Random fact about me – I majored in both biochemistry and history in college.
For whatever reason, I couldn’t just focus on one area of study.  Reading historical texts was a welcome relief from memorizing chemical reactions (I still have nightmares from organic chemistry), and learning different cellular pathways proved to be a nice break from writing long papers on crazed Roman emperors.  Nero?  That guy was nuts.
Even though my life isn’t consumed by lab work and stacks of books, as it was in college, I still love me some science. Â And history.
These days, it’s all about English history. Â Specifically, the Tudors.
I’ve been binging on books, television shows, and even music from the era.  Henry VIII’s marital issues are something the most imaginative writers couldn’t write.  The man created a whole new church as a result.
Though the Tudor dynasty was short-lived, it produced two of England’s most famous monarchs. Â And some interesting drama.
Pour a cup of tea or wine. Â Curl up with these books. Â Binge watch these shows. Â And prepare to be entertained – while being educated.
Le Temps Viendra – So the concept of a modern-day woman finding herself in Anne Boleyn’s body in the 1500’s seems….well, ridiculous.  But this book duo was as addictive as bar of dark chocolate, sprinkled with sea salt.  It was delicious and somewhat good for you.  I’ll admit that the writing veered between camp and academic, but overall this series was compelling and a fascinating look at the short-lived life of one of England’s most polarizing queens.
The Tudors – Two words. Â Henry. Â Cavill. Â Still not enough? Â Consider this – the show chronicles the tumultuous life of Henry VIII, from his struggle to stay devoted to one wife to quelling the religious tensions caused by his break with Rome. Â The acting is outstanding, the score is hauntingly beautiful, and the historical accuracy is better than most television adaptations. Â Reign fans will also appreciate some casting decisions made in seasons 3 (King Henry) and season 4 (Bash).
The Six Wives of Henry VIII – In case you can’t get enough of Henry’s harem, this book dives into each wife in detail. Â Despite its intimidating size, it’s an enjoyable read – beheadings aside.
Shadow of Night – The sequel to book crack A Discovery of Witches, it dives into Elizabethan England.  Both books are a must-read, but I loved Shadow of Night for its commentary on the persecution of witchcraft, in a decidedly non-cheesy way.  Read both books.  And then get yourself The Book Of Life when it’s released next month.
Wolf Hall & Bring Up The Bodies – The name Thomas Cromwell not ringing a bell?  He was a major force behind the creation of the Church of England. Both books recount Cromwell’s story in two enjoyable novels.  Minus, you know, beheadings.
These selections are pre-Tudor, but equally compelling.
The Cousins War series – Philippa Gregory came into popular culture fame with her novel The Other Boleyn Girl, but I think her Cousins’ War series is her best work.  I could NOT put down these books, and inhaled them all during last fall’s trip to Germany and Italy.  Gregory always focuses on the women in the patriarchal English society, but these ladies were the true changemakers during the War of the Roses.  They’re best accompanied by a beach and a frou-frou umbrella drink.
The White Queen – While I made the mistake of watching this series on a plane (sex scenes + a middle seat = not a good idea), it was the BEST way to spend 10 out of the 15 hours flying to Australia.  Based on the aforementioned Cousins’ War books by Philippa Gregory, the series was so so good.  And again, you couldn’t write this stuff.  Conspiracy, family feuds, and death by drowning in wine?  Entertainment at its finest.  But read the books first.
Anyone else an addict of English history? Â What are your favorite books or shows focused on the era? Â I’d love some new items to feed my addiction.
