Philippa Gregory in Chronological Order

30 Aug By Literate Housewife 80 Comments

Update 10/14/2010: I originally wrote this post because I had some difficulty putting Philippa Gregory’s Tudor books together in chronological order. At the time, I was new to my love of all things Tudor and didn’t have any real knowledge of the family’s history on my own. By far, this is my most popular post and I’m happy to have provided others with this information.

Since it’s initial publication, Gregory has started writing a series on the Plantagenets, who predate the Tudors. Others have also asked how her other works of historical fiction might fit in with this history. I decided it was high time to revamp this post. I hope that this proves to be even more helpful to you.

~ Jennifer

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Philippa Gregory’s Tudor Novels

I thought that it might be helpful to list the books Philippa Gregory has written around the history of Henry VIII and his immediate descendants in chronological order for those of you who haven’t had the pleasure of reading them for yourself.

1. The Constant Princess
2. The Other Boleyn Girl
3. The Boleyn Inheritance
4. The Queen’s Fool
5. The Virgin’s Lover
6. The Other Queen

Filling In the Gaps

Philippa’s books do not cover everything or everyone. After reading The Boleyn Inheritance, I wanted to know more about Henry’s last wife. I found The Last Wife of Henry VIII, which answered my questions and was a great read. Around that time, Alison Weir‘s first “go-round” in fiction came out, entitled Innocent Traitor . It tells the story of Lady Jane Grey, otherwise known as the Nine Day’s Queen. I would suggest reading this book after The Last Wife of Henry VIII and The Lady Elizabeth before The Queen’s Fool. I just finished up another Tudor novel called The Virgin’s Daughters by Jeane Westin that covers the early portion of Elizabeth I’s reign as well as the very end. It tells the story of two of her ladies-in-waiting and their lives at court. It would be a great book to read along with The Virgin’s Lover and The Other Queen.

I have also read Portrait of an Unknown Woman, which is about an adopted daughter of Sir Thomas More. This book is no where near as directly related to Henry VIII as the others. What it does, however, is give the reader the feeling of living in Tudor England at the time of Henry’s affair with and marriage to Anne Boleyn. It’s very interesting to read a book where Henry is rearing his head in the book indirectly. Wolf Hall by Hilary Mantel (although it requires much more concentration and a greater reading commitment) would be an interesting be an interesting counterpart to this novel as it tells the story of Thomas Cromwell in such a way that I actually liked him.

The Plantagenet Years

Thus far, Philippa Gregory has published two of her three (perhaps four?) novels about the Plantagenets, making it pretty easy to place these in chronological order. I have not yet read anything else (that I can recall anyway) about this time period. As and when I do, I’ll fill in the Plantagenet blanks as well. I do know that most everyone raves about the works of Sharon Kay Penman. Susan Higginbotham published a novel about Kate Woodville this year entitled The Stolen Crown that I have on my shelves calling out to me. She is also coming out with a novel about Margaret of Anjou in January of 2011.

Gregory’s novels about the War of the Roses really take place around the same time in history. The White Queen is about Elizabeth Woodville, the wife of Edward IV. The Red Queen is about Margaret Beaufort, the mother of Henry VII and grandmother of Henry VIII. Although I don’t believe there is any “best” order in which to read these books, I would suggest reading them in the order in which they were published – White and then Red. The reason I say this is because there are things that occur in The White Queen that are referred to by Margaret Beaufort. I enjoyed picking up on those cross references that way. I don’t believe there would be as many if the books were read in the opposite order.

80 Comments

At 2009.10.17 18:05, Kennedy said:

I really loved your book the queens FooL.
It was really intresting. i couldn’t stop reading it after i found it in my schools library. I am curently reading the book TOBG. i like it so far even though i am on page 68 after the first day i got it which was yesterday. my school only unfortanatly has those two books. i think you are really good at writing the books

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At 2009.11.07 19:39, Lori Anderson said:

THANK YOU! I’m printing that list out NOW! As soon as I finish the last book of the Outlander series, I’m tackling this!

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At 2009.12.09 16:16, gillian peavy said:

someone has sent me 4 tudor books, but i don’t know which one to read first, i’d like to start at the beginning. it’s good to be king, but i thought thers was one just called the tudors thanks jill

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At 2009.12.25 11:18, Anyone know of any good books that are about the olden days, kind of about royalty but interesting? | Biography Books said:

[...] http://literatehousewife.com/2007/08/philippa-gregory-in-chronological-order/ [...]

