Historical research at its best

I listened to this non fiction work following my second audio "reading" of Hilary Mantell's Wolf Hall trilogy.
I found Weir's scholarly work (supported by Phyllida Nashs's excellent narration) to be a very informative balance to Mantell's recreation of the Tudor Court, its intrigues and tragedies. I will listen to this (Weir's book) again, and that is high praise from me.

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2 people found this helpful

Exhaustive and somewhat disorganised

I gave the book as much as I could - I got about half way. It’s a fascinating period and monarch, but I really struggled. The earlier chapters were thematic and then at some point became chronological.
None of the sources are stated in the narration, but there is not much critical analysis of them or comparing and contrasting of sources or even insight as to who produced the original source and how their perspective was brought to the events discussed.
There are also parts of Henry’s reign that are glossed over (wars in particular) and very little detail on the machinations of the politics of the court and governing bodies like the Privy Council, both of which I’d expect to be part of a look at the court of Henry VIII.
The language seems to have been influenced by Wier’s sources or perhaps reading of historical works. She used quite a few words that are now archaic and turns of phrase that are not contemporary to when the book was published (2001) or the Tudor period (ie they can’t be direct quotes). It’s contemporary enough to be understood but unusual enough to draw attention to the writing style.
It’s not without merit, but could be significantly better.

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1 person found this helpful

Well researched but narration good for insomniacs

I usually really enjoy Alison Weir's books; but this one is quite boring if thorough. Maybe, tyrants not matter how brilliant are just kind of....boring characters. The narrator has a pleasant, calm voice but it's quite an unexceptional narration (as in, not particularly engaging). I found this boring & good for sleep...others might find the narrator keeps herself out of the way of the author's work.

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1 person found this helpful

Delicious

This is the kind of book you could listen to time and time again. The historical details place you right there. Best Tudor book I have read. 25 hours of bliss. Fantastic Narrator

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1 person found this helpful

Brilliant insight

Catching up on history which shaped the present. I wonder if Henry was a Type 2 diabetic???

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History with detail and a sense of the man.

One of our greatest historical writers with appropriate narration from Phyllida Nash. Whether one agrees with her conclusions, however, is to be debated. Certainly I would not wish to have been a friend.

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Riveting

I enjoyed this meticulously researched and riveting story of King Henry VIII. It revealed the complexity of the politics, the court life and the power struggles at every level. It gave me a clearer understanding of this part of English history.

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Entertaining and factual

An interesting listen providing real sources rather than historical dramatisation. Another good Alison Weir book.

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Fascinating.

A riveting read about an intriguing historical figure that was larger than life in both the flesh as well as in death. Brilliant.

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History brought to life!

This was an excellent book to listen to. Hearing the historical accounts brought to life with a modern monetary comparison made this an excellent read!

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