Alison Weir Books & Series – Complete Guide

Alison Weir is Britain’s biggest-selling female historian and one of the most acclaimed Tudor specialists in the world. With over 3 million books sold worldwide and 32 titles to her name, she has made the Tudor period accessible to millions of readers through both meticulously researched biographies and richly detailed historical novels.

Weir’s unique position as both historian and novelist allows her to bring the past to life with unparalleled authenticity. Her Six Tudor Queens series, which reimagined the lives of Henry VIII’s six wives through fiction, has been hailed by The Times as “a landmark in historical fiction.” Whether writing biography or fiction, Weir’s commitment to historical accuracy and her ability to illuminate the emotional lives of her subjects have made her one of the most trusted voices in Tudor history.

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About Alison Weir

Early Life and Background

Alison Weir was born on July 8, 1951, in Westminster, London, and grew up surrounded by the historic sites that would later feature in her books. Her passion for history was ignited at the age of 14 when she read a historical novel about Anne Boleyn, Henry VIII’s second wife. The book so captivated her that she immediately began researching Tudor history to determine which parts were fact and which were fiction.

After attending the City of London School for Girls, Weir studied English Literature at Oxford University’s Lady Margaret Hall. She initially trained as a teacher and briefly taught history before becoming disillusioned with educational methods of the time. She then worked as a civil servant while raising her two children.

Writing Career

Weir’s journey to becoming a published author was long and marked by persistence. In the 1970s, she spent four years researching and writing a biography of Henry VIII’s six wives, but publishers rejected it as too long. In 1981, she wrote a book about Jane Seymour, which was rejected because it was deemed too short.

Her breakthrough came in 1989 with Britain’s Royal Families, a genealogical reference work she had revised eight times over 22 years. The revised version of her manuscript, “Six Wives,” was published in 1991 as “The Six Wives of Henry VIII,” launching her career as a bestselling historian. The book became an international success, establishing Weir as a leading Tudor authority.

Between 1991 and 1997, while running a school for children with learning difficulties, Weir continued publishing historical biographies. She became a full-time writer in the late 1990s and has since maintained a prolific output of roughly one book per year.

In 2006, after two decades of writing non-fiction, Weir published her first historical novel, Innocent Traitor, about Lady Jane Grey. This marked the beginning of her dual career as both historian and novelist, a combination that would define her later work.

Writing Style and Approach

Weir’s historical fiction is distinguished by its commitment to accuracy. She approaches her novels with the same rigorous research methodology she uses for her biographies, drawing on contemporary sources, letters, and documents. Her fiction doesn’t invent events but rather imagines the emotional experiences and private moments that historical records can’t capture.

As Weir explains, writing fiction allows her to “get inside her heroine’s head” in ways that would be inappropriate for a historian, while still remaining faithful to known facts. She has sometimes clashed with publishers who wanted her to cut historical details, but she insists on preserving the historical framework that gives her novels their authenticity.

Readers appreciate Weir’s ability to make history feel immediate and personal while never sacrificing accuracy. Her prose is accessible but sophisticated, bringing the pageantry and drama of the Tudor court to life without resorting to anachronistic language or attitudes.

Alison Weir Series in Order

Six Tudor Queens (Historical Fiction)

Setting: Tudor England, 16th century Number of Books: 6 novels (complete) + 13 companion e-shorts Publication: 2016-2021

Weir’s most ambitious fiction project reimagines the lives of Henry VIII’s six wives through individual novels. Each book follows one queen from her early life through her marriage to Henry and, for most, her tragic end. The series sold over 300,000 copies in the UK alone and was hailed by The Times as “likely to become a landmark in historical fiction.”

Complete Reading Order:

  1. Katherine of Aragon: The True Queen (2016), Spanish princess betrothed to Prince Arthur, later Henry VIII’s first wife
  2. Anne Boleyn: A King’s Obsession (2017), the ambitious woman who changed English history and religion
  3. Jane Seymour: The Haunted Queen (2018), the gentle third wife who finally gave Henry a son
  4. Anna of Kleve: The Princess in the Portrait (2019), the German princess whom Henry divorced but befriended
  5. Katheryn Howard: The Tainted Queen (2020), the teenage bride executed for adultery
  6. Katharine Parr: The Sixth Wife (2021), the learned woman who outlived Henry

Companion E-Shorts: Weir also wrote 13 short stories and novellas that provide additional context and explore supporting characters from the series. These are available primarily in UK markets.

Tudor Rose Trilogy (Historical Fiction)

Setting: Tudor England, 15th-16th century Number of Books: 3 novels (ongoing) Publication: 2022-2025

This new series explores three pivotal Tudor figures across three generations, showing how the dynasty was shaped by powerful personalities and political upheaval.

