- challenging to all magicians -- kaleem (na), 06:57:27 07/02/08 Wed
My name is muhammad kaleem ullah khan. My date of birth is 28/2/1946. I am challenging all the magician in this world. is there any one who can break my magic I am a black magicians no one can beat me in this world .no one can break my magic if some one cast spell to me i will reverse his spell to him I am challenging all magicians cast spell to me and my sons i have there sons mateen , mubeen ,moiz and her mother name is salma if some one cast spell to my son I will reverse his spell to him i am challenging to all magician to beat me
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- challenging to all magicians -- kaleem (na), 16:24:01 06/30/08 Mon
My name is muhammad kaleem ullah khan. My date of birth is 28/2/1946. I am challenging all the magician in this world. is there any one who can break my magic I am a black magicians no one can beat me in this world .no one can break my magic if some one cast spell to me i will reverse his spell to him I am challenging all magicians cast spell to me and my sons i have there sons mateen , mubeen ,moiz and her mother name is salma if some one cast spell to my sons I will reverse his spell to him i am challenging to all magician to beat me and break my reversal spell .
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Katharine -- Richard C. Procter, 05:27:17 06/06/08 Fri
I first read this marvellous book years ago. Every couple of years I read it again. I looked up 'Kettlethorpe' on the internet and found this great website. It's nice to know that I am not alone; that there are like-minded people out there. Please don't let it be made into a movie. The way a book is interpreted is just the 'vision' of the Director. It wouldn't be mine. Most of it would be left out. No, just leave it be, as a marvellous book.
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- Katherine in my imagination -- Deb Kinnard, 19:40:05 04/13/08 Sun
Like most of you, I've loved Anya Seton's book since I first found it in the 1960s. The first title of hers that I read, however, was a Readers' Digest condensed version of "Avalon." I loved that so much I went and demanded more titles from the local librarian. When I discovered "Katherine" I was hooked for keeps.
Later on, in the 70s and early 80s when I travelled to England, I looked up some of the places Katherine knew. I've seen the Swynford Chantry in Lincoln Cathedral, heard the cathedral bells at sunset from a small hotel outside the close, and wandered Steep Hill, speculating on where Katherine's town house lay.
Currently, I write books, and when writing about the 14th century, I have to be careful not to channel Seton's superb prose into my own work. What a writer, and what a wonderful subject she chose.
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- how do you know about her -- question, 21:54:12 11/26/07 Mon
Is there a relation to her
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- i hope this wonderful novel is NEVER made into a film -- Ashley, 19:45:20 08/23/07 Thu
I genuinely hope no one ever makes a film from "Katherine" because truly no one could ever do it justice. I would much rather read the book time and time again without a director butchering and ruining an amazing book.
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- Katherine -- Becky, 13:51:02 04/27/07 Fri
I just finished "Katherine" after reading it first many years ago along with 'The Winthrop Woman" which I have here ready to read again.
I'm so excited to see this message board and know that there are many others who share my love for this book and for Anya Seton's writing! It is exquisite.
This books is strong, but tender, and stirring yet gentle. Their love touches your soul.
Thank you for putting together this site with all the pictures and information. I shall spend a lot of time reviewing it with joy.
I just added Amazon's reveiw of "Katherine" to my blog and a link to this board. You can check it out at: Becky's Carolina Journal
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- ONE OF THE GREATEST LOVE STORIES -- naentikaur (U MUST READ IT!), 23:26:02 02/20/07 Tue
I think what makes the novel great is the characterisation of katherine herself. Its not often that novels have a mistress with morals.
The sympathetic yet realistic potrayal of katherine by one of the worlds' best novelist anya seton just makes this book a classic of its genre!
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- HOORAY! -- Kemper, 21:57:54 11/06/06 Mon
I have just started reading this book and have not put it down since. I have just reached the part where Katherine tells John of her sacred vow to her saint, which she believes saved her in the horrible ship event. What a fantastic book- I can't wait to see where it all ends up (though I can make a good guess as to where..)
