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)

Brilliant book, brilliant reading

Hearing Henry VIII’s voice, called forth with utter realism by Margaret George’s words and David Case’s performance, was spellbinding and convincing. Time very well spent!

Absolutely loved this book !

Great book on Henry VIII. Margaret George researched over 300 some books for this memoir and i think its obvious in the outcome. I thought it was a marvelous book, with great detail. Ive always somewhat disliked Henry for what i knew of him, now i have a very different view of him. I think in many ways he wanted to find true love. His divorcing his first wife Katherine of Aragon, and how he lied about their marriage and turned on her, i think was something he did wrong with his life, and never recovered from. It also seems Catherine Howard was a complete floozy and Anne Boleyn... well i dont know if she did anything behind his back, that doesnt seem evident, but she sure acted suspicious and was weird. I think the possibility of him having syphilis is also something many teachers/shows breeze right over but this cant have done his body or mind any good... if its true. Did Anne Boleyn have it ? She was off her rocker with some of her actions and comments. (This was his personal Drs opinion that Henry had it) This book goes into great detail his own personally torment and thoughts with details of the plague hitting London, and all the trials and deaths of those around him. Huge book but a good one !!

Great Book!

I was hesitant to get into this book- one of the longest audios I've experienced (War and Peace being another long audio that I enjoyed) and I was very pleased with the experience. The author was able to hold my interest the entire time! A bit hesitant at first to begin such a long audio, I was sorry when it was ending!

well researched, supremely entertaining

Would you listen to The Autobiography of Henry VIII again? Why?

probably, because it is full of historical facts.

Which character – as performed by David Case – was your favorite?

henry and will

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

the truth about henry

Any additional comments?

loved the narrator!

A great romp

This book is a fine introduction to the life of the most overexposed and misunderstood character in the English-speaking world. Endlessly entertaining but, whenever possible, following the historical record. That's not to say it doesn't take some dramatic liberties. I enjoyed the writing and over-the-top narration very much.

I thought the book was good overall

What did you love best about The Autobiography of Henry VIII?

The book was well written and well researched. Margaret George did a great job taking into account the time and setting of the book, letting the listener/reader know exactly where they were and what could be expected to be encountered.

Would you listen to another book narrated by David Case?

No. When I first began the book, I could hardly understand the accent he was putting on for King Henry. After I got used to it, I found that he did male characters very well, but all his female characters sounded exactly the same, even though many times they were from different countries or regions. They had a bit of a lilt and rolled their R's. It was kind of frustrating that I couldn't tell one woman from the next.
I probably wouldn't listen to it again or recommend it to anyone else. Just read the book instead of listening to it.

Any additional comments?

Some parts were a bit dry. Towards the ending, I didn't really like the character of King Henry, who became a mean, old arrogant, selfish coot. I don't suppose that is the fault of Margaret George however, she was just reporting the story through the research she found.

Entertaining and Insightful

What a wonderful book! At the beginning, Henry has died, and Will has found the diary he supposedly kept since his youth. He sends it to the daughter of Anne Boleyn's sister Mary, who he believes is in truth Henry's daughter. Will, whose father died when he was very young, does this because he believes that a child should know his or her father.

George has really done her research, but instead of ploddign through history, she gives Henry a realistic voice that is at time maddening, at other times sympathetic; in other words, she turns this huge historical figure into a man, like others, with both strengths and weaknesses. The interjections by Will, who, despite his cynical tone, obviously loved Henry, give us further insights into his character. Along the way, she gives us a delightful picture of life, love, and politics at the Tudor court.

David Case is the perfect reader for this material.

Loved it

I got this book based on its reviews and it did not disappoint. I feel as though I walked through time. And I've changed my opinion of Henry. He was complicated and apparently quite romantic, if not superstitious, as all people were at the time. It was definately the original Melrose Place. I want more from this author.

blew my mind

I never knew much about Henry VIII except that God most famous pictures were of a fat, apparently super indulgent monarch. This head totally rewritten history for me, and I appreciate the effort. I listened raptly for 40+ hours and may yet again. well done!

Transport yourself, today!

I cannot sing the praises of Margaret George enough for this incredible work of historical fiction. I must say that out of all of her novels, this one exceeded all expectations. She has portrayed Henry VIII in a world-wind of descriptive metaphors that had me back in the 16th century as if I were living in King Henry's court myself. I found myself the object of many curious stares when caught laughing raucously in public places. This had to be one of the more humorous of any of her creations. I have loved hating Henry VIII for his horrid treatment of the women in his life. However, Margaret George's intimate portrayal of him actually had me feeling as though he might have been human and not the monster so readily accepted. I don't think I've laughed this hard through a book meant for seriousness. Hearing Henry's intimate thoughts out loud? Along with sidelines from his fool? Wonderful idea. I'm still muddling through Memoirs of Cleopatra as it was and is incredibly slow. But this was a work of art that I devoured most enjoyably. With this narrator, EVERY minute of this book was entertaining. Loved it!!!!