The Tudor historical novel VIRGIN AND THE CRAB

Spectacular 16th-century Tudor drama & adventure

book cover shows a young Elizabeth Tudor in tunic and bonnet
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England 1550's



The brilliant young mathematician and astronomer John Dee has one overwhelming obsession: liberty.
Abandoned and in danger, Elizabeth Tudor has one simple aim: survival.
This is their story.

Against the background of the English Reformation, and threatened by a vengeful and unforgiving Queen, the mysterious brotherhood of the Rose Lodge attempts to guide the nation towards enlightenment and stability.

Here, the special alchemy of the Virgin and the Crab works its magic: growing from childhood friendship, through adolescent flirtation, to mutual respect and admiration as together they prepare to sacrifice everything for the world they wish to inherit.
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young Tudor princess framed by arch and stars, the coronation Elizabeth I

12 YEARS, 2 KINGS 3 QUEENS.

The Ultimate Tudor Novel

Reading time:

approximately 17 hours.

 

Print Editions:

Paperback ISBN-13 : 979-8508373085

492 pages en-gb.

Library and bookshops: ask for ISBN-13: 9798743574254

“Historically compelling and deliciously suspenseful!”
Michelle Miller, The True Book Addict
“One of the best Tudor novels I have ever read. Parry masterfully weaves fact and fiction, resulting in a completely original and authentic portrayal of the friendship and bond between Elizabeth Tudor and her illustrious mentor." Natalie Grueninger, On the Tudor Trail
“The descriptions of Tudor England’s social life and customs are rich and well written. The story is excellent and a page turner. A book well worth reading.” Debra Spidal, Historical Novels Review Online
“From the very first page to the last sentence I was held spellbound!"
Charla Wilson, Book Talk with Charla
“Captures and holds the imagination long after the book is finished … the reader is transported through time as if witnessing a theatrical masterpiece (which it is!)”
Claudia Robinson, Luxury Reading
“Parry has blended historical facts with fiction to produce an incredibly believable story. Is it unputdownable? - A resounding yes!”
 Claire Ridgway, the Anne Boleyn Files
“A myriad of familiar characters fade in and out of the scenery … their characterizations are nothing short of masterful. A Reader’s Respite won’t hesitate to recommend this gem of a novel to you.”
Michele Jacobsen, A Reader’s Respite
“I absolutely adored this book.”
Amanda Teague, A Library of My Own.
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Additional Information - Virgin and the Crab

  • Epic Tudor-era novel set amid the violent uncertainties of Tudor England following the reign of  King Henry VIII and detailing the path by which the young Elizabeth Tudor was to become queen.

 

  • Themes of loyalty, romance, rebellion, Platonic love, political machinations and espionage.

 

  • The historical characters of Queen Mary, Edward VI, Lady Jane Grey, Philip II, John Dee, William Cecil, Robert Dudley, Blanche Parry, Thomas Wyatt and many more.

 

  • Atmospheric drama and adventure with authentic 16th-century period detail including the Tower of London and the palaces of Whitehall and Hampton Court during the 1500s.

 

  • Additional themes explore the evolution of science at the time of the English Renaissance; the disastrous religious conflicts attending the Reformation, counter-Reformation and the reigns of the boy-king Edward, Lady Jane Grey, Mary I.

four Tudor gentlemen in dark candle-lit room
Some distinguished Tudor gentlemen ... plotting
Tudor
A Tudor Tour. Your handy guide to old England.
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