Hunting the Falcon

A TLS, TIMES, PROSPECT AND WATERSTONES BOOK OF THE YEAR

A groundbreaking examination of how the marriage of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn sent shockwaves across a continent and changed England forever.

Henry VIII's pursuit of Anne Boleyn is one of history’s most compelling stories, a tale filled with desire, political machinations, and a marriage that would change the course of a nation. In Hunting the Falcon, acclaimed historians John Guy and Julia Fox unveil the captivating journey of this infamous pair. Drawing on the latest archival discoveries, they paint a vivid picture of a relationship intricately tied to the political and religious upheavals of 16th century Europe. This narrative goes beyond the well-worn stories to offer a fresh understanding of Anne and Henry's complex bond, exposing the intensity of their passion and the swift descent into fury and betrayal.

Rather than merely recounting historical events, Hunting the Falcon challenges conventional wisdom, revealing Anne Boleyn as a formidable political strategist and a queen who wielded considerable influence over England’s policies. Far from being a pawn, Anne was central in navigating the treacherous waters of international politics, influencing Henry in ways that reshaped the English court and its future. Guy and Fox meticulously dissect their subjects' lives, placing them within the broader context of European history, presenting a detailed portrait of the woman who nearly became a joint sovereign and the king whose devotion turned to destructive jealousy.

This thorough examination pays special attention to the often overlooked seven years Anne spent in France, a period critical to her development and subsequent political manoeuvres. It was during these transformative years that Anne honed her political acumen and charismatic influence, skills she later brought to the English court. These years are crucial to understanding her eventual rise and fall, and Hunting the Falcon provides new insights into how these experiences contributed to her eventual tragic end.

As a work of both historical scholarship and engaging narrative, Hunting the Falcon offers readers a sumptuous retelling of one of history’s most turbulent marriages. This book is a deep dive into the dynamics of power, love, and politics, ensuring a multifaceted portrait that both educates and enthrals. It is a tale of how two extraordinary personalities shaped their own destinies and the fate of a nation amidst the intrigue and danger of Tudor England.

'In many places, where once we had speculation, we now have certainty. This book is at once an education and a joy to read' LITERARY REVIEW

'Combines meticulously researched history and contemporary voices with narrative flair' SUNDAY TIMES

'Anne Boleyn comes alive in this impressive study . . . Moves and informs' THE TIMES

'The most cogent narrative reading of the evidence to date' SPECTATOR

'Better than Wolf Hall because it's all true' ANDREW ROBERTS

'A sumptuous drama of lust, intrigue, and betrayal, underpinned by the harsh reality of politics' AMANDA FOREMAN