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At 2010.01.18 08:31, Sulaiman Djaya said:

wonderful

Read more from Sulaiman Djaya
Letters of the Sultans of Banten in the National Archives of the Republic of Indonesia

A

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At 2010.02.26 17:16, Beverly said:

Any ideas on where _Wolf Hall_ by Hilary Mantel should fit? It looks like it will be amazing. I’m wondering if it would fit after _The Other Boleyn Girl_.

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At 2010.03.05 18:51, Emilia Sherwood said:

I’m so glad I stumbled across this blog! I’m on my second Phillipa Gregory novel (I read “The Other Boleyn Sister” first, and I’m currently reading “The Boleyn Inheritance”). I will have to back pedal and read the other two books I missed before I continue the Tudor series.

I would like to mention that I read “The Borgia Bride” written by Jeanne Kalogridis. It portrays the life in the Borgia dynasty through the eyes of Princess Sancha of Aragon. It’s an excellent piece of historical fiction! If you enjoy Gregory’s novels, I guarantee you will also love “The Borgia Bride”

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At 2010.04.06 16:40, Susan said:

I’ve read all of Gregory’s historical fiction about the English queens. When are you going to add The White Queen to your chronology?

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At 2010.06.30 22:56, Debbie said:

I just finished The Other Boleyn Girl is there nothing about Jane Seymour?

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At 2010.08.16 11:22, Rachel said:

I just finished reading The White Queen and I’m about to start The Red Queen today. These books are PG’s latest, but they are chronologically older, as they deal with the Cousin’s War and the Plantagenet Dynasty. Then I plan on moving through the Constant Princess and the others you have listed so graciously for us in order. I do think the latest 2 should be added to the top though, just to stay chronologically sound!! Thanks!!

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At 2010.09.02 14:03, Susan said:

Thanks so much for the information! I have read all but the Alison Weir books and now will go fill in the blanks with her books. I also wanted to suggest what I was advised to do, that is, read the book, The Autobiography of King Henry VIII at the very first! It was a wonderful way to get an overview of his life and wives before digging in the the Gregory books. I also read George’s, Mary Queen of Scots, but there really is only so much you can write about someone who was in captivity most of her life. Anyway, thanks again for the list! I am sending it on to my daughter who is spending the year abroad and very interested in this particular time period.

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At 2010.09.02 14:07, Susan said:

I meant to include Margaret George as the author of The Autobiography of King Henry VIII. Also, the correct title for George’s book on Mary Queen of Scots is, Mary Queen of Scotland and the Isles. ~Susan

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At 2010.09.06 21:47, Helen said:

Thanks SO very much for this info on the order of these books – plus the extras to read. I just read my FIRST PG book – The Other Boleyn Girl. I am now smitten with PGs books but was concerned about reading them in order so as to not get confused. Never thought I’d find this listing! Thanks SO very much again.

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At 2010.10.09 22:19, Judy said:

When should “The Wise Woman” be read?
Thank you.

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At 2010.10.27 22:22, Laura said:

I’m so glad you have updated this!

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At 2010.10.30 03:00, Sharon Kersten said:

Delighted with this list! I am a newbie to Phillipa Gregory. Went out and bought The White Queen and I am scouring second book shops for all the others. Our Book Club here in Johannesburg, South Africa are going ‘historical’ for 2011.
Regards

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At 2010.11.23 05:24, Shannon said:

Thank you for this post. I wish I had found it before I started reading Gregory’s Tudor novels. However, since I own them I can go back and ready them in a better order and including the other works you suggested. Thank you again, for putting for the effort for us. It’s much appreciated.

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At 2011.02.18 00:57, Tiffany said:

Thank You so much!:)

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At 2011.03.01 15:05, jamie said:

Thanks so much! I can’t wait to start the first two.

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At 2011.03.04 11:24, Joy said:

Hello Not sure if this site is still active, don’t see many new posts, but wanted to say ty for this great page, and I hope it is still active! I am a avid reader of the 14th thru the 16th century English history…its so fascinating! I have read quite a few Tudor era books, but just started with Philippa Gregory’s, and I love her books so far….I am reading the Red Queen now, (LOVED the White Queen) and plan on reading each book you have listed in order, with the exception of The Wise Woman and Wolf Hall, I have all the rest on the way,( gotta love Ebay, lol) and I am very excited now as well because I just saw on Simon and Schuster’s website that the book “The Women of the Cousins’ War The Duchess, the Queen, and the King’s Mother” by Philippa Gregory, David Baldwin and Michael Jones will be available in hardcover, eAudio or ebook on or around September 6, 2011 :O)

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At 2011.05.22 11:49, Dani said:

Hi, I have just come across this page… I will be coming back, it’s awesome. Thanks so much for the advice, I love Philippa Gregory’s books!!!

