The Private Lives of the Tudors

Uncovering the Secrets of Britain's Greatest Dynasty

By: Tracy Borman

Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble, Sandra Duncan

Length: 15 hrs and 18 mins

Publisher's summary

Tracy Borman, author of the best-selling biography of Thomas Cromwell, takes us behind the scenes to reveal the intimate secrets of the Tudor court and the private lives of Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth I and more.

'I do not live in a corner. A thousand eyes see all I do.' (Elizabeth I)

The Tudor monarchs were constantly surrounded by an army of attendants, courtiers and ministers. Even in their most private moments, they were accompanied by a servant specifically appointed for the task. A groom of the stool would stand patiently by as Henry VIII performed his daily purges, and when Elizabeth I retired for the evening, one of her female servants would sleep at the end of her bed.

These attendants knew the truth behind the glamorous exterior. They saw the tears shed by Henry VII upon the death of his son, Arthur. They knew the tragic secret behind 'Bloody' Mary's phantom pregnancies. And they saw the 'crooked carcass' beneath Elizabeth I's carefully applied makeup, gowns and accessories.

It is the accounts of these eyewitnesses, as well as a rich array of other contemporary sources, that historian Tracy Borman has examined more closely than ever before. With new insights and discoveries, and in the same way that she brilliantly illuminated the real Thomas Cromwell, The Private Life of the Tudors will reveal previously unexamined details about the characters we think we know so well.

©2016 Tracy Borman (P)2016 Hodder & Stoughton

Historical details

Any additional comments?

If you like historical details, like how they transported the court from castle to castle, what happened during childbirth, how expensive fabrics were in Tudor times ---- you will enjoy this book. I loved it.

Private Lives of the Tudors

A most enjoyable book! Jonathan Keeble's narration was splendid as was Tracy Borman's telling of the Tudor story. I particularly enjoyed hearing about Queen Elizabeth 1st. Well written.

Terrific book for anyone Tudor-oriented

Best I've seen yet. Great detail, new information, wonderful narration style, thoroughy enjoyable and strongly recommended

So good

I found the story fascinating and while history buffs might miss all the goings on in state... It was the most interesting part to me.. Personal lives and personal practices of the time. The narrator was great.! Loved it! I was sad when it was over... Wanted the author and narrator to bring me up to present day.

if you love details..

narrator was wonderful. writing a bit redundant in spots...but if you enjoy details about clothes and jewels and letters this book is for you.

Fantastic Read/Listen

If you think history is a bunch of old bones, this book is the meat the bones carried.

Very informative, made me feel like I was there...

Where does The Private Lives of the Tudors rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This would easily be in my top 5 favorites on the Tudor period.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Henry VIII was my favorite...he seemed more like a real person and I enjoyed hearing more about everyday life in his world.

Entertaining Look at the Tudors

Not at all boring or dry the way some non-fiction reads. Very interesting- new approach to era I thought I knew all about!

Great read

I really enjoyed the historical facts it gives the reader a total different look into that period loved it!

Better than Weirs books.

Better representation of this era in English history,where the common man was inconsequential, as today.