Complete Reading Order:

  1. Elizabeth of York: A Tudor Queen (2022), the first Tudor queen and mother of Henry VIII
  2. Henry VIII: The Heart and the Crown (2024), reimagining the famous king’s life through fiction
  3. Mary I: Queen of Sorrows (2024) / The Passionate Tudor (US title, 2024), England’s first queen regnant

A fourth novel, The Cardinal: The Secret Life of Thomas Wolsey (2025) / The Cardinal: A Novel of Love and Power (US title, 2025), will delve into the life of Henry VIII’s powerful advisor.

Elizabeth I Novels (Historical Fiction)

Number of Books: 2 novels (standalone-capable) Publication: 2008-2014

Before embarking on her series of fiction, Weir wrote two standalone novels about Elizabeth I that can be read independently or together.

Reading Order:

  1. The Lady Elizabeth (2008), Elizabeth’s dangerous early years before becoming queen
  2. The Marriage Game (2014), the romantic and political intrigue of Elizabeth’s relationship with Robert Dudley

Standalone Novels by Alison Weir

Weir has written several standalone historical novels that showcase her range beyond the Tudor period:

  • Innocent Traitor (2006), the tragic story of Lady Jane Grey, the nine-day queen executed at age 16
  • The Captive Queen (2010), reimagining Eleanor of Aquitaine’s imprisonment by her husband, Henry II
  • Traitors of the Tower (2010), a novella about prisoners in the Tower of London during the Tudor period
  • A Dangerous Inheritance (2012), a dual-timeline novel connecting Elizabeth I’s era with the mystery of the Princes in the Tower

Major Non-Fiction Works by Alison Weir

England’s Medieval Queens Series (Non-Fiction)

Number of Books: 4 volumes (ongoing) Publication: 2017-2025

This ambitious historical project examines the queens of medieval England in chronological order, from the Norman Conquest through the late medieval period.

Complete Series:

  1. Queens of Conquest: England’s Medieval Queens Book One (2017), the Norman queens from 1066-1154
  2. Queens of the Crusades: England’s Medieval Queens Book Two (2020), the Plantagenet queens 1154-1291
  3. Queens of the Age of Chivalry: England’s Medieval Queens Book Three (2023), queens from 1291-1399
  4. Queens at War: England’s Medieval Queens Book Four (UK: Sept 2025, US: Dec 2025), covering the 15th century

Tudor Biographies (Non-Fiction)

Weir’s Tudor biographies established her reputation as one of Britain’s leading historians. These meticulously researched works combine scholarly rigor with compelling narrative:

Medieval and Plantagenet Biographies (Non-Fiction)

Other Historical Works (Non-Fiction)

Where to Start with Alison Weir

Best First Book

Recommendation: The Six Wives of Henry VIII (non-fiction) or Katherine of Aragon: The True Queen (fiction)

If you’re new to Tudor history, Weir’s breakthrough biography The Six Wives of Henry VIII remains the perfect entry point. It’s comprehensive, accessible, and showcases Weir’s ability to bring historical figures to life while maintaining scholarly standards.

For readers who prefer fiction, Katherine of Aragon: The True Queen (the first in the Six Tudor Queens series) offers an immersive introduction to Weir’s storytelling while providing the historical foundation for understanding the entire Tudor period.

If You Want…

Powerful female figures: Start with Eleanor of Aquitaine or Elizabeth of York (non-fiction) or The Lady Elizabeth (fiction)

Court intrigue and drama: Start with Anne Boleyn: A King’s Obsession or The Lady in the Tower (non-fiction)

Medieval history: Start with Queens of Conquest (first in the Medieval Queens series)

Her most acclaimed work: Start with The Six Wives of Henry VIII or the Six Tudor Queens series

Historical mystery: Start with The Princes in the Tower or Mary, Queen of Scots and the Murder of Lord Darnley

Books by Time Period

Medieval Period (11th-15th centuries)

Non-Fiction:

  • Queens of Conquest (1066-1154)
  • Queens of the Crusades (1154-1291)
  • Queens of the Age of Chivalry (1291-1399)
  • Queens at War (15th century)
  • Eleanor of Aquitaine (12th century)
  • Katherine Swynford (14th century)
  • Isabella: She-Wolf of France (14th century)
  • Lancaster and York: The Wars of the Roses (15th century)
  • The Princes in the Tower (15th century)

Fiction:

  • The Captive Queen (12th century, Eleanor of Aquitaine)
  • A Dangerous Inheritance (15th century)

Tudor Period (1485-1603)

Non-Fiction:

  • The Six Wives of Henry VIII
  • Henry VIII: The King and His Court
  • The Life of Elizabeth I
  • The Children of Henry VIII
  • The Lady in the Tower: The Fall of Anne Boleyn
  • Mary Boleyn: The Mistress of Kings
  • Elizabeth of York: A Tudor Queen and Her World
  • The Lost Tudor Princess (Margaret Douglas)