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- katherine: an unforgettable love story -- anne (amazed), 06:19:26 10/04/06 Wed
I'm always been interested with the middle ages and after reading this book, my fascination with it greatly increased! I never heard of the book until I saw it in a local bookstore and when I read the back cover, I didn't think twice to purchase it and I'm glad that I made such an impulsive decision because it didn't just dissapoint me, but it also made me a big fan of Katherine and John of Gaunt! Their love affair transcends not only their lives but changed forever the english history.
I admire the way they loved and cared for each other despite the many criticisms that they encountered during the many years of their union. I actually didn't think of Katherine as a mistress of John of Gaunt, because for me, she gives John a sense of joy and hope since he was always involved with tedious campaigns in many different parts of Europe. Also, Katherine gave him something that he couldn't get from his amazing wealth and numerous royal titles, and that is none other than LOVE.
I am only 19 years old and although the novel was even older than my mom, I will forever treasure it and tell my friends to read it so that a new generation of readers could discover a more powerful and moving love story than Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet.
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- US presidents related to Katherine Roet Swynford -- Gary Carson, 00:01:16 09/29/06 Fri
After finding out Katherine was my 18g grandmother, I noticed some other interesting things doing ancestry research. She and John of Guant are ancestors of the following US presidents:
George Washington
Thomas Jefferson
John Quincy Adams
Theodore Roosevelt
Herbert Hoover
Franklin Delano Roosevelt (has 5 connections)
This information is in a book about the royal ancestors of presidents at the library.
Gary
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- Katherine -- Corinne (Wonderful story), 03:08:58 09/12/06 Tue
Hi,
I am reading the book right now and had to surf over the net to find some pictures so that I could imagine the people and places. Has anyone found any pictures of how she really looked? Was she that beautiful?
I also agree into making the book into a film!!!
Corinne
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- Katherine -- Clare moore, 16:30:24 08/21/06 Mon
It's 104 in Austin today and I'm messing around on the computer and decided to google Katherine Swynford. I grew up in England and borrowed "Katherine" from my grandmother when I was 9 years old (1955). I became obsessed with her and think my unfortunate predeliction for Bad Boys came from youthful love for John of Gaunt! I lost the book and found an identical hardback copy in a small library in Maine 17 years ago and have had it ever since. Best book I ever read, even today, 50 years later. Such descriptions! Poor Blanche with her pustules! I'm having so much fun on this website!!! Clare Moore
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Thank you for your Research -- Charlotte Carpenter Johnson, 11:11:39 06/02/06 Fri
What a wonderful web site! Thank you for all your research! I found your site after finishing "Katherine" and was pleased to know so many have read and loved the book. I am related to Katherine through both my maternal and paternal lines. Keep up the good work!
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- Amaaaaazed -- Marie Porter, 14:40:29 09/30/05 Fri
I can't believe this site exists. Thanks for setting it up.
I read Katherine 19 years ago and yes have read it a few times since. And though it was probably my favourite book I was too embarassed to admit it because it's not 'literature'. However, age has made me more confident in my likes and preferences, helped along by seeing it at 97 in the BBC Big Read. I then took an A level in Henrician (VIII) history just so I could be a little nearer to this time.
I think this site is wonderful. It confirms that people from today are recognising the importance of the past, that it can still capture us and make us realise that to be human is timeless.
I'm amazed that this couple and their love story became pivotal to the machinations of several monarchs and dukes for nigh on 100 years, laid to rest by Henry VII when he united the houses of Lancaster and York.
What's really freaky is that everyone reading this already knows this. (My nerdy side hasn't had such free reign in a long while!!!)
Is there anyone else out there who thinks that Henry VIII while looking a lot like Edward IV, also looks like the effigies of Katherine, Joan and Phillipa (it's in the cheek and pointy chin (before the fat took over)).
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- Amazed! -- Anne Chapman, 04:49:03 09/15/05 Thu
I first read Anya Seton's "Katherine" at the age of 12 (and I'm now nearly 50!) At the last count, I had read this book some 18 times and still never tire of it. It is the most wonderful book ever written about the two most interesting characters in our history. I am so thrilled to find other like-minded people exist!
