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Lady Jane Grey
'Should I, who am young, and in my few years, forsake my faith for the love of life? Nay, God forbid!'
Lady Jane Grey, eldest daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Suffolk and great-niece of Henry VIII, was born in 1537 and executed at the age of sixteen and a half by order of Mary Tudor ...
'Hester Chapman's book is utterly magnificent, and I was enthralled by it. She combines an unassailably scholarly mind with the talent of a novelist, so that the characters leap into startling life. The result is far more fascinating than any conventional picture ... Everything is documented, everything is sound, and written in a beautiful, spirited and witty prose.' CHARITY BLACKSTOCK, BOOKS & BOOKMEN
'Excellent... rich in quotations from original sources' THE ECONOMIST
'Fascinating ... full of marvellous historical-domestic details' THE TATLER
'Dramatic ... objective . .. will become the standard work on its subject' THE SUNDAY TIMES
Lady Jane Grey, eldest daughter of the Duke and Duchess of Suffolk and great-niece of Henry VIII, was born in 1537 and executed at the age of sixteen and a half by order of Mary Tudor ...
'Hester Chapman's book is utterly magnificent, and I was enthralled by it. She combines an unassailably scholarly mind with the talent of a novelist, so that the characters leap into startling life. The result is far more fascinating than any conventional picture ... Everything is documented, everything is sound, and written in a beautiful, spirited and witty prose.' CHARITY BLACKSTOCK, BOOKS & BOOKMEN
'Excellent... rich in quotations from original sources' THE ECONOMIST
'Fascinating ... full of marvellous historical-domestic details' THE TATLER
'Dramatic ... objective . .. will become the standard work on its subject' THE SUNDAY TIMES
253 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 1962
About the author
Hester W. Chapman
40 books11 followersHester W. Chapman (1899-1976) was one of the well-known authors and a specialist on the Tudors and Stuarts.
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
April 25, 2017
Very excited that my uni library had this, and that I didn't have to ILL!
A good, scholarly look at Lady Jane Grey, from birth until death. At times it can become too texbooky and dry, and often times we veer away from Jane's story, presumably because we don't know enough about Jane's behaviors during certain events.
However, the book does not shy away from discussing Jane's less appealing traits like some other books do. (I remember reading a book about Mary Tudor that discussed some of her interactions with Jane, and I wanted to shake some sense into Miss Grey. However, many biographies and novels gloss over these.) The book also really picks up pace at the end...the description of Jane's ordeal before and during her execution was so intense that I myself got nervous and a little shaky!
Because this is an older book, there are some historical issues, mainly with portraits. The portrait shown as the Duchess of Suffolk with her second husband is now identified as actually being a portrait of Mary Neville with her son.
If you have an intense like for Tudor history, and already know many of the main players, I highly recommend this book. If you do not, you may get confused with the throwing around of aristocratic names and keeping them matched correctly with first and surnames.
A good, scholarly look at Lady Jane Grey, from birth until death. At times it can become too texbooky and dry, and often times we veer away from Jane's story, presumably because we don't know enough about Jane's behaviors during certain events.
However, the book does not shy away from discussing Jane's less appealing traits like some other books do. (I remember reading a book about Mary Tudor that discussed some of her interactions with Jane, and I wanted to shake some sense into Miss Grey. However, many biographies and novels gloss over these.) The book also really picks up pace at the end...the description of Jane's ordeal before and during her execution was so intense that I myself got nervous and a little shaky!
Because this is an older book, there are some historical issues, mainly with portraits. The portrait shown as the Duchess of Suffolk with her second husband is now identified as actually being a portrait of Mary Neville with her son.
If you have an intense like for Tudor history, and already know many of the main players, I highly recommend this book. If you do not, you may get confused with the throwing around of aristocratic names and keeping them matched correctly with first and surnames.
November 14, 2012
There is basically only one view available surrounding Jane Grey. She is typically portrayed as a wronged, martyr-pawn… and that is the end of that. However, Hester W. Chapman aims to provide a view of a girl who displayed more control than a simpleton used in the schemes of adults in “Lady Jane Grey”.
Although I was unaware that “Lady Jane Grey” is considered YA until I opened the book; I was delightfully surprised. Chapman’s writing style is eloquent, not simplified, and smooth with an exciting-narrative pace. Although such qualities keep the pages turning, there are some issues with a lack of details which are the result of author choice (even though the material is dated). While Chapman did gloss over some events; others were described with more clarity than I’ve seen contemporary historians do, resulting in deeper understanding. Basically, an overall picture is still well-created.
Correspondingly, Chapman focuses more on Grey’s story and events surrounding her versus truly bringing her psyche alive and thus making “Lady Jane Grey” best for those new to the topic or for those looking for a refresher course. Regardless, even those well-familiarized with Jane will find Chapman’s work to be readable and enjoyable.
There are some negatives surrounding dated facts (which isn’t Chapman’s fault, as this is an older book); and with the conviction of some statements. Some of the “facts” (for example: Jane not liking her hunchback sister, Mary) are firmly stated, yet not sourced or elaborated. There are moments of unnecessary, opinionated comments.
