The Tudors

The Complete Story of England's Most Notorious Dynasty

De: G. J. Meyer

Narrado por: Robin Sachs

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

Good overview

This book is a good overview of the Tudor Dynasty. There are some drawbacks but they are not bad enough to not read this book. First of all, this book is not exhaustive regarding all six wives. In fact, the book barely mentions the wives after Anne Boleyn. I am now reading "The Six Wives of Henry VIII" by Alison Weir to compensate for this loss. Also, the way the author jumps back and forth in time is annoying.

On the positive side, I learned a great deal from this book. There is lots of good info on Thomas Wolsey and Thomas Cromwell. There are chapters in the book called "Background" chapters and they are fascinating. Robin Sachs is an excellent narrator for this book.

Very Easy listen.

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

Yes.It was very informative but very easy to digest

What was one of the most memorable moments of The Tudors?

I really couldnt dicriminate between one or the other

Which scene was your favorite?

There wasnt any one scene

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

No,it was 24 hours long.

Any additional comments?

This was a very informative history of the 1500's in england.It provides a good deal of background and insight into the major players in the tudor drama. It was also presented in a digestable interesting fashion without becoming Dumbed down

Author bias shows

This history of The Tudors was informative however the author's dislike of two of the family members is easy to deduce. Love them or hate them, Henry VIII and Elizabeth I made the Tudor family so fascinating. I personally love Elizabeth despite her foibles. Gloriana!

Historical

Too much antipathy towards the monarch’s problems , not enough understanding of the king’s and queen’s personal griefs.

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 :)

A Real History Lesson

I enjoyed this book a lot. I am currently rewatching The Tudors and I love picking out the factual things and the things they got very wrong on the show - drama, anyone? I enjoyed hearing about the pre-Henry VIII rulers. I feel like I didn't get a lot of Elizabeth in her portion of the book, but more of the men surrounding her. However, I learned more about her vanity and deformities than I knew before.

Overall, I definitely recommend this book for anyone who likes Tudor history.

Very revealing

loved the factual story of the Tudors. many myths dispelled and questions answered. we'll worth the listen

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.