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- Katherine -- Tami, 14:37:05 08/15/05 Mon
I am very interested in the life of Katherine and John of Gaunt. They are my 17th great grandparents on my grandfather’s side. I am researching their life. It would be a great help if anyone with additional information on either them or their daughter, Joan’s life contact me. Thanks
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- katherine -- helen coulthard, 15:28:26 06/06/05 Mon
What a delight to find a web site about my all time favourite historical figure. I have loved Katherine and John for many years, and am so pleased to find that she holds a place in so many other peoples affections. I thought it was a fluke when I found flowers on her tomb last time I went, but now I have a differnt opinion. I am so glad that she continues to live through us all. I wonder what she would have made of it?!?
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- Katherine -- Brian, 20:02:39 06/01/05 Wed
I first learned of Katherine and John of Gaunt while researching my family history. It turns out Katherine is my 18th great-grandmother on my grandfather's father's side and my 20th great-grandmother on the same grandfather's mother's side. I just ordered the book and can't wait for it to arrive. Although I'm not a big romance novel fan, I do like non-fiction and the famliy link adds another element of interest.
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- I play Casting Director -- Judith Johnson, 09:13:40 04/10/05 Sun
Would really love to see Katherine made into a movie. I have loved this book since I was a girl and read it dozens of times. First of all, this would probably need to be produced by the BBC in order to get a movie that is true to the book.
Actually, it is almost exactly a Prince Charles and Camilla Parker type story except that they have children together. Funny how history can come full circle! The book begins when Katherine is 16 and John of Gaunt is 26 so remember the actors have to age 35 years or so to reach the resolution of their love story.
Katherine is astonishingly beautiful by 14th century standards, very slender with a heart shaped face, wide brow, pale skin and auburn hair but unconscious of the effect of her beauty (Ha). Actually both Nicole Kidman and Catherine Zeta-Jones physically resemble her but they are rather too old. Between Kiera Knightly and Natalie Portman, who are more age appropriate and astonishingly similar in features, I think I would choose Natalie Portman even though she is not English. The petite Portman is a simply wonderful actress and could certainly master the French and middle English accents. Maybe Zeta-Jones could stand in for her at the end.
Hawsie the maid is very important and I think the amazing Toni Colette would be so wonderful in that role or maybe Rene Zellweger.
My beloved John of Gaunt is tall, slender but muscular, blue eyes and golden blond hair, noble but quick tempered and quite a man with the ladies. Ewan McGregor fills the bill quite nicely plus he has that wonderful accent. Maybe Terrance Stamp could stand in at the end. That being said, I would think that Jonathan Rhys-Myer who was so wonderful in "Gormenghast" but is wasted in so many other roles could be a great choice also.
The lovely, virginal, blonde, gracious and noble Lady Blanche could be portrayed by Drew Barrymore or maybe Nicole. The skinny Spanish second wife could be played by Penelope Cruz or Selena Hayek but they would have to tone down the glamor.
Sir Hugh is an important but thankless role. Hugh is an insensitive, brutal and physically strong man, not very attractive man but he loves Katherine madly. Actually it is his love/lust that elevates her to the social standing of Lady, then he gets cuckolded, dysentary and murdered for his efforts. How about Russell Crowe (my favorite ugly guy)? Clive Owen would be great but he is probably too attractive although he glowers so nicely.
The director is very crucial. It is a romance yet there is a lot of improtant military and English history going on here. It needs to be someone who handles period pieces and human emotions very well. Religion is also plays an important motivator to the some of the characters. I'm sorry, not Mel Gibson who has gone totally off the deep end. David Mamet did a wonderful job on the "Winslow Boy" another period piece and I think he could capture the 14th century sensibilities very well. Chris and Paul Weitz who directed "About A Boy" are very good as are the Belgian brothers Luc and Jean-Pierre Dardenee (La Promesse). My choice might be Andy Wilson who directed "Gormenghast".
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- Katherine Roet was my 17G grandmother -- Gary Carson, 14:52:30 04/05/05 Tue
In my research of ancestors, I found Katherine Roet Swynford, who is my 17G grandmother through her son, Thomas Swynford and her granddaughter, Katherine Swynford Drury (wife of Sir William Drury).
