The Fifth Queen: And How She Came to Court

"The Fifth Queen: And How She Came to Court" by Ford Madox Ford, is a historical novel that plunges into the Tudor era with Anne of Cleves' entry into the English court, amidst political schemes and personal dramas. Set against a backdrop of religious and political upheaval, the story introduces Magister Nicholas Udal, a scholar seeking favor, and John Badge, a printer disgruntled with the current state, painting a portrait of the court's intricate web of ambition and rivalry. Through the eyes of these and other characters, the novel sets the stage for Anne’s arrival and explores themes of power, identity, and the personal cost of living in a world dominated by monarchs and deceit, offering a window into the complex world of the Tudor court.