Carolly Erickson is a distinguished historian whose compelling narratives bring the past to life. Her writing delves into the complexities of historical figures, exploring their inner lives and the forces that shaped their destinies. Erickson's meticulous research and vivid storytelling offer readers an immersive experience into pivotal moments of history, revealing the human drama behind monumental events.
Exploring the life of Catherine of Aragon, this novel delves into her tumultuous marriage to Henry VIII and her role as the mother of Mary I. It highlights her strength, resilience, and the political and personal challenges she faced in a patriarchal society. The narrative offers a poignant portrayal of love, betrayal, and the quest for power, shedding light on a pivotal figure in history whose influence shaped the course of England.
In the tumultuous late reign of Henry VIII, lively Catherine Howard captures the king's attention, unaware that her past as the lover of several men will come back to haunt her. Married to Henry, she ultimately reveals her true affections for his gentleman usher, Tom Culpeper.
Set against the backdrop of Tudor England, this novel delves into the life of Jane Seymour, the third wife of Henry VIII. It explores her tumultuous marriage, which began shortly after Anne Boleyn's execution, and her desperate desire to provide the king with a male heir. The narrative captures Jane's struggles and sacrifices, ultimately leading to her tragic fate as she fulfills her role in securing the Tudor legacy. Through rich historical detail, the story reveals the complexities of love, power, and duty in a perilous court.
The novel explores the intense rivalry between Queen Elizabeth I and her cousin Lettice Knollys, both vying for the affection of a remarkable man. Set against a backdrop of political intrigue and personal ambition, it delves into the complexities of their relationship and the lengths they will go to secure power and love. The story highlights themes of loyalty, betrayal, and the struggles of women in a patriarchal society, offering a captivating glimpse into the lives of two formidable figures in history.
Focusing on the captivating personalities of Regency England, this social history explores the dynamic changes within English society during a period of significant transformation. The author, known for previous works like Bloody Mary and Mistress Anne, delves into the intriguing social interactions and historical context that shaped this era, offering readers a compelling look at the forces at play in a society in flux.
Mary, Queen of Scotland from six days old, married the young King of France and became a widow early. She then took control of Scotland, navigating the challenges of her unruly kingdom while striving to maintain her throne.
A vibrant tale of the woman who shaped a prominent European military leader, written by renowned biographer and historical novelist Carolly Erickson, praised for her intuitive sympathy and keen eye for unexpected details.
From the bestselling author of The Hidden Diary of Marie Antoinette comes a dramatic novel and powerful love story about the last Russian imperial family. It is 1989 and Daria Gradov is an elderly grandmother living in the rural West. What neighbors and even her children don't know, however, is that she is not who she claims to be—the widow of a Russian immigrant of modest means. In actuality she began her life as the Grand Duchess Tatiana, known as Tania to her parents, Tsar Nicholas II and Tsarina Alexandra. And so begins the latest entrancing historical entertainment by Carolly Erickson. At its center is young Tania, who lives a life of incomparable luxury in pre-Revolutionary Russia, from the magnificence of the Winter Palace in St. Petersburg to the family's private enclave outside the capital. Tania is one of four daughters, and the birth of her younger brother Alexei is both a blessing and a curse. When he is diagnosed with hemophilia and the key to his survival lies in the mysterious power of the illiterate monk Rasputin, it is merely an omen of much worse things to come. Soon war breaks out and revolution sweeps the family from power and into claustrophobic imprisonment in Siberia. Into Tania's world comes a young soldier whose life she helps to save and who becomes her partner in daring plans to rescue the imperial family from certain death.
Set against the backdrop of revolutionary France, the story explores the life of Josephine, Napoleon Bonaparte's first wife. It delves into her ambition, moral complexities, and vulnerabilities, portraying her as a captivating figure who navigates the tumultuous world of power and love. The novel promises a rich narrative filled with historical detail and emotional depth, highlighting Josephine's journey from a modest background to becoming a key player in a significant era.
In her powerful new book, Carolly Erickson brilliantly captures the queen’s voice, her hopes and her suffering. We follow, mesmerised, as she reveals every detail of a remarkable, eventful life – from her teenage years when she began keeping a diary to her final days when she awaited her bloody appointment with the guillotine. An historical entertainment that elaborates imaginatively and whimsically on the actual lives of Marie Antoinette, Louis XVI, Axel Fersen, and their peers. The Hidden Diary gives the reader the carthartic, visceral experience of reliving Marie Antoinette’s life – as fictionally elaborated. Erickson creates a memorable, sympathetic, vivid image of this Queen that she hopes will stay in the mind and heart of the reader after the book is closed. ‘Writers of historical fiction must tread a fine line between loving one’s protagonists while telling the truth about them. arolly Erickson has executed this balancing act with the same scorching wit and great-heartedness that has always illuminated her biographies.’ – Robin Maxwell, author of The Secret Diary of Anne Boleyn. Carolly Erickson holds a Ph.D. in medieval history from Colombia University and was a college professor before becoming a writer. She has written many historical biographies, including The First Elizabeth, Her Little Majesty, and Alexandra.