Why read Children of the House of Cleves?

Book cover of Children of the House of Cleves: Anna and Her Siblings

Book description

Children of the House of Cleves describes and analyses the lives of Sybylla, Anna, Wilhelm and Amalia, the children of Johann III, Duke of Cleves. Though their parents were staunch Catholics, Wilhelm of Julich-Cleves-Berg was a Lutheran - when it suited him. He challenged the Holy Roman Emperor, Charles V,…

Explore

Topics

Politics

Genres

European history

When you buy books, we may earn a commission that helps keep our lights on (or join the rebellion as a member).

Why read it?

1 author picked Children of the House of Cleves as one of their favorite books. Why do they recommend it?

Sylvia Barbara Soberton

Author

Anne of Cleves (or Anna as the author refers to her throughout the narrative) was Henry VIII’s fourth wife.

Heather R. Darsie meticulously researched the story behind Anna and her family and uncovered many new sources. I was particularly blown away by the fact that Anna’s short-lived marriage to Henry was actually consummated; it changes the current narrative significantly and I love it when a book corrects my understanding of the period, injecting fresh new insights into the well-trodden narratives.

From Sylvia's 3 favorite reads in 2023.