I'm calling my sister right now to tell her to read the novel. She loves this type of historical romance.
Are there any paintings or portraits of her?
Gary
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- Pottergate house -- carol merrick, 03:33:55 03/29/05 Tue
Can you please tell me if anyone knows where the house Katheryn lived in at Lincoln was situated. I have seen reference to the house and an oriel window in several areas but cannot visualise where it would be.
Many thanks
Carol Merrick
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- Katherine's relationship to Geoffrey Chaucer -- Beverly, 11:50:58 03/11/05 Fri
During my first trip to England, I visited Westminster Abbey. When the tour guide brought our group to Poet's Corner, I asked about Chaucer's sister-in-law, Katherine. The tour guide, rather snappishly, replied, "We don't speak of her!"
Later, while visiting Lincoln Cathedral (my favorite English cathedral, btw), not only did the tour guide point out Katherine's tomb, but also had the novel, lineage chart, and other paraphenalia available in the gift shop, and gave me directions to Kettlethorpe!!
This is by far my favorite story, and I have read it many times, shared copies of the book with friends, and told the story often. I love it!!
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- Katherine the film -- Claire, 12:57:49 01/23/05 Sun
I agree, I have wished for years that it would be made into a film. I wonder how we could all go about convincing a film producer! It would surely be a box office smash hit, with the amount of fans Katherine has around the world. I think Russell Crowe should play John, and Catherine Zeta-Jones or Nicole Kidman should play Katherine.
I first read the book as a teenager, and vowed that if I ever had a daughter I would name her Katherine, and I did, in 1994!
Great to read all the messages on here and to communicate with other Katherine fans!
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- How wonderful to see so much interest in Katherine! -- Mimi, 22:05:43 01/02/05 Sun
I first read Anya Seton's "Katherine" in high school and loved it. I revisted it about 15 years later. It's wonderful to find so many others who are as intrigued as I was. To those of you who have done so much research: Many thanks!
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- Katherine -- Wendy, 23:28:06 12/04/04 Sat
Reading "Katherine" as a teenager in the early 70's started my lifelong fascination with her and that period in English history. The story was very similar to any romance novel which featured a beautiful woman and a dashingly handsome and powerful man, yet because it was based on true people and events, it drew me to read it many, many times. I actually wore out my copy of the book.
Once I became an adult I took a trip to England to visit family and tour around. Visiting Lincoln Cathedral led me to Katherine's and Joan's tombs. I had forgotten that they were there and, upon reading their names, I was brought to tears at finally greeting the real women.
My strong feelings of connection to Katherine became understood about 6 years ago when my uncle's research into our family geneology led to discovering one branch of the family tree where he learned who our first English ancestor to come to America was. Her name was Dorothea Scott Gotherson. In tracing her ancestry my uncle was led directly back to Katherine through both John and Joan Beaufort. So I am Katherine's great (many times over) granddaughter!
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- Katherine -- Katherine, 06:34:25 11/24/04 Wed
I was named after the book as my mum thought the name looked so beautiful written down, so I've always had a fascination with it. I've just finished reading it for what must be the hundredth time, but I'd never thought to look on the internet for more information before. How nice to find so many people interested in their story. And yes, I've often thought how wonderful it would be to make a film of the book. It would be difficult to cast with all the different ages they would have to play (or multi-cast) but worth it.
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- Katherine - the real woman -- Rosie Trewarne, 05:14:45 11/04/04 Thu
I have read all the notices on this site with great interest. I first came across Katherine as a 13 year old and this in turn engendered a great passion for English Medieval History. If Katherine became a film, it would have to be really authentic (ie no American accents), no offence to any Americans, but Hollywood tends to ruin historical films especially ones to do with English history. The costumes would also need to be authentic and as for the appropriate actors, yes Viggio Mortenson would make a good John of Gaunt, and how about Kate Beckinsale or Kiera Knightly as Katherine? I am completely enthralled by this period of history and often visit Lincoln and Katherine's tomb. Let's make that film!
