THE FIFTH QUEEN

by Ford Madox Ford ‧ RELEASE DATE: Oct. 25, 1963

A new publication (for this country) of an historical trilogy by the late British novelist and critic, described by Graham Greene as Ford's ""bravura piece"". Ford relied upon the ""authenticity"" of his impressions, and although Henry, Katherine, et al are perhaps not facsimiles of the originals, their ghosts rise with an impressive if windy shimmer. In an infinite series of agreeable attitudes the great historical entities converse, and like cards flipped fast to create movement, the succession of scenes creates the internalized movement of the tragedy-- King Henry padding about like a great bear: the bitterness of the Lady Mary piercing the darkness of a tiny chapel; and the calm sad utterances of Katherine as she is sucked down to doom from a Queen's crown to execution by lies and a delicate power struggle.A refreshing change from the ""file card school"" of historical novels.

Pub Date: Oct. 25, 1963

ISBN: 1103814095

Page Count: -

Publisher: Vanguard

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: Oct. 1, 1963

Categories: FICTION