by Lawrence Schoonover was published in the 1950's. I found a couple of covers for it as well. Although not nearly as pretty as the one above, I think the first one does a good job of showing how sad her story is.

Anne Neville

2007-09-25T08:03:00.000-07:00

Following on the heels of the reissue of Plaidy's The Reluctant Queen, it looks like a biography on Anne Neville is being released later this month (September 28, 2007 according to Amazon). There is something about this cover that I just don't like. One question though for those who know more about this kind of stuff than I do - is that contraption on her head really the kind of thing they had to wear? Seems like your neck would get stiff from having to hold your head up straight all the time!

A "revealing" look at Helen of Troy

2007-09-17T06:42:00.001-07:00

I came across this book today on ebay and I just had to post the cover. The book was originally written in 1925, although this edition was published in 1948. I would think this cover was rather racy for it's time. Heck, you probably couldn't get that cover on a book today without wrapping it in plain brown paper!

Flambard's Confession

2007-09-10T17:03:00.000-07:00

I don't remember where exactly I learned about this book, but since it is one of the few fiction books (I think) written about William "Rufus" II, I looked it up to see what I could find out. The cover totally creeps me out - it looks like something from either a low budget horror or sci-fi alien movie.

The Reluctant Queen by Jean Plaidy

2007-09-04T10:35:00.000-07:00

This book was re-issued last week here in the US. Below is the new cover (as well as some old ones!).

This is a hardback from 1990:

Two paperbacks from 1993:

This is an audio book:

Off With Her Head - Part 2

2007-08-29T06:58:00.000-07:00

Here are some more covers featuring the currently popular "woman with her head cut off" (totally or partially).