Welcome to Litsy!

I‘m torn between giving this a pick and a so-so. It was neither as scholarly nor as readable as Ormrod‘s Edward III. But then less is known about Katherine because of women‘s place in society. So much had to be speculation. However, I‘m starting to get a handle on the characters and might get more out of the Shakespeare history plays next time around. There was more on John of Gaunt in some ways (again, status of women) 👇🏻

Starting another royal biography.

More #bookmail and another potential great grandmother (x20) to read about. 👸🏼

Alison Weir's tendency to interpret evidence in the way that will make her happiest is evident here -- she insists, for example, that John of Gaunt and Katherine couldn't have consummated their relationship while his first wife was still alive because he told the pope they didn't. Because, I guess, no one would ever lie to the pope about sex? Quibbles about Weir's interpretation aside, I thoroughly enjoyed this book and now I must see Kenilworth.

At the end of July, when Queen Anne was buried with great pomp in Westminster Abbey, the Earl of Arundel, still smarting after his forced apology to John of Gaunt, had the insolence to turn up late, provoking an outraged Richard II to strike him in the face and draw blood, thereby desecrating the sanctity of the church, which had to be reconsecrated before the funeral could continue.

Reading about Katherine Swynford and John of Gaunt is making me long to visit the UK again so I can see Kenilworth up close. I do love a good castle.

Impressed that Alison Weir managed to cobble together a biography of a woman who left behind no letters, no will, no recorded words, and no personal possessions. #morningreads

Finished Anya Seton, so cracking on with this. #katherine #katherineswynford #alisonweir