Books Like...

'How to Be a Victorian' by Ruth Goodman is a comprehensive exploration of daily life during the Victorian era in England. The author, known for her hands-on approach, delves into various aspects of Victorian society, including work, leisure, hygiene, clothing, and even intimate details like sex and marriage. By immersing herself in the world of the Victorians, Goodman provides readers with a vivid and detailed account of what it was like to live during this period, offering a unique perspective that blends historical research with personal experience.

'Chaucer's People: Everyday Lives in Medieval England' by Liza Picard offers a detailed and scholarly analysis of the background to the various characters on pilgrimage to Canterbury in the 14th century. The book provides a fascinating insight into the social history of medieval England, exploring the lives of everyday people through the lens of Chaucer's travelers in the Canterbury Tales. Picard's writing style is described as authoritative in content yet light and breezy, infused with entertaining British wit, making the historical information accessible and engaging for readers.

'Down the Common: A Year in the Life of a Medieval Woman' by Ann Baer is a captivating novel that immerses readers into the daily life of Marion, a peasant woman living in an English medieval village. Through the changing seasons, readers experience the challenges and joys of Marion's life, from tending to her family and household to navigating the dynamics of her community. The book offers a detailed portrayal of the medieval era, focusing on the intricacies of daily living, relationships, and the interconnectedness of village life.

The narrative style of 'Down the Common' provides a rich and immersive experience, allowing readers to connect deeply with Marion and the other characters in the story. The author, Ann Baer, skillfully weaves together a tapestry of historical details, vivid descriptions of nature, and emotional depth, creating a compelling portrayal of a woman's journey through a year in medieval England.

'The Time Traveller's Guide to Medieval England: A Handbook for Visitors to the Fourteenth Century' by Ian Mortimer is a popular history book that delves into the lived experience of people in the fourteenth century. The book offers a detailed exploration of everyday life, social hierarchy, travel, health, hygiene, education, literature, and more during this period. Mortimer vividly describes various aspects of life, from food and clothing to laws and entertainment, making the distant time and place of medieval England concretely visible to readers. The book is structured like a modern travel guide, providing insights into the culture shock a visitor would have experienced in the fourteenth century.

Typically of Ackroyd, this book is beautifully written, using his novelist's skill to tell a complicated story centered around the theme of reformation, both of the church and government. The book delves into the Tudor period, focusing on the interplay between religion and politics, portraying the time as one of terror for those who stood for principles for the Roman Church as well as for the reformers. The author presents a detailed account of the Tudors, exploring their connections, dead ends, and tricky routes, providing a captivating insight into the historical period.

'The Courtiers: Splendor and Intrigue in the Georgian Court at Kensington Palace' by Lucy Worsley delves into the lives of the courtiers surrounding the first two Hanover kings of Great Britain, George I and George II. The book focuses on the daily lives of these courtiers, exploring their relationships, power struggles, and disappointments within the Georgian court. Through vivid storytelling, the author brings to life the intrigues and dramas of the royal family, loyal servants, and mistresses, offering a glimpse into a court on the brink of social change. Worsley's writing style paints a detailed picture of the Georgian era, capturing the complexities of the courtiers' lives against the backdrop of historical events.

The book offers a compelling narrative that humanizes the royal family and courtiers, providing insights into their personal struggles and triumphs. By shifting the focus from the well-known royals to the lesser-known courtiers, Worsley uncovers a fascinating world of interpersonal drama, power dynamics, and social influence. Readers are taken on a journey through the Georgian court, exploring the lives of both high and low-born individuals, and gaining a deeper understanding of the complexities of 18th-century British royalty.

'Victorian Farm: Rediscovering Forgotten Skills' by Alex Langlands, Ruth Goodman, and Peter Ginn is a companion to the television series of the same name. It provides detailed information and insights into the Victorian era, focusing on farming, rural life, and forgotten skills. Readers praised the book for containing a lot of information that didn't make it into the show, including recipes, historical accounts, and practical knowledge about farming and homesteading in the 19th century. is described as a wonderful read that expands on the experiences showcased in the TV series, offering a glimpse into the challenges and joys of Victorian farm life.

Queen's Gambit by Elizabeth Fremantle is a historical fiction novel that delves into the life of Katherine Parr, the sixth and final wife of King Henry VIII. The book portrays Katherine's struggles and triumphs as she navigates the treacherous court of Henry VIII, balancing her own beliefs and desires with the expectations placed upon her as queen. Through the eyes of Katherine and other characters like her maid Dot, the readers are transported to a vividly depicted Tudor England, where political intrigue, religious conflicts, and personal relationships shape the course of history.

'The Six Wives of Henry VIII' by Alison Weir is a comprehensive biography that delves into the lives and marriages of King Henry VIII and his six wives. The book offers a unique perspective by focusing on the experiences and perspectives of the wives themselves, rather than solely on the king. Readers appreciated the detailed research and balanced portrayal of each wife, showcasing them as individuals with dreams and ambitions within the context of a male-dominated society.

The narrative is described as engaging, informative, and easy to read, providing a deep dive into Tudor history and the complexities of Henry VIII's reign. Through meticulous research, the author brings historical figures to life, offering insights into the court intrigues, love lives, and political turmoil of the era. The book covers not only the personal lives of the wives but also the broader historical context, including the impact of the Protestant revolution in England and the English Reformation.

'Henry VIII' by J.J. Scarisbrick is a comprehensive and balanced biography of the English monarch. Scarisbrick provides a detailed analysis of Henry's life, focusing on his role as a man and ruler. The author's writing style is engaging, offering a pleasant read overall, although some find the minutiae on canon law to be a bit dense. covers Henry's political scene, foreign policy, and the divorce annulment from Queen Catherine in careful detail, providing unique information on the Tudor king's life.