The Tudors

The Complete Story of England's Most Notorious Dynasty

By: G. J. Meyer

Narrated by: Robin Sachs

Length: 24 hrs and 34 mins

Publisher's summary

New York Times best seller

For the first time in decades comes a fresh look at the fabled Tudor dynasty, comprising some of the most enigmatic figures ever to rule a country.

“A thoroughly readable and often compelling narrative...Five centuries have not diminished the appetite for all things Tudor.” (Associated Press)

For the first time in decades, here, in a single volume, is a fresh look at the fabled Tudor dynasty, comprising some of the most enigmatic figures ever to rule a country. Acclaimed historian G. J. Meyer reveals the flesh-and-bone reality in all its wild excess.

In 1485, young Henry Tudor, whose claim to the throne was so weak as to be almost laughable, crossed the English Channel from France at the head of a ragtag little army and took the crown from the family that had ruled England for almost four hundred years. Half a century later his son, Henry VIII, desperate to rid himself of his first wife in order to marry a second, launched a reign of terror aimed at taking powers no previous monarch had even dreamed of possessing. In the process he plunged his kingdom into generations of division and disorder, creating a legacy of blood and betrayal that would blight the lives of his children and the destiny of his country.

The boy king Edward VI, a fervent believer in reforming the English church, died before bringing to fruition his dream of a second English Reformation. Mary I, the disgraced daughter of Catherine of Aragon, tried and failed to reestablish the Catholic Church and produce an heir. And finally came Elizabeth I, who devoted her life to creating an image of herself as Gloriana the Virgin Queen but, behind that mask, sacrificed all chance of personal happiness in order to survive.

The Tudors weaves together all the sinners and saints, the tragedies and triumphs, the high dreams and dark crimes, that reveal the Tudor era to be, in its enthralling, notorious truth, as momentous and as fascinating as the fictions audiences have come to love.

Praise for The Tudors

“A rich and vibrant tapestry.” (The Star-Ledger)

“Energetic and comprehensive...[a] sweeping history of the gloriously infamous Tudor era... Unlike the somewhat ponderous British biographies of the Henrys, Elizabeths, and Boleyns that seem to pop up perennially, The Tudors displays flashy, fresh irreverence [and cuts] to the quick of the action.” (Kirkus Reviews)

“[A] cheeky, nuanced, and authoritative perspective...brims with enriching background discussions.” (Publishers Weekly)

“[A] lively new history.” (Bloomberg)

©2010 G.J. Meyer (P)2010 Random House

An Awsome Corruption of Power

Would you listen to The Tudors again? Why?

I would listen to this book over and over. For such an interesting read there is a surprising amount of detail in here. Each monarch brings with them new faces to the court. These new power struggles and jealousies lead to parallel intrigues. As for the monarchs themselves, the Tudors remain one of history's great intrigues.

What other book might you compare The Tudors to and why?

I suppose the closest I would find to this may be A history of the Isles by Norman Davies, and I suppose the reason is that the author's passion for subject becomes so infectious, without loosing their ability to be highly critical or controversial.

What about Robin Sachs’s performance did you like?

It was a really great listen. You usually know from the first 5 minutes if the narrator is going to be a winner. Sometimes the best narrators are the ones you don't notice. When the work involves a fair bit of detail it needs to be delivered without distraction but with authority.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No. I enjoyed mulling it over. There is too much historical detail to take in and I mean that in the best way possible.

Any additional comments?

I will listen to this book again and again. If I had one complaint it would be the lack of information regarding the Tudors in Ireland. The Tudors sowed the seeds of five hundred years of conflict as well as laying the groundwork for the great suffering for the coming generations of the native Irish people. Although in the past English historians have rarely bothered themselves with England/Britain's interference in Ireland, and Irish students of history always have to read English historians through a certain prism because of this. I felt that this was a study that could have made room for it but plainly didn't. But a great book for all that.

Rich in history. it's long but worth the listen

if you enjoy the Tudor history this book is a must. this book goes pretty deep into the real history and back story of the Tudors.