As the book progresses, the ratio of background information to those of Jane’s personal moments are satisfactory. There does appear to be a lack of proving Chapman’s thesis that Jane was not as innocent as previously portrayed. Although there are attempts by Chapman to argue this; the reader is not overall convinced as much as poked into thought and consideration. Albeit, as “Lady Jane Grey” evolves, Chapman becomes more confident in her arguing points and also presents small details which even the most avid Tudor reader may be unaware of.
The cohesiveness of “Lady Jane Grey” can be perceived as slightly choppy due to chapters which flow as separate written units (with their own source material page) versus one, long narrative. Even with some of the “broken” text, however, “Lady Jane Grey” still answers many questions and Chapman’s terrific writing style remains in tact.
A distracting (but minor) factor within “Lady Jane Grey”, were the direct quotes from foreign ambassadors which could have been enlightening… had they been translated (no translation appears even in the Notes).
With a memorable (and perfectly-timed ending); Chapman successfully presents a view of Jane Grey which reveals another side of the young lady versus that of just martyrdom which can spring forth debate. Well written and an interesting read, “Lady Jane Grey” is suggested for all Tudor lovers whom seek a more-rounded and developed picture of the Nine Days Queen.
Although I was unaware that “Lady Jane Grey” is considered YA until I opened the book; I was delightfully surprised. Chapman’s writing style is eloquent, not simplified, and smooth with an exciting-narrative pace. Although such qualities keep the pages turning, there are some issues with a lack of details which are the result of author choice (even though the material is dated). While Chapman did gloss over some events; others were described with more clarity than I’ve seen contemporary historians do, resulting in deeper understanding. Basically, an overall picture is still well-created.
Correspondingly, Chapman focuses more on Grey’s story and events surrounding her versus truly bringing her psyche alive and thus making “Lady Jane Grey” best for those new to the topic or for those looking for a refresher course. Regardless, even those well-familiarized with Jane will find Chapman’s work to be readable and enjoyable.
There are some negatives surrounding dated facts (which isn’t Chapman’s fault, as this is an older book); and with the conviction of some statements. Some of the “facts” (for example: Jane not liking her hunchback sister, Mary) are firmly stated, yet not sourced or elaborated. There are moments of unnecessary, opinionated comments.
As the book progresses, the ratio of background information to those of Jane’s personal moments are satisfactory. There does appear to be a lack of proving Chapman’s thesis that Jane was not as innocent as previously portrayed. Although there are attempts by Chapman to argue this; the reader is not overall convinced as much as poked into thought and consideration. Albeit, as “Lady Jane Grey” evolves, Chapman becomes more confident in her arguing points and also presents small details which even the most avid Tudor reader may be unaware of.
The cohesiveness of “Lady Jane Grey” can be perceived as slightly choppy due to chapters which flow as separate written units (with their own source material page) versus one, long narrative. Even with some of the “broken” text, however, “Lady Jane Grey” still answers many questions and Chapman’s terrific writing style remains in tact.
A distracting (but minor) factor within “Lady Jane Grey”, were the direct quotes from foreign ambassadors which could have been enlightening… had they been translated (no translation appears even in the Notes).
With a memorable (and perfectly-timed ending); Chapman successfully presents a view of Jane Grey which reveals another side of the young lady versus that of just martyrdom which can spring forth debate. Well written and an interesting read, “Lady Jane Grey” is suggested for all Tudor lovers whom seek a more-rounded and developed picture of the Nine Days Queen.
December 18, 2023
Lady Jane Grey was the first Tudor I read about and she has been a favorite ever since. Even though the story is the same in pretty much any book you read about her Chapman's version was very good. Filled with feeling and good descriptions of Jane
July 24, 2019
A wonderful biography of a queen who is, unfortunately, often overlooked in the Tudor histories. Chapman is eloquent and thorough.
May 31, 2020
More of an account of those who used Lady Jane to seize power than of the life of Lady Jane herself.
June 30, 2014
I have read widely for decades, tomes old and new, on Tudor royals and courtiers. Here was a girl forever pushed to the back of my reading cue. I, like many, knew Lady Jane Grey as 'that' girl who only reigned for nine days. That she was executed under Queen ('Bloody') Mary I whose ministers charged Jane with treason for usurping Mary. The knowledge I lacked involved the circumstantial details. Who was driving such a plot besides Jane's ambitious parents? Why? And to what extent Jane herself was a willing or unwilling participant.
Here is all of that explained plus more. We explore Jane's regal family background, her right royal education as an heir to Henry III's throne and her differing relationships with each of her three cousins, the main contenders for Henry's throne, who for much of Jane's life were ahead of her in the succession.
The succession became reordered along the way. By the premature demise of Henry's sickly primary heir, young King Edward VI, Jane's place had been manoeuvred, without her consultation, to the front.
This, most know, was a religio-political move steered by powerbrokers fervent to keep the crown from Catholic Mary and 'bastard' Elizabeth.
