The Autobiography of Henry VIII

By: Margaret George

Narrated by: David Case

Length: 41 hrs and 18 mins

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)

Very entertaining

Where does The Autobiography of Henry VIII rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

Probably one of the better audiobooks, both in regard to narration and story.

Which scene was your favorite?

The Catherine Howard sex scenes were my favorites, I'm ashamed to confess. I giggled my way through all of them because the narrator seemed so embarrassed to be reading them that his voice became very rushed and even more clipped than usual. He sounded like he was rushing through a reproductive organs lecture to a sixth grade class.

If you were to make a film of this book, what would be the tag line be?

" Just when you thought it was safe to go back to the altar..."

Any additional comments?

I really enjoyed the book, although I did fast forward through the Catherine of Aragon chapters. I found her as boring as Henry did, I'm afraid. I thought the book was very insightful into how UNinsightful and deluded Henry probably was in life.

Pleasant Surprise

Where does The Autobiography of Henry VIII rank among all the audiobooks you???ve listened to so far?

I read this book many years ago and loved it!
I have toyed with buying the audio version but always moved on because I'm not a big fan of David Cases' narration. I finally took the plunge and what a pleasant surprise! After about an hour, Mr. Case IS Henry VIII and you become totally engrossed in his conversational delivery of the life of this complicated man.

The book is painstakingly researched as are all Margaret Georges books, the story from Henry's subjective point of view is a refreshing take on what has been delivered so very many ways. One finds oneself sympathising with Henry at one moment, and being totally infuriated with him in another. This is due in part to David Case and his totally believable interpretation of Henry's character.

The interjections of Will, Henry's friend and fool allow the author to offer points of view the King could not know, it adds humor and at times pathos to the overall story. David Case does a great job of differentiating the two men in voice and inflection.

Entertaining Historical Fiction

The book is interesting enough to have kept me listening to all 40+ hours. That being said, I constantly found myself questioning the accuracy of the history presented due to the obviously fictionalized conversations and scenes presented as memories documented by Henry VIII - and his trusty fool. Regardless of this issue, the narrator is outstanding - and probably one of the reasons I listened to the end.

Utterly Fantastic!

As usual, George has produced a thoroughly written, researched and highly enjoyable volume. I read this in my 20s, but this time was better, due to the remarkable performance of David Case; I swear the man is a modern day Richard Burton and he nailed H VIII. You can hear all the different stages of Henry's life through Case's voice; from the eager young king to the pained, embittered and disillusioned old man. It's ridiculous how many books I've devoured on the Tudors, and this one definitely remains one of the best. Very highly recommended!

Perfect Story for Listening

Since this is an Autobiography being narrated to you by the actual king himself it is the perfect setting for the audiobook format. However even though David Chase is an excellent reader, he was a miscast for this particular story.
His voice is perfect for inserted comments of the aged Will Sommers, and other characters. However due to the raspy, 10 cigarettes a day quality his particular voice does not sound as if the King is reading his own biography, and thus dampens the experience somewhat, but not enough to make it unenjoyable.
The story is superb and engaging, and raspy voice aside David Chase is a good narrator and so I would definitely recommend this as an audio book that will bring you many entertaining hours.

This isn’t a book…

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

One Of The Best Books/ Listens Ever!

My passion is Tudor history but for some reason I had not read this book until I listened to this audio book. WoW! That's all I can say. I was so sad when this ended. I was not sure what I thought of the narrator, David Case, at first but he has now become a favored voice. He's amazing with this book. Simply perfect. I could gush on and on - but you get the idea - I truly LOVED the book and the narrator and recommend it to anyone who loves Tudor history, history or historical fiction in general!

a masterpiece

this has become my top favorite audio book.. Highly recommended. The narration is superb and the writing is enthralling. don't miss this one-totally worth 2 credits.

Great story, diminished by the wrong narrator

Would you recommend this audiobook to a friend? If so, why?

I would recommend this audiobook to a friend, with the caveat that the reader's voice comes across as thin, high and not the way I felt Henry VIII would/should sound. His high-pitched whine, which he uses to voice the women and many servants, is a tad off-putting.

Despite that, I would still recommend it, as the story is so well done.

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Autobiography of Henry VIII?

My disappointment with the reedy sound of the reader.

Would you be willing to try another one of David Case’s performances?

No.

Who was the most memorable character of The Autobiography of Henry VIII and why?

Will, as he was able to give the third person viewpoint to Henry's actions.

Any additional comments?

I wish this could be recorded with another reader with a deeper voice. Or with a male reader and a female reader; each to portray all characters of each gender.

The best book ever!!!

I have listened to this book 5 times and still can't get enough of Henry brought to life! Margaret will have you laughing every minute! No one have ever captured Henry Vlll thus!!!