I am currently reading The Queens Fool and loving it. I LOVE books that are about historical royals.. Especially The tudors.
Today I couldn’t help myself and I brought ‘The White Queen’ and ‘The Red Queen’ and ‘The Virgin’s Lover’ I’m just so excited to read the next ones.

I didn’t realise when I started first reading her novels that they had an order, but I think they are fantastic stand alone books as well.
Looking forward to viewing more of your pages

Thanks
D x

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At 2011.06.02 08:00, missbeetle said:

Hi! Like all the other posts I just wanted to say thank you for a terrific site! I keep coming back for more & more! As a reader who does NOT enjoy crime novels, I find it so difficult to find books which are interesting and not soppy love tales! Your site has encouraged me to explore the Tudor Dynasty further. I have already read, The White Queen, The Red Queen, The C.P, TOBG & TBI, which were fascinating! I am currently reading Alison Weir’s Six Wives of Henry viii. I’m going to follow your suggested reading list and have just placed an enormous order on Amazon!
Thanks you for inspiring me!
xo

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At 2011.07.01 18:19, Alicia said:

The King’s Mistress by Emma Campion is another novel of the Plantagenets. Very excellent- I just finished it.
Im just starting Philippa Gregory’s books now so I have high hopes for them.

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At 2011.07.09 16:30, Carol said:

I would suggest The Queen’s Sorrow be read before The Queen’s Fool!

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At 2011.08.10 16:39, Jen said:

Thank you for this wonderfully helpful website!

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At 2011.08.17 17:32, Polly Stewart said:

History brought to life !If anyone couldn’t care less about history then read Philippa Gregory and you’ll become a history fanatic.All her books are informative ,whilst being real page-turners.They have the lot-love,hate,ambition ,power,revenge,jealousy; all human emotions put together! If you want a book to educate but ,at the same time, thoroughly enjoy-then I would say-READ PHILIPPA GREGORY!!!!

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At 2011.09.22 16:23, Kelly butler said:

Amazing author. I have been trying to work out the order to best read them. Thank you

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At 2011.10.04 15:42, Jennifer Green said:

Thank you sooo much for this website.I have long been a fan of the Tudor period and thought I had read all the books available on it but,,,,,thanks to this site I can now dive into some new ones..Again thank you and I remain your loyal fan lol

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At 2011.11.03 18:56, Katie said:

Thank you so much for the list! I had a choice of reading The White Queen, TOBG and TBI. After reading there blurbs and knowing a bit about Tudor history myself, I knew The White Queen had to be read first; I am so glad I did. I couldn’t put it down and finished it in a week! I cannot wait to read The Red Queen. I thought I would let you know that the Author is planning on publishing a book about Elizabeth of York, titled The White Princess. I shall read this instead of the Tudor Rose. I think I have found my favourite Author!

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At 2011.11.23 22:33, Bridgett said:

I stumbled into your blog, and it is wonderful in here! I do hope you don’t mind, but I have used a link to your blog on my blog This is really a wonderful list of books, and I am very happy to have found it. God Bless!

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At 2012.01.01 09:58, Emily said:

Hi,

I love your reading list and I’ve passed it on to many others.

I noticed it was written a long while ago, and I wondered if anybody has any additions to the list. There now seems to be a hord of Tudor based novels on the shelves of major book shops.

Also I would love a recommendation for any Stuart books that follow the last Tudor ones.

I look forward to reading posts from fellow book lovers.

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- At 2012.01.01 10:23, Literate Housewife said:
  
  Thank you so much for dropping by. I’ve not read much Tudor era fiction lately, which is why I haven’t had much to add myself. If anyone would be interested in submitting their links to reviews of Tudor fiction, I’d be happy to consider linking to them here. Happy New Year!
  
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  - At 2012.01.21 19:41, Emily said:
    
    There seem to be so many Tudor inspired books available today, I wondered if anybody has read any by authors other than Gregory and Weir, and where they would slot into your brilliant reading list above.
    
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At 2012.01.05 00:38, PigeonMomma said:

Searching for the order of P. Gregory’s books – this is a great help! Thanks so much for the time you’ve put into this!

Read more from PigeonMomma
Age Appropriate

A

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At 2012.01.05 15:37, Brooks said:

Love your site! I too am a Tudor fan. I am in the car at least 10 hours a week so I am a fan of audio books. The Other Boleyn Girl was the hook for me with Gregory’s novels. Others I have tried are not so well read, but this one is great! I agree with the posts about the movie. I was so dissappointed, I was upset too. Happy reading all and check out the audios if you do the drive till you drop routine!