What many are often left wondering is: why did the famously reluctant Jane go along with this at all? And why, when her famously forgiving cousin Queen Mary, after only nine days, successfully took back her rightful place from the 'usurping' Jane, did Jane end up with her head on the execution block? I had hitherto felt to have been offered a varying range of partly subjective explanations by historians seemingly wanting to gloss over it all in their quest to discuss greater icons.
Like many of this period's complex, intertwined scenarios, this has a cast of thousands. That includes the religiously polarised English citizenry, Jane's dynastically ambitious family and the troublesome in-laws attached to her arranged marriage which could have been avoided. Not forgetting the wily foreign officials representing Queen Mary's husband-to-be, Philip of Spain. Queen Mary herself, it seems, had her hands tied and was not necessarily the all-vengeful monster history has passed down to us.
This is a meaty read for those seasoned in the main facts of Tudor England and wanting to fill in the classic gaps. Eruditely composed and researched, it escapes the trap of becoming too academically dry. Such are the makings of a high calibre, yet popular, historical biography.
A well detailed, entertaining and informative accomplishment. I was all the better for having read it.
Here is all of that explained plus more. We explore Jane's regal family background, her right royal education as an heir to Henry III's throne and her differing relationships with each of her three cousins, the main contenders for Henry's throne, who for much of Jane's life were ahead of her in the succession.
The succession became reordered along the way. By the premature demise of Henry's sickly primary heir, young King Edward VI, Jane's place had been manoeuvred, without her consultation, to the front.
This, most know, was a religio-political move steered by powerbrokers fervent to keep the crown from Catholic Mary and 'bastard' Elizabeth.
What many are often left wondering is: why did the famously reluctant Jane go along with this at all? And why, when her famously forgiving cousin Queen Mary, after only nine days, successfully took back her rightful place from the 'usurping' Jane, did Jane end up with her head on the execution block? I had hitherto felt to have been offered a varying range of partly subjective explanations by historians seemingly wanting to gloss over it all in their quest to discuss greater icons.
Like many of this period's complex, intertwined scenarios, this has a cast of thousands. That includes the religiously polarised English citizenry, Jane's dynastically ambitious family and the troublesome in-laws attached to her arranged marriage which could have been avoided. Not forgetting the wily foreign officials representing Queen Mary's husband-to-be, Philip of Spain. Queen Mary herself, it seems, had her hands tied and was not necessarily the all-vengeful monster history has passed down to us.
This is a meaty read for those seasoned in the main facts of Tudor England and wanting to fill in the classic gaps. Eruditely composed and researched, it escapes the trap of becoming too academically dry. Such are the makings of a high calibre, yet popular, historical biography.
A well detailed, entertaining and informative accomplishment. I was all the better for having read it.
October 4, 2013
Well, it's an older book, but there's not a ton on just Lady Jane Grey. Chapman places her within the context of the Tudors, especially between Edward VI and Mary I. This is obvious, since that's when Jane's 9 day reign took place.
What I found interesting was her early life; if I had parents like that, I would not have turned out as well. They seem like very cruel and abusive, but then... Tudor's, man. I'm telling you. I am so glad I wasn't around for that.
The tragic but mostly comic character in this mess was Lady Jane's husband, Lord Guildford Dudley. That guy was spoiled. When Jane reluctantly accepted the crown, she declared that she would make her young husband a Duke, but only parliament could make him a King, and besides, the bloodline was through her, not him.
So Guilford went and literally cried to his mom, who also tried to bully Jane, but she would not move from her position.
Alas, it was not to be. Jane was less popular with her subjects than Mary (if you can imagine that), and in order to prevent any future uprisings, Mary had Jane beheaded.
Tudors.
What I found interesting was her early life; if I had parents like that, I would not have turned out as well. They seem like very cruel and abusive, but then... Tudor's, man. I'm telling you. I am so glad I wasn't around for that.
The tragic but mostly comic character in this mess was Lady Jane's husband, Lord Guildford Dudley. That guy was spoiled. When Jane reluctantly accepted the crown, she declared that she would make her young husband a Duke, but only parliament could make him a King, and besides, the bloodline was through her, not him.
So Guilford went and literally cried to his mom, who also tried to bully Jane, but she would not move from her position.
Alas, it was not to be. Jane was less popular with her subjects than Mary (if you can imagine that), and in order to prevent any future uprisings, Mary had Jane beheaded.
Tudors.
January 23, 2011
(3.5 / 5) Lady Jane Grey, the Queen of England for only nine days, is an interesting historical figure who doesn't really spring to life that well in this strangely dispassionate biography of her short life. Chapman seems to gloss over certain elements as if believing we already know the history of the Tudor monarchy and thus makes huge historical events seem like minor footnotes. Because Lady Jane was proselytized as an almost saintly figure after her execution (when the Protestants were back in control of the crown) it seems Chapman is being deliberately subdued so as not to fall into the same trap. We then get a more balanced look at Lady Jane, but not such a lively one.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews