A History of Royals discussion

Just joined the group. I fell in love with Phillipa Gregory books...the other Boleyn girl. I would like to join the read through the eras, but honestly I think I would like something more about each ruler. Mostly British royalty I guess. Could you point me to a good book or site just so I can get my head wrapped around everything. Just a little overwhelmed. Thanks so much!!!

Alison Weir is very thorough yet readable. She is great for the Tudors. Susan Kay Penman is really good for the Plantagenets.

Thanks so much...will check her out

Them* check them out lol

Jean Plaidy has covered loads of different monarchs, I can recommend her as a starting point.

One of my favorite tudor era books is The Last Boleyn by Karen Harper. The main character is Mary Boleyn and is told from her pov. I also was introduced to historical fiction through Philippa Gregory. Now I have branched off from british monarchy and have read about many interesting characters. Happy reading!!

I would also recommend Alison Weir, Sharon Kay Penman, C.W. Gortner, and Karen Harper.

Some good ones that are non British and help in other eras are:

The Memoirs Of Cleopatra by Margaret George
Lily of the Nile by Stephanie Dray
Mistress of Rome by Kate Quinn
The First Man in Rome by Colleen McCullough

Thanks so much to all of you.

I hope you enjoy the challenge, Amanda. :)

Thanks Lyn I'm excited!!!

I've started making lists of novels about each monarch but it's a constant work in progress. This is my English/British list so far: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H...

Sorry if this overwhelms you more! But I thought a reference list for each monarch would be useful. So say you heard about William the Conqueror and wanted to read a novel on him - with this list you could refer to this list and pick from all known novels about him.

Robin wrote: "I've started making lists of novels about each monarch but it's a constant work in progress. This is my English/British list so far: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H......"

Thanks for sharing, Robin. That is a great list and a great idea. :)

Robin, you are my new hero! Thank you for that list!

Lol you're welcome.

I know, Angie - We may have to make her group librarian, lol.

Robin, thanks for the wonderful list!

LOL, I'm glad other people find it useful, I made it for myself because I was tired of discovering a historical figure and wanting to read a novel on them but not knowing where to start. So when I was bored one day I started this and just occasionally kept adding to it. It's still a work in progress so if anyone has anything to add, just let me know!

Robin, you're awesome!! Thanks for making the list :D

Robin wrote: "I've started making lists of novels about each monarch but it's a constant work in progress. This is my English/British list so far: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H......"

Incredible job! Thanks so much for making this list! Wish I had had it when I was teaching...students were always asking for book references and I usually couldn't think of anything. You're a genius!

Robin wrote: "I've started making lists of novels about each monarch but it's a constant work in progress. This is my English/British list..."

Thanks for sharing this!

For your William the Conqueror list, may I recommend you try The Last Englishman - The Story of Hereward the Wake. One reviewer called it a "blend of myth and history", and I quite agree.

Robin wrote: "I've started making lists of novels about each monarch but it's a constant work in progress. This is my English/British list so far: https://docs.google.com/document/d/1H......"

Robin, this is an incredible resource! Thank you so much for compiling and sharing it!

For William the Conqueror, I would suggest adding
Gildenford and The Norman Pretender by Valerie Anand.

Thanks! I'm adding them now. I see Valerie Anand also has some on other monarchs too so I'm adding them as well.

She also has a third book in this series that I haven't read yet - The Disputed Crown

Robin wrote: "Thanks! I'm adding them now. I see Valerie Anand also has some on other monarchs too so I'm adding them as well."

I am loving this list, Robin. Again, thanks SO MUCH for sharing!