This book presents the surviving love letters Henry VIII wrote to Anne Boleyn during their long courtship, a period when he was desperately trying to divorce his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, to marry Anne. Alongside these letters, the book includes notes Henry himself supposedly added much later, after Anne’s execution.

The Story

The story unfolds in two layers. The first is in the letters themselves: we see Henry as a lovesick, impatient suitor. He’s writing about missing her, promising her a crown, and fretting over her health. He signs them "H seeks A.B." and calls himself your "loyal and most assured servant." It’s surprisingly tender and vulnerable.

The second layer is the brutal reality check of the notes. Added in the margins or as footnotes years later, these are from King Henry VIII, the older, embittered monarch. He comments on his own past words with a detached, often defensive tone. He might note that a promise was "fulfilled in due course" or coldly reference "subsequent events" that proved a betrayal. It’s the ultimate case of hindsight, written by the man who caused the tragedy.

Why You Should Read It

This book gets under your skin. Reading the passionate letters, you almost root for them. Then, the notes hit you like a bucket of ice water. It’s a masterclass in dramatic irony, because you know the horrific ending. You see the seeds of destruction in Henry’s possessiveness and impatience, even in his love letters. The notes don’t feel like historical analysis; they feel like a confession and a justification all at once. It removes the glamorous Hollywood filter and shows the relationship for what it was: intense, politically charged, and ultimately fatal.

Final Verdict

This is a fascinating, quick read that packs a huge emotional punch. It’s perfect for anyone who loves history that feels human, not just a list of dates and battles. If you’re fascinated by the Tudor era, this is an essential, primary-source peek behind the curtain. It’s also great for readers who enjoy psychological deep dives into complicated characters. Fair warning: it’s not a romantic escape. It’s a haunting, intimate portrait of how love can curdle into something dark, written in the king’s own hand.