Author Guide

Philippa Gregory Books in Order

Complete reading list for the queen of Tudor historical fiction — from The Other Boleyn Girl to the Cousins' War series.

About

Philippa Gregory is a British author and historian with a PhD from the University of Edinburgh. Her breakthrough came with The Other Boleyn Girl (2001), which brought the Tudor court to a mass audience and was adapted for film in 2008. She is known for giving agency and voice to historical women who were marginalised in traditional accounts.

Where to start: The Other Boleyn Girl is essential. For the Cousins' War series, start with The White Queen and read in publication order.

Key Philippa Gregory Novels

The first 3 are Tudor court novels; books 4–8 are the Cousins' War series.

1
The Other Boleyn Girl cover
The Other Boleyn Girl
2001
Start Here
Mary Boleyn narrates the rise and fall of her sister Anne at the court of Henry VIII. Gregory's most famous novel.
2
The Constant Princess cover
The Constant Princess
2005
Catherine of Aragon's story. Gregory gives Catherine her voice.
3
The Boleyn Inheritance cover
The Boleyn Inheritance
2006
Anne of Cleves, Catherine Howard, Jane Boleyn navigate the court after Anne Boleyn's execution.
4
The White Queen cover
The White Queen
2009
Cousins' War #1
Elizabeth Woodville, the commoner who married Edward IV. Start of the Cousins' War series.
5
The Red Queen cover
The Red Queen
2010
Cousins' War #2
Margaret Beaufort — mother of the future Henry VII.
6
The Lady of the Rivers cover
The Lady of the Rivers
2011
Cousins' War #3
Jacquetta, Duchess of Bedford — mother of Elizabeth Woodville.
7
The Kingmaker's Daughter cover
The Kingmaker's Daughter
2012
Cousins' War #4
Anne Neville — daughter of the most powerful noble in England.
8
The White Princess cover
The White Princess
2013
Cousins' War #5
Elizabeth of York navigating the fragile new Tudor dynasty.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where should I start with Philippa Gregory?
The Other Boleyn Girl is essential. If you want the Cousins' War series, start with The White Queen.
Is The Other Boleyn Girl historically accurate?
Partially. Gregory takes significant liberties. Mary Boleyn was a real person and was Henry VIII's mistress, but many specific events are invented.
How many books has Philippa Gregory written?
Over 20 novels, mostly Tudor or Plantagenet historical fiction.