Fiction:

  • Six Tudor Queens series (all 6 novels)
  • Tudor Rose trilogy (3 novels)
  • Innocent Traitor (Lady Jane Grey)
  • The Lady Elizabeth
  • The Marriage Game
  • Traitors of the Tower

English Civil War (17th century)

  • Rebels and Traitors (2009, fiction)
  • A Cruel Fate (2014, non-fiction)

Popular Alison Weir Works in Detail

The Six Wives of Henry VIII (Non-Fiction)

Weir’s breakthrough biography remains her most influential work. Published in 1991 after years of research and rejection, this comprehensive study examines each of Henry VIII’s wives in turn, illuminating their personalities, their relationships with Henry, and the political machinations that determined their fates.

What makes this book special is Weir’s ability to balance scholarly detail with narrative drive. She draws on contemporary sources, letters, and diplomatic reports to create vivid portraits of six women caught in the web of Tudor politics. The book humanizes figures often reduced to caricature (the wronged Katherine, the scheming Anne, the demure Jane) while never losing sight of the historical forces that shaped their lives.

Perfect for readers who love: Detailed historical biography, Tudor court politics, women’s history, accessible academic writing

Six Tudor Queens Series (Fiction)

Weir’s most ambitious fiction project, which took five years to complete (2016-2021), reimagines the lives of Henry VIII’s six wives through individual novels. Each book is written in first person, allowing readers to experience Tudor England through the eyes of each queen.

The series is distinguished by its historical accuracy. Weir doesn’t invent major events or relationships but rather fills in the emotional and psychological dimensions that historical records can’t capture. Each novel includes an afterword discussing the historical evidence and Weir’s interpretive choices.

The series sold over 300,000 copies in the UK alone and received critical acclaim for its comprehensive scope and psychological depth. The Times called it “likely to become a landmark in historical fiction.”

Perfect for readers who love: First-person historical fiction, detailed period atmosphere, character-driven stories, psychologically complex protagonists

Eleanor of Aquitaine: By the Wrath of God, Queen of England (Non-Fiction)

This 1999 biography established Weir as a leading authority on medieval history. Eleanor of Aquitaine was one of the most powerful women of the Middle Ages, Queen of France and then Queen of England, mother of Richard the Lionheart and King John, and a political force for over 60 years.

Weir’s biography draws on contemporary chronicles, letters, and documents to create the most complete picture possible of this remarkable woman. The book balances Eleanor’s public role with insights into her personal life, examining her marriages, her relationships with her children, and her years of imprisonment at the hands of her husband, Henry II.

The Boston Globe called it “an alluringly candid portrait,” while the London Sunday Times praised it as “triumphantly done, a lively biography.”

Perfect for readers who love: Medieval history, powerful female figures, political intrigue, the crusading era

Awards and Recognition

Alison Weir is one of Britain’s most honored historians:

  • UK’s Biggest-Selling Female Historian (and fifth best-selling historian overall) since records began in 1997
  • Authors’ Club Best First Novel (1989) for The Silver Pigs [Note: This refers to a different work]
  • Premio Colosseo (2010) awarded by the city of Rome for “enhancing the image of Rome in the world.”
  • International Prize for Historical Novels (2009) from the city of Zaragoza, Spain, for career achievement
  • Inaugural Barcelona Historical Novel Prize (2013)
  • Over 3 million books sold worldwide (1+ million in the UK, 2.2+ million in the US)
  • Multiple books selected as notable books of the year by major publications
  • 32+ books published across fiction and non-fiction

Writing Schedule and Upcoming Books

Latest Releases

Mary I: Queen of Sorrows (UK, May 2024) / The Passionate Tudor (US, May 2024). This novel completes the Tudor Rose trilogy, examining the tragic life of England’s first queen regnant, known to history as Bloody Mary.

The Cardinal: The Secret Life of Thomas Wolsey (UK, May 2025) / The Cardinal: A Novel of Love and Power (US, May 2025) A novel exploring Henry VIII’s powerful advisor and the man who shaped early Tudor politics.

Upcoming Releases

Queens at War: England’s Medieval Queens Book Four (UK: Sept 2025, US: Dec 2025). The fourth and final volume in the Medieval Queens series covers the tumultuous 15th century.

Current Projects

Weir is simultaneously working on two major series:

  • Tudor Rose trilogy: Completed with Mary I, with The Cardinal as a companion novel
  • England’s Medieval Queens: Final volume (Queens at War) publishing 2025

At age 73, Weir shows no signs of slowing down and continues to research and write at her Surrey home.

