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Type of bind: Paperback
Dewey Decimal Number: 813.52
EAN num: 9781556525322
ISBN number: 155652532X
Label: Chicago Review Press
Manufacturer: Chicago Review Press
Quantity: 1
Page Count: 512
Printing Date: May 01, 2004
Publishing house: Chicago Review Press
Sale Popularity Level: 1692
Studio: Chicago Review Press
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Editor's Notes and Comments:
Product Description:
This classic romance novel tells the true story of the love affair that changed history-that of Katherine Swynford and John of Gaunt, Duke of Lancaster, the ancestors of most of the British royal family. Set in the vibrant 14th century of Chaucer and the Black Death, the story features knights fighting in battle, serfs struggling in poverty, and the magnificent Plantagenets-Edward III, the Black Prince, and Richard II-who ruled despotically over a court rotten with intrigue. Within this era of danger and romance, John of Gaunt, the king's son, falls passionately in love with the already married Katherine. Their well-documented affair and love persist through decades of war, adultery, murder, loneliness, and redemption. This epic novel of conflict, cruelty, and untamable love has become a classic since its very first publication in 1954.
User popularity level:
Rated by buyers 
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Many people adored this book, as evidenced by all the 5 star reviews, but I was not one of them. It took a real effort of will to trudge through this drawn-out emotionally dry and dusty tale. The writing style reads very much like a romance novel from the 1950's or 60's with characters who seem over-simplified and shallow, rather like how you might tell a story to a small child (except for excruciating detail in just about every other way- down to what each and every serf and shepherd are wearing). I never really understood what drew Katherine and John together because they aren't written as especially engaging or likable characters. They are both good-looking. And he is rich. And she is pious. So if that's what appeals to you in a novel, this may be something that sets your heart on fire. If you are hoping for more, look elsewhere.
Rated by buyers -
Don't let the fact that this book is 50 years old dissuade you--it's one of the best historical novels I've ever read. It tells the tale of John, Duke of Lancaster, and his third wife Katherine, during the 14th century. Factual details about Katherine's life are scarce, but John, sometimes known as John of Gaunt, was a key player in England at the time. His place in history is ambiguous--he was always suspected of wanting the throne for himself, and indeed his son eventually ended up capturing it.
Seton, not unexpectedly, gives us a picture of a gorgeous, skilled, intelligent man, who pledged loyalty to his King and kept the promise. Katherine is a beautiful, gracious woman, who suffers through many years of being scorned by the Court because of her "irregular" relationship with John and her status as a commoner. But it all turns out fine in the end, of course.
Seton writes well, and manages to convey a sense of the English spoken at the time while still making it totally understandable. The history is accurate in broad outline. Interestingly, Katherine was Chaucer's sister-in-law, and it's possible Chaucer used her as a model for his own work. But most importantly, this book is a great read. As I began, I suddenly had a sneaking suspicion that I'd read this book as a teenager--a very long time ago! But I kept reading anyway--it's that good.
Rated by buyers 
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Since this was written in the fifties you don't get the raunch that love stories nowadays have, but it was good none the less. The story, for me, began too slow and ended too fast, with so much time passing inbetween that you had to be caught up with nearly every chapter, or every "part" so that sometimes you were left confused and wondering. That was why I gave it four stars. The writing is great, however, very discriptive and enjoyable. The characters themselves are very in depth and realistic, and the time spent with each one is appropriate. I did love the ending, with Katherine finally marrying her long time lover, and discovering the fate of her daughter who had disappeared years ago, something I correctly predicted before it happened. I'll recommend this book to all my friends, and to anyone who reads this review.
Rated by buyers -
This is a fantastic story of the birth of the Tudor family. It is also a story that truly tells how love conquers all.
I was unable to put this book down! It is a mix of a heroine that you love, pity and are sickened with due to her own wants and desires. It is a wonderful story about how we can all lie to ourselves when what we want is morally wrong and what can happen as a result.
Rated by buyers -
I have read many historical novels about the medieval and renaissance periods and this is the best. I couldn't put the book down. It's been months since I read it, and I still think about it every day. What a great love story!
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