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A provocative exploration of the iconic Anne Boleyn, her influence on Europe’s political and religious landscape during her life, and why she matters today.
In a story that has intrigued readers for generations, this Queen of England has been portrayed through many of the tropes we typically use to discuss women, including as a seductress and a power-hungry manipulator. A closer examination of her ascent to power and her reign reveals instead a complex woman who was pursued and then killed by the King and yet claimed what power she could to exert enormous influence on the English Reformation, and therefore on the political and religious landscape of Europe. As Tatarnic convincingly argues, Anne’s religious convictions are the root of everything we know about her, including why she caught the king’s eye, why her road to queenship included breaking from the Roman church, and why she died. The fact that this has been buried in the larger conversations about her life reflects the way that history has traditionally been told—through men’s stories. In this exploration of Anne’s life through the lens of a female priest in the Anglican Communion, you will examine what has been hiding in plain sight and draw connections between historical evidence and the stories we tell about Anne. You’ll meet a woman who was mentored by a unique group of female reformers, whose choices and personality continue to shape the conversation about women in history, and who remains one of the most captivating historical figures.
“Tatarnic’s book offers a thought-provoking and engaging reflection on the critical role Anne Boleyn played in shaping the English Reformation. But it’s also, more broadly, a timely and important commentary on how we talk about women in positions of power and often grossly undervalue them or reduce them to tropes. The author approaches this subject through the lens of her own work as a female leader in the Anglican church, which infuses each page with fresh and fascinating perspectives.”
“Tatarnic has done a phenomenal job bringing a full picture of Anne Boleyn to us, while reminding readers how women’s lives, visions, dreams and impact are crucial to understanding ourselves today. This is a must read for all church historians, and anyone who wants to learn how a powerful feminist voice found her way in 16th-century England, and managed to have a lasting impact on the modern church.”
“The author has taken a historical figure, Queen Anne Boleyn, and has given us an opportunity to 'journey with her' through the challenges she faced. Engaging with the themes makes for a fascinating read. As a modern-day reader, there is much there that speaks of the Queen’s resilience and her strength that should be celebrated. Yet sadly, it is often described negatively by those who disapprove of independent-minded women!”