The Rise and Fall of Anne Boleyn

Résumé : The events which led to the execution of Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII's second queen have traditionally been exolained in terms of a factional conspiracy masterminded by Henry's minister Thomas Cromwell. This fascinating and controversial reinterpretation focuses instead on the sexual intrigues and family politics pervading the court. The pictures wich emerges - placing Anne's life in the context of social and religious values, and superstitions about witches and the birth of deformed children - changes our perception of her role within the court, and suggets that her execution was a tragic consequence of Henry's profound concern about the continuation of the Tudor dynasty.