• The Autobiography of Henry VIII

  • By: Margaret George
  • Narrated by: David Case
  • Length: 41 hrs and 18 mins
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars (676 ratings)

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The Autobiography of Henry VIII  By  cover art

The Autobiography of Henry VIII

By: Margaret George
Narrated by: David Case
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Publisher's summary

An extraordinary novel that brings into vivid focus the larger-than-life King Henry VIII, monarch of prodigious appetites for wine, women, and song. This is a readable, entertaining, tour de force that captures the essence of the 16th century, in all its drama and atmosphere. A can't-miss for listeners who delight in wonderful historical fiction perfectly rendered.

"It doth brim with lust, violence, cruelty and lively conversation...Margaret George has found a new and fresh way to tell the story." (Detroit Free Press)

©1986 Margaret George (P)1998 Books on Tape

Critic reviews

"A remarkable achievement....Magnificently researched and admirably written." (Mary Stewart)

"Her novel is a...banquet feast for most readers...astonishing. There's rousing drama, robust atmosphere, and consistently solid characterization; and finally, Margaret George's triumph is anchored in the urgent rhythm her writing attains." (Forth Worth Star Telegram)

"It doth brim with lust, violence, cruelty, and living conservation....Margaret George has found a new and fresh way to tell the story." (Detroit Free Press)

What listeners say about The Autobiography of Henry VIII

Average customer ratings
Overall
  • 4.5 out of 5 stars
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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Not a book, a wonderful experience.

When I was eleven years old I visited Worcester Cathedral. I knew that it was Church of England but I noticed a few relics denoting the Immaculate Conception. I was puzzled so asked the Guide a little more. He explained that England was formerly a Catholic country under the control of Rome prior to the reign of Henry VIII. From that day on I became seriously interested in the Plantagenets, the Tudors and the Elizabethans.
I have, over the years studied many books on Henry VIII. This novel is a dramatic version of his life from both his viewpoint and that of Will his Jester.
This author is actually a serious historian and has sourced her materials to the 'max'. I really to not feel that this volume is far off from the truth.
As for the narrator, BRAVO Sir! I cannot speak more highly.
I was never bored. Did not want it to end. I am all lined up to listen to more from this author.

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Did George Meet Henry??

What made the experience of listening to The Autobiography of Henry VIII the most enjoyable?

The rich detailing of everyday life and capturing the essence of living in Henry's era really made the story as fully fleshed as Henry eventually became. You felt that Margaret George had been there and had supper with Henry many times, or could have been someone in his court.

What did you like best about this story?

I loved the voice… the human (and often petty) qualities that Margaret George gave Henry.

What about David Case’s performance did you like?

I loved his performance. He could give even the feminine characters a believable quality without seeming forced or stilted.

Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?

It did transport me back in time.

Any additional comments?

The author brought the era to life and did not rely on stereotypes from your typical school history books.

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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
  • Performance
    1 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Narration -

Is there anything you would change about this book?

The narrator. Just could not deal with the voice that sounded like Truman Capote.

Would you be willing to try another book from Margaret George? Why or why not?

I cannot comment on the author until I read another by her.

How did the narrator detract from the book?

The voice was so off putting I could not get past the first 15 minutes. Arrogant, haughty, and seemed too feminine for the character.

If this book were a movie would you go see it?

Yes!

Any additional comments?

This is one of my favorite subjects... Tudor England. But this is not the quality of narration that I am familiar with in Philippa Gregory's audio books.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Fantastic

Wonderful narrator and wonderful author! I have read and listened to many Tudor writings and this is by far one of the most enjoyable books I’ve ever owned!
I highly recommend!

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars

Very Long but Very Very Good

I really enjoyed listening to this. I had a long drive so plenty of time to listen to a book. The novel does a great job of giving you the historical events and inventing Henry VIII's reaction to these events. The narrarator is very good although with so many characters (who are virtually all English) the voices for many of the characters sound alike. Overall, a wonderful picture into the reign of Henry VIII.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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So interesting.. will keep your attention

Fantastic “listen “. Chapters are not exceedingly long so that makes finding a “stopping point” each time easy. Very few people have the time to listen to a 41 hour book in one sitting🤔 highly recommend.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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This isn’t a book…

It’s an experience that defies description. Do yourself a favor and dive into a rich tapestry of history.

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Masterpiece

This is a wonderful work narrated by a fantastic performer. It’s long but you never want it to end. It’s so rich I have read it many times and still find new things. Highly recommend.

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absolute pleasure

wouldn't be as special or may I say, even great without the narrator! this was by far the best.

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Fantastic compilation

I've gone a bit down the rabbit with Great Britain and this book did a wonderful job putting King Henry VIII, the infrastructure of his reign, and the times he lived in all together.
This is a very looong book but it doesn't feel that way. It's horrific and yet fascinating to watch the measures people would go to to justify the actions of a megalomaniac. I say this with all seriousness, it was like having Trump as President again.
Horrific indeed.

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