The Tudors in Love

The Tudors in Love is a history of the Tudor period in England with a focus on the royal members of the House of Tudor and their romantic relationships.[1] Gristwood argues that much of the justification for Tudor rule in Europe was based on their relationships and "courtly love," tracing the idea back more than 300 years.[2] Case studies from the book include Henry VIII and his six wives, the execution of Anne Boleyn, and Elizabeth I's courtiers.[1]

The Tudors in Love was positively received by critics. Publishers Weekly noted the detail Gristwood described the Tudors with and noted her ability to decipher "the era's flowerly language."[3] Kirkus Reviews praised the book's depth but criticized the level of literary scholarship.[4] Tina Brown, writing in The New York Times, described the book as "dense but compelling" and praised Gristwood for humanizing the various Tudor royals.[5] Historian Gareth Russell wrote a positive review of the book for The Times, describing Gristwood as having "brilliantly and entertainingly illuminated" the time period.[6]