Jane Seymour: An Illustrated Life by Carol-Ann Johnston: A Book Review

Jane Seymour: An Illustrated Life

Author: Carol-Ann Johnston

Genre: Nonfiction, History, Biography

Publisher: Pen and Sword History

Release Date: 2025

Pages: 186

Source: Netgalley/Publisher in exchange for an honest review.

Synopsis: Biography of the third wife of King Henry VIII of England, and the mother of Edward VI who was Henry's only son. Jane Seymour is the wife of Henry VIII we know the least about, often written off as 'Plain Jane'. Queen of England for just seventeen months, during her life Jane witnessed some of the most extraordinary events ever to take place in English history, later becoming a part of them. Jane ensured her place in Henry's affections by giving him his much longed-for male heir only to tragically lose her life twelve days later leaving behind a motherless son and a devastated husband. For the remainder of his life Henry would honor the mother of his only legitimate son and would come to regard Jane as his 'true and loving wife'. But who was Jane Seymour? Throughout this illustrated book we will find a woman who was neither saint or sinner, but a human being with her own beliefs and causes.

My Review: Jane Seymour was King Henry VIII of England’s most beloved wife. She was the only wife who gave King Henry VIII his heart’s desire, which was a son. This biography of Jane Seymour chronicles her humble beginnings and her reign as queen. This biography of Jane Seymour shows her as a meek and humble woman who did not really interfere with politics. Instead, she focused on providing King Henry VIII a son.

This biography shows Jane Seymour to be a plain and unassuming girl who was not meant to be a queen. However, she caught King Henry VIII’s eye. She was a lady-in-waiting to Queen Catherine of Aragon. Queen Catherine would be her role model, and Jane would later model her queenship after her. Jane later became a lady-in-waiting to Queen Anne Boleyn. However, Jane did not like Queen Anne because she supplanted Queen Catherine’s position. As queen, Jane mostly kept out of politics. The only time she intervened in politics was when she had her husband not to destroy the abbeys because she was a staunch Catholic. However, King Henry VIII refused. Queen Jane was also very partial to her step-daughter, Princess Mary, but also did not neglect her other step-daughter, Princess Elizabeth. Therefore, Jane Seymour started out awkward in her position as queen, but she quickly learned to become a competent queen.

Overall, this biography is a very sympathetic portrait of Jane Seymour. It was clear Mrs. Johnston loved her subject very much. Jane Seymour is also one of King Henry VIII of England’s least documented Queen, and it clearly showed. Mrs. Johnston did a lot of speculation as to what Jane Seymour may have thought about the events during her life. However, there were many facts about Queen Jane that I did not know! This comprehensive biography was a very breezy and light read! I loved the illustrations in this book. This biography is a must-read for Tudor fans! I recommend this book for fans of Elizabeth Norton, Amy License, and David Loades!

Rating: 4 out of 5 stars

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