Order of Carolly Erickson Books

Carolly Erickson is an American writer who brings history's most fascinating and influential women to life through both historical fiction and non-fiction. Her compelling portraits feature legendary figures including Marie Antoinette, Mary Queen of Scots, Anne Boleyn, Queen Elizabeth I, Queen Mary I, Catherine the Great, and Queen Victoria, among many others. She currently resides in Hawaii.

With a publishing career spanning over five decades, Erickson launched her literary journey in 1971 with the non-fiction work The Records of Medieval Europe. She later ventured into historical fiction in 2005, debuting as a novelist with The Hidden Diary of Marie Antoinette.

In The Last Wife of Henry VIII, Erickson explores the story of Catherine Parr, arguably the most overlooked yet most intelligent of Henry's six queens. This captivating, sharp-witted woman caught the king's attention despite her deep love for the dashing Thomas Seymour, finding herself thrust into the dangerous world of Tudor court politics. As Catherine navigated the treacherous waters where others faced torture and death at the king's whim, she managed to outlast Henry's attempts to replace her with a seventh bride. After Henry's death, Catherine finally united with Seymour, though their happiness was complicated by his inappropriate interest in the young Princess Elizabeth. Catherine ultimately triumphed in this rivalry, but victory came at a significant personal price.