Not your Grandma's Tudors

Don't get this if you wish to continue enjoying the myth of The Tudors, Elizabeth, in particular. Throughout my many years of the myth, I had a sneaking suspicion there was a lot more going on and not all of it was as had been presented. The common people of that time had been yanked in so many directions it couldn't have been a good time for them. Bloody and God awful is what it seems to have been.

I enjoyed how thorough the author is and for being disabused of some of my mistaken beliefs about this family.

Great History!

This was a great history of England. Very informative and read beautifully. I would highly recommend, if you enjoy history.

Serves it's purpose

There are really good and bad things about the narrative of the Tudor line. I have always been familiar with Henry the 8th and Elizabeth's reign and was really wanting a overview of not just these figures but the transition of power before and after. I was a bit disappointed that the book rushed over Henry the 7th which leads me into my biggest complaint. At the end of each chapter there is a background where it goes further in depth on a certain topic. If you are not familiar with the figures the back and forth in time can be a bit confusing at times.

It should also be mentioned that the Tudors are not painted in the best of light. infact if this is your only encounter it would not be a stretch that you would think they were the worse dictators since Nero and other bad emperors of Rome. This is not a bad thing completely and everything is subjectively described. It is also a good lense to have if your only knowledge is from Hollywood.

overall I really enjoyed this book. It serves its purpose on giving a good overview on how the Tudars ruled and their impact on religious reform in the 16th century England.

Loved it!

It is a fresh view of the Tudor era. The book is well worth reading.

Good but seems to be missing something

Overall, was good not great. It missed being a five star for me due to the fact that they’re just appeared to be gaps in his narrative. It is also hard to follow with all the names and characters throughout the Tudor reign.

My big take away is Henry VIII & Elizabeth were monsters each in their own way. It still boggles my mind how the English people tolerated this insanity as long as they did. 

Doesn't pull his punches

Would you listen to The Tudors again? Why?

No, the book made me feel sick inside when you realize how crazy the Tudors really were. G. J. Meyer takes away the glossy photo paper and lets you see them all as they were.

How would you have changed the story to make it more enjoyable?

Can't change history. I am grateful for the insights. I'm still rather taken aback at how self posessed and vain they all were.

Have you listened to any of Robin Sachs’s other performances before? How does this one compare?

No this is my first time listening. He didn't sound all that enthusiastic in his topic, and I think it is reflected in his inflection. Also the tone of this voice is a little to "bassy" and hurt my ear drums, so I could only listen to him for a couple of hours at a time. This was after I fixed the audio out on various radios to tone down how deep he sounded.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

Yes, but the narrator prevented me from doing so.

Any additional comments?

Other than Norman Cantor, I have never had my eyes opened more about the underbelly of that reality. As Cantor reviled "honour & chivalry as tools to convince men to go to battle for little to no gain" Meyer showed me how very little acclaim and worth the Tudors. Their fame similar to the Borgias is not out of good deeds and solemnity, but due to their notorious and mercurial natures. Meyer even managers to take the darling Gloriana and prove what a terror and shallow human being she really was. I used to think that I would have loved to have met her, now I think I'd rather watch from the sidelines. None of them were "great leaders" other than Henry VII. He managed to get the world in order again for England (even if he taxed and financially penalized them to death), but he provided stability with the lack of vanity that was so normal for the day.Meyer has opened my eyes to at least continue my research in text that show less favorable light for the Tudor Era.

Unflattering & Unflinching

I've read/listened to a lot of Tudor history. This was the harshest book by far, but I learned much. The breakdown of the back-story is awesome. If you can take a step back from the much loved Gloriana of mythos - you will enjoy this book greatly.

Fabulous Audiobook

Would you consider the audio edition of The Tudors to be better than the print version?

I would! I listen mostly on my commute to work, reading on the bus sometimes makes me sick. Having the opportunity to listen to the book I was dying to read was an awesome choice!

Who was your favorite character and why?

Anne Boleyn, although she doesn't get as much story time (for obvious reasons).

What does Robin Sachs bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?

His awesome voice :)

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

If that were possible, yes! However it's over 24 hours long, so thats not really an option :)