It doesn’t mention tha tthe book is basically a reissue, though.

BTW, I think I know the miniature about Thomas you mean, and I totally agree. I’d have to see the book to be sure, but I’m guessing it is one that was in an article she (Susan James) wrote for Apollo magazine a few years back. It was the same article that she discussed the miniature called “Kathryn Howard” as possibly being Margaret Douglas.

The chapter headings and much of the writing are identical, although the earlier book offers a closing section on the career of Catherine’s brother, William Parr, after her death and well into Queen Elizabeth’s reign. “Catherine Parr: Henry VIII’s Last Love” ends pretty much with Catherine’s death, although there is a coda on Thomas Seymour’s execution and the probable fate of her daughter Mary Seymour.

This new book was evidently published to coincide with a major exhibition in the United Kingdom on Henry VIII, and appears to have been somewhat rushed by the publisher. Some of the pictures have their captions cut off. Mrs. Ashley’s sister is described as both “Elizabeth Champernowne” and “Joan Champernowne.” Lady Baynton is called “Anne Boleyn’s half-sister.” The book would have benefited from more careful attention.

However, I recommend it. I felt it worthwhile to buy the second edition of Eric Ives’ “Anne Boleyn” for the same reason: the new editions incorporate Tudor scholarship that has appeared over the past 9 years.

One thing that caught my eye: this book features the first portrait of Thomas Seymour that I’ve seen that conceivably depicts a sexy lady-killer, without the straggly, ZZ Topp-style beard that disfigures the usual image of him reproduced in books on the Tudors. This is a portrait miniature of him from 1543 with a neatly trimmed, flattering style of facial hair. The wideset eyes look a bit like sister Jane’s.