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At 2012.01.09 10:35, Keri said:

Where would you fit The Lady of the Rivers by Philippa Gregory in, I’m part way through it and loving it. I have already read the Tudor novels and then found this one. I’m guessing it should have been the first one if I was going in chronological order. It tells the story of the White Queens mother.

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At 2012.01.10 20:05, Andrea said:

Your suggested reading order was extremely helpful, so The White Queen is going to be my first PG`s experience thanks to you. I am also an avid reader but as Spanish is my native tongue her novels are not that popular. Hope I enjoy it! Love your site!

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At 2012.01.22 18:38, Jackie said:

So I have outlined my reading list based on your great research but I’m wondering where does “The Lady of the Rivers” fit in all of this? Thanks!

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- At 2012.01.24 05:22, Keri said:
  
  After reading “The Lady of the Rivers” I would have to say it should be the first book read. It tells the story of the White Queens mother. Great book!!!!
  
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At 2012.01.31 03:01, karen said:

Jean Plaidy has written a whole series of historical fiction based on the British monarchy, going back to William the Conqueror’s accession to the throne in 1066, well before the Plantagenets. They’re quite a bit older than PG’s books, but give a wonderful overview of Britain’s royals through the centuries, one monarch per book. I love the challenge of fitting all the pieces together, particularly the way the children were married off to seal political alliances.

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- At 2012.03.29 04:47, Amanda said:
  
  So glad someone has mentioned Jean Plaidy. Philippa’s books complement Jean’s very well. )
  
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At 2012.02.11 19:31, Jennifer said:

I have been reading the Gregory novels.. just finished “The Wise Woman” after finishing ‘The Boleyn Inheritance. It fits well here as it parallels the time of Ann Boleyn and her fall from grace and is very good to show life during that time from the peasant, Lord, witchery, and Abbey point of view… life outside and away from the King’s castles… so thankful I was not born in that time!

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At 2012.02.22 22:20, Sharon Jordan said:

THANKS SO MUCH!! I almost spent hours searching the internet to figure out the timeline because I love the novels but have trouble keeping the charaters straight if they aren’t in order. If you are interested in THE COUSIN’S WAR” novels then the order is:
The Lady of the Rivers
The White Queen
The Red Queen
The white and red queens cross over but the red queen finishes what was left at the end of the white queen. Enjoy!

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At 2012.02.29 01:38, Michelle said:

I love these books. I would also recomend The Kings Sisters, this book isn’t fiction it is tthe story of Henry V111 sisters. Excellent read.

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At 2012.03.16 13:56, Joanne said:

Thank you for clearing up the confusion over which book came first for me. I’ve heard so many wonderful things about these books. I’m reading Lady of the Rivers and loving it. You can imagine how delighted I was to see you suggest that book be read first!

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At 2012.03.24 16:31, Philippa Gregory « lilbea said:

[...] For someone like me who LOVES to read books about the Tudors I highly recommend visiting her post to check out her list. In my dreams I would have a blog like Jennifer’s. Now on to pick [...]

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At 2012.03.28 09:28, Kelly said:

Thank you so much for continually updating this list! I have been following it for a few years, and faithfully purchase the books you suggest. I don’t often get a chance to sit down and read, so it takes a long time for me to finish them. When I finally get through the newest books, I check the list again and there is always another addition! I just finished The Autobiography of Henry VIII, and I loved it. After reading so much about his vile behavior, it was so refreshing to hear things from his point of view.

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At 2012.04.27 03:23, Vic said:

Thanks for this website. I’ve been obsessed with English history and can’t get enough historical fiction after reading The Tudor Rose. I’ve been yearning for a list of books that will cover this period of history. Can’t wait to get started!

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At 2012.05.03 21:09, debra b said:

I have just started reading Philippa Gregory and cant stop reading them. My husband has always been interested in royalty but my eyes would glaze over when he talked about it lol. Now however I am addicted to it. I have even pointed out a few of his mistakes- loving that. Thank you for putting them in order. I am determined to read all of them.

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At 2012.05.04 08:12, Catalina said:

Dear Jennifer, thank you very much for your advices in reading Tudor period’s books.
It was very helpful for me because in Romania only four of her books were translated (The Other Boleyn Girl, The Boleyn Inheritance, The White Queen, and The Red Queen).
As a consequence I ask a friend from London to send me regularly the books I am interested in.
It seems that I’ve developped an obsession on the Tudors.

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