Anne Boleyn & Elizabeth I

The Mother and Daughter Who Forever Changed British History

By: Tracy Borman

Narrated by: Tracy Borman

Length: 8 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

Anne Boleyn may be best known for losing her head, but as Tudor expert Tracy Borman reveals in a book that recasts British history, her greatest legacy lies in the path-breaking reign of her daughter, Elizabeth.

Much of the fascination with Britain’s legendary Tudors centers around the dramas surrounding Henry VIII and his six wives and Elizabeth I’s rumored liaisons. Yet the most fascinating relationship in that historic era may well be that between the mother and daughter who, individually and collectively, changed the course of British history.

The future Queen Elizabeth was not yet three when her mother, Anne Boleyn, was beheaded on May 19, 1536, on Henry’s order, incensed that she had not given him a son and tired of her contentious nature. Elizabeth had been raised away from court, rarely even seeing Anne; and after her death, Henry tried in every way to erase Anne’s presence and memory. At that moment in history, few could have predicted that mother and daughter would each leave enduring, and interlocked, legacies. Yet as Tracy Borman reveals in this first-ever joint portrait, both women broke the mold for British queens and for women in general at the time. Anne was instrumental in reforming and reshaping forever Britain’s religious traditions, and her years of wielding power over a male-dominated court provided an inspiring role model for Elizabeth’s glittering, groundbreaking 45-year reign. Indeed, Borman shows how much Elizabeth—most visibly by refusing to ever marry, but in many other more subtle ways that defined her court—was influenced by her mother’s legacy.

In its originality, Anne Boleyn & Elizabeth I sheds new light on two of history’s most famous women—the private desires, hopes, and fears that lay behind their dazzling public personas, and the surprising influence each had on the other during and after their lifetimes. In the process, Tracy Borman reframes our understanding of the entire Tudor era.

©2023 Tracy Borman (P)2023 Hodder & Stoughton Ltd

Different narrative of Elizabeth 1

The highlight for me was the superb narration by the author. Tracy Borman reads well and it keeps the story engaging. Her enthusiasm to tell the story of Anne and Elizabeth from a different viewpoint shines throughout the book. There were so many Boleyn relations that served Elizabeth 1. My only minor criticism is that I needed a family tree of all the Boleyn relatives she mentioned so I could keep the relationships straight. This book was quite similar to Crown and Scepter which Tracy Borman also narrated.

Wonderful book

This is a well-written and informative examination of the connection that endured between Anne Boleyn and her daughter Elizabeth I despite the former’s execution when her daughter was still so young. As a descendant of Mary Boleyn through her daughter Katherine Carey, I especially appreciated the details of the Boleyn relationships Elizabeth maintained throughout her life. Enjoyed both the history and the narration provided by the author!

Fabulous!

I loved this and think it’s great that Tracy narrated this herself. I was surprised by all of the details about how Anne influenced Elizabeth, as this isn’t something we typically hear. Highly recommend this to anyone interested in Anne or Elizabeth (or both).

History made real

This work seems well research and although I was familiar with both mother & daughter, since Elizabeth had been so young when she lost her mother, I had never guessed at the connections between them. I loved learning about the Boleyns throughout history, but especially Elizabeth’s devotion to her mother.

Loved it.

I loved hearing the actual written history added in. The story flowed very well. The narrator/author did a good job of keeping the feel of the story real and not like reading a textbook.

Fantastic!

Loved the way this author walked us through both mother and daughter all the while tying them together.

Refreshing Perspective, Elegantly Written

It was time we learned the full truth about Elizabeth and her Mother. Thoroughly researched and presented Borman captured my imagination for a beautiful stroll through Tudor/ Elizabethan England with style and finesse. I love how she brought to life previously neglected characters and storylines from that era. 10 stars!!

informative

Very interesting history of Anne Boylen and Queen Elizabeth the 1st. I feel like Anne got the last laugh, by having her daughter become Queen and reign for many years.

Great listen!

I enjoy English history and this was a great listen! Tracy does a great job in bringing the reader back in time to understand the English crown.

Good historical review of Anne and Catherine.

Well researched engaging story of two influential women in the history of The Crown. I had to speed up the narration which I normally don’t like to do. Worthwhile listening for anyone interested in British history.