In 1965, when I was fourteen, I read my first adult novel; it was a historical novel about Katherine of Aragon, and I could not put it down. When I finished it, I had to find out the true facts behind the story and if people really carried on like that in those days. So I began to read proper history books, and found that they did!

In this quote, Alison Weir reflects on her early fascination with history and how it was sparked by her first experience reading an adult novel at the age of fourteen. The novel was a historical fiction about Katherine of Aragon, one of the wives of King Henry VIII. Weir's inability to stop reading the book reveals her deep interest in the past and how it prompted her to delve into historical facts to learn more about the true events behind the story. This moment marked the beginning of her journey into serious historical research and shaped her future career as a historian and author.

Weir's statement illustrates how historical fiction can serve as a gateway to real history, sparking curiosity and prompting readers to explore the actual events and people behind the stories. She describes how reading the novel made her want to know if the actions and events depicted in the book were true, leading her to read history books to confirm the accuracy of the story. This shift from reading fiction to exploring actual historical facts demonstrates the power of literature in inspiring further academic and intellectual pursuits.

The origin of this quote is rooted in Weir’s personal experience and early exposure to historical fiction, which eventually led her to a career in historical writing. As a well-known historian and author of historical works, particularly focusing on the Tudor period in England, Weir’s early reading experiences significantly influenced her career. Her deep interest in Katherine of Aragon and other figures from history led her to write numerous books on the history of England, including biographies and historical narratives.

Ultimately, Weir’s quote underscores how a simple love of reading can evolve into a lifelong passion for history and research. Her experience highlights how fiction and nonfiction can complement each other, with literature serving as a catalyst for deeper exploration into the true events that shape history.