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- Katherine and John -- Dolores, 18:31:13 10/12/04 Tue
I've been interested in the Plantaganets for years, having majored in history. I read "Katherine" in 1972 when I borrowed it from a sister-in-law and I became even more fascinated. I am wondering why none of Anya Seton's books were made into movies. I thought I saw "Foxfire" as a movie years ago but I'm not sure. Would love to see Katherine and Green Darkness made as movies.
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- Katherine -- Marian, 14:22:20 05/19/04 Wed
I have long been interested in English history, and after reading a review on Amazon.com, I decided to buy the book on a whim. After reading the book, I have decided not only it is one of the best I have ever read, but it is also fascinating. It is a timeless and wonderful romance story. I, too, immediately got on the internet to find out more information about Katherine and John. I am so excited about this site and can't wait to see more updates, etc. I would also love to see the book made into a movie. It would definitely be an Oscar contender!
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- Katherine -- Pat, 23:16:53 05/14/04 Fri
I have read Katherine and named my daughter for her.I would love to see a movie made.viggo Mortensen gets my vote for John but I am not sure who should play Katherine.I do think Mel Gibson should produece the movie.lol
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- Katherine -- Sharon, 23:06:18 04/26/04 Mon
I was happy to find this website. I have loved this book all my life; I first read it when I was 12 and the librarian almost wouldn't let me check it out because she said it was for someone older. I've read it a million times, and I never tire of it. One thing has always surprised me; that Katherine has never been recorded on audiobooks. A lot of Anya Seton's other books have, but not Katherine.
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- John Plantagenet -- Sandra, 05:38:38 03/10/04 Wed
Finally, I finished my new Homepage:
www.johnofgaunt.de
Enjoy!
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- My vote for Viggo Mortenesen -- Anne B, 13:01:42 02/27/04 Fri
The perfect actor to play John for me is Viggo Mortensen. He has the strong but not perfect face that I imagine John had.
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Katherine fan -- Danielle, 14:56:53 02/13/04 Fri
Hello all. I am delighted to find this sight! I have long been a lover of the Katherine/John of Gaunt love story. I read Anya Seton's book when I was 12 years old (1984) and have re-read it many times. In fact, I told the school library I lost the book and paid for it just so I could keep it forever. (naughty, I know, but this was before the internet when OOP copies were not easy to find). I, too, wonder why a movie has never been made about her/them? IS there a more romantic love story in the world?? A love that could last so long and go through seperation and strife only to finally marry late in their lives. I vote for Julianne Moore, not sure about the man. Anyone know if a script has ever been written?
Thanks for this website, it was a treat to find!
Danielle
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- Other books -- Julia, 13:19:38 01/04/04 Sun
I recently finished Anya Seton's Katherine and I'm wondering if there are more books out there about Katherine Swynford.
Thanks
Julia
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- Katherine the Movie -- Alicia, 15:12:41 09/30/03 Tue
Viggo Mortensen from "Lord of the Rings" gets my vote for John of Gaunt.
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- katherine -- sharon, 12:48:28 09/01/03 Mon
Dianne - completely agree - can't believe they've not made a film of Katherine before. I'm just reading the book now - onto the last 100 pages and totally gripped! My interest was sparked because my parents moved to Bolingbroke in the last year - thought it would be a little bit interesting because of the link - but i think Katherine's one of the most intriguing women in english history! The mystery of what happened to Blanchette is fascinating too. I reckon Russell Crowe would be a good John.
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- Katherine the Movie -- Dianne, 10:15:35 08/28/03 Thu
Don't u think Katherine would make a wonderful Film, akin to a period piece. I feel either Nicole Kidman or Julianne Moore would suit her the best, while Richard Gere or Kevin Costner would make a good John. Any thoughts???
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Blanchette Swynford -- Sarah, 16:42:38 06/17/03 Tue
If anyone has any info about Blanchette Swynford, like how she looked, acted, and what happened to her after her disappearence, it would be great if you could send it to me.
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- BBC survey -- Sharon Scard, 11:15:25 05/24/03 Sat
BBC survey has confirmed "Katherine"in UK's top 100 books of all time.
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