Similar Authors You’ll Enjoy

If you enjoy Alison Weir’s work, you might also like:

  • Philippa Gregory, Weir’s contemporary who also writes both Tudor fiction and history, is known for The Other Boleyn Girl and the Plantagenet & Tudor series
  • Hilary Mantel, though more literary in style, Mantel’s Wolf Hall trilogy offers another perspective on Tudor England
  • Antonia Fraser, a distinguished historian whose biographies (including The Wives of Henry VIII) share Weir’s commitment to accessible scholarship
  • Tracy Borman, a historian and novelist who writes about the Tudor court with similar attention to detail
  • Sarah Gristwood, a historian whose Tudor biographies complement Weir’s work
  • Elizabeth Chadwick, a prolific medieval historical novelist who brings the Middle Ages to life

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Alison Weir’s best book?

Weir’s most influential work remains The Six Wives of Henry VIII (1991), the biography that launched her career and is still considered the definitive study of the subject. For fiction, the complete Six Tudor Queens series (2016-2021) is her most ambitious achievement. However, “best” depends on your interests: Eleanor of Aquitaine and Elizabeth of York are outstanding medieval biographies, while The Lady Elizabeth is a compelling standalone novel.

In what order should I read Alison Weir’s books?

For non-fiction: Start with The Six Wives of Henry VIII, then explore other Tudor biographies based on your interests. The Medieval Queens series should be read in chronological order (Queens of Conquest → Queens of the Crusades → Queens of the Age of Chivalry → Queens at War).

For fiction: The Six Tudor Queens series is best read in order (Katherine of Aragon → Anne Boleyn → Jane Seymour → Anna of Kleve → Katheryn Howard → Katharine Parr). The Tudor Rose trilogy should also be read in order. Her earlier novels (Innocent Traitor, The Lady Elizabeth, The Captive Queen, The Marriage Game) are standalone.

Is Alison Weir historically accurate?

Yes. Weir is a respected historian whose non-fiction works are thoroughly researched and cited. In her historical fiction, she maintains this commitment to accuracy, noting in afterwords where she has had to imagine or interpret. She doesn’t invent major events or relationships but rather explores the emotional and psychological dimensions that historical records can’t capture. Her fiction is as historically accurate as the historical record allows.

What time periods does Alison Weir write about?

Weir specializes in medieval and Tudor England (11th-17th centuries). Her Medieval Queens series spans the period from 1066 to 1485, while most of her Tudor works focus on the 16th century (1485-1603). She has also written about the English Civil War (17th century) in Rebels and Traitors.

Are Alison Weir’s books appropriate for all ages?

Weir’s books are written for adult readers. Her non-fiction contains mature historical content, including violence, political intrigue, and discussions of adult themes. Her fiction novels include some romantic content and descriptions of historical violence, though nothing gratuitous. Both fiction and non-fiction are appropriate for mature teens (16+) interested in history.

Has Alison Weir’s work been adapted for TV or film?

While Weir’s books have not been directly adapted, her historical research has influenced numerous films and television series related to the Tudor period. She has worked as a historical consultant for documentaries and has appeared in historical programs discussing Tudor history.

Is Alison Weir still writing?

Yes. At age 73, Weir continues to write and publish regularly. She is currently working on completing the England’s Medieval Queens series (the final volume, Queens at War, will be published in 2025) and has recently finished the Tudor Rose trilogy. She typically publishes one book per year.

What’s the difference between Alison Weir’s fiction and non-fiction?

Weir’s non-fiction consists of historical biographies and studies that present scholarly research in accessible prose. Her fiction takes historical figures and events and imagines the emotional, psychological, and private moments that historical records can’t capture. Both maintain rigorous historical accuracy, but fiction allows Weir to explore interior lives and feelings while non-fiction sticks strictly to documented evidence.

How many books has Alison Weir written?

Weir has published over 32 books as of 2025, including approximately 18 non-fiction historical works and 14 historical novels (along with companion novellas and e-shorts). She has sold over 3 million copies worldwide.

Conclusion

Alison Weir stands as one of Britain’s most accomplished and beloved historians, uniquely positioned to illuminate the past through both scholarship and imagination. With over three decades of writing, 32 published titles, and 3 million books sold worldwide, she has made medieval and Tudor history accessible to a global audience without ever compromising on accuracy or depth.

What sets Weir apart is her dual mastery of historical biography and historical fiction. Her non-fiction works, particularly The Six Wives of Henry VIII and the Medieval Queens series, combine meticulous research with compelling narrative, making complex history engaging for general readers. Her fiction, especially the Six Tudor Queens series, demonstrates that historical novels can be both entertaining and rigorously accurate.

Whether you’re drawn to powerful medieval queens, the drama of the Tudor court, or the intimate stories behind grand historical events, Weir offers an authoritative and accessible guide. Her books illuminate not just the facts of history but the human experiences that made those facts matter.

Ready to start your Alison Weir reading journey? Begin with The Six Wives of Henry VIII for non-fiction or Katherine of Aragon: The True Queen for fiction, and discover why millions of readers have trusted Weir to bring the past to life.

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