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 Sixteenth Century, in all its drama and atmosphere. A can't-miss for readers 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
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"Another great Tudor book. This book is written in the voice of Henry VIII as a diary found by his court jester, Will Somers who then gives it to Mary Boleyn's daughter, Catherine. The reason behind this is that she is believed to be the illegitimate daughter of Henry VIII, the result of Mary's three year affair with the king. She does not believe that he is her father but accepts William CArey as her true biological father. Will comers tries to convince her that she is IN DEED the kings daughter. I didn't get bored, I actually found myself hating him very much through his rantings and hallucinations! Which is what a good book should probably do."
— Adriana (5 out of 5 stars)
" First read this many years ago (in fact still have my very worn paper copy and return to again at least once a year). I now have the download blue pleasure of listening to a great story that is also part of my history. Please be aware that this is a novel and not a history text book, but Ms George manages to weave many historical facts into her narrative. "
— Sue, 5/4/2017" Hefty & compelling, kind of like the man himself. "
— Freya, 2/11/2014" Dense, really dense. But the information and history is enticing. "
— Liz, 2/10/2014" I found this book very long, and full of presumptuous details regarding King Henry's life. All together it was a interesting biography of his wives...except the disappointing version of Anne Boleyn!!! In no historical reference does she have 11 fingers...or is she a witch. If that was dropped out of the book it would have maybe gotten another star. The poor womans reputation has been shot enough. "
— Chelsie, 2/5/2014" I finally finished reading this epic novel and it was absolutely stellar! Uniquely written from the point of view of King Henry VIII of England, the reader gets a glimpse into the mind of this notorious monarch. A masterpiece! "
— Bonnie, 2/3/2014" Just what the title says. "
— Barb, 2/2/2014" I did not finish this book. It was very hard to get into reading it. I don't like to many books that are written in a diary style. If this had been an actual autobiography it might have been better or even a real account of his life it would have been worth reading. "
— Melanie, 1/29/2014" This was a very interesting and entertaining book. I was inspired to read it after watching the first two seasons of The Tudors on cable, which left me wanting to know more about the real Henry VIII. Now I just wish I knew how much of this novel was based on historical fact and how much was embroidery. Either way, it's a ripping good read. "
— April, 1/26/2014" Although over 900 pages this unique presentation of the ever popular Henry VIII is interesting reading. Margaret George always seems to find compelling ways to keep the reader's interest. "
— Joan, 1/4/2014" one of THE best historical novels of all times (imo) extremly well researched and extremly well written. One really can believe this is Henry talking to you through his diary and his fool's remarks are simply wonderful "
— Anduine, 12/31/2013" This started well but was far too long. Margaret George's intent to 'let Henry speak for himself' doesn't exactly improve him either. I applaud the idea but it needed editing down by the end. "
— Kirsty, 12/17/2013" ran out of steam halfway through. Can't keep up with Cranmer vs. Cromwell. Stopped while he's involved with Anne Boleyn, but before they are married while he hassles with the Church. They're all dead now anyway. "
— Marjorie, 12/17/2013" Amazing book. Def recommend for anyone who enjoyed the tv show "The Tudors" awesome to finally see things from his perspective :) "
— Rae, 12/15/2013" I greatly enjoyed the premise of this work. There are so many books ABOUT Henry, but here Margaret George tries to imagine the world as he saw it. The asides by Will Somers add insight, humor and clarity. This is one I will go back and read again. "
— Bonnie, 12/7/2013" ok, still figuring this out, i really liked this one, made me really rethink my prior feelings about King Henry, a well told story with plenty of history etc... "
— Paula, 12/1/2013" Fascinating fictionalization~ "
— Shawneebookworm, 9/3/2013" Disappointed. Didn't find Henry charismatic at all. Notes offered by will too few and boring. "
— Heather, 7/15/2013" 800+ pages of Henry was a bit much... "
— Emaly, 6/5/2013" Interesting, it kept me turning the pages fascinated with history and fiction mixed together to form a person you wanted to know and learn more about. This author is worth reading and I plan on reading her other historical books. This man is almost bigger then life and wow what a life he had. "
— Book, 3/24/2013" One of my favorite books. "
— Ryann, 3/6/2013" A great book and well written. The author did her research. It's super long. I read half and then read the rest like 6 months later. "
— Melyni, 1/13/2013" I love this book! It's big, but a fantastic historical novel. "
— BBBTerri, 11/20/2012" Really enjoyed reading this!! Had me hooked on her books "
— Heather, 5/22/2012" If you have any interest in British history, read this book. It truly seems like an autobiography--amazing details. So engrossing that you barely notice how long it is (except it's literally heavy). "
— Alicia, 3/10/2012" This was a bit tough- written from Henry and his fool's perspectives. Interesting take, not necessarily my favorite book about Henry. "
— Kate, 11/7/2011" Mom loved it, all 1000 pages "
— Maxine, 9/7/2011" A tome of a book. Both in size and flair. Margaret George really has a way of bringing the monarch to life, without making historical events seem dreary. Brilliant. "
— Kataklicik, 5/7/2011" This book began my obsession with the Tudors. "
— Lea, 5/3/2011" Have read this numerous time since it first came out. A great piece of historical fiction from Henry's point of view. "
— Deirdre, 4/16/2011" Another top notch book which makes you forget that you are not actually reading a true memoir. "
— Diane, 4/8/2011" I did not finish this book. It was very hard to get into reading it. I don't like to many books that are written in a diary style. If this had been an actual autobiography it might have been better or even a real account of his life it would have been worth reading. "
— Melanie, 3/28/2011" I love al of Margaret George's historic novels! Excellent, excellent!! "
— Mary, 3/27/2011" Easily my favorite book, and one I've passed around to friends continually! "
— Kaitlin, 3/26/2011" If he'd written his autobiography, this is what it would have been like! Long, but a good read. "
— Cheryle, 3/18/2011" Very good historical fiction. The author kept close to the facts, and used the literary license to interpret only feelings, and conversations. An excellent effort, and a very good way to learn history. I truly enjoyed it. "
— Stacy, 3/4/2011" great insight into the old world monarchy and the most absurd reasons to change the constant religion of an entire country. "
— Erin, 3/3/2011" Anything with Henry VIII is guaranteed to be entertaining- and this definitely applies. It was a fun read! For anyone who likes to read false 700 page autobiographies for a few laughs. "
— Alyssa, 2/27/2011Margaret George specializes in epic fictional biographies of historical figures, taking pains to make them as factually accurate as possible without compromising the drama. Her bestselling Autobiography of Henry VIII continues to be popular, and The Memoirs of Cleopatra is the basis for the Emmy-nominated Cleopatra miniseries from ABC. All of her books have been bestsellers, with twenty-one foreign translations.
David Case was a distinguished narrator who recorded over 700 audiobooks, was nominated for a Grammy Award, and received numerous AudioFile Earphones Awards for his narrations. AudioFile magazine named him a Golden Voice.
Frederick Davidson (1932–2005), also known as David Case, was one of the most prolific readers in the audiobook industry, recording more than eight hundred audiobooks in his lifetime, including over two hundred for Blackstone Audio. Born in London, he trained at the Royal Academy of Dramatic Art and performed for many years in radio plays for the British Broadcasting Company before coming to America in 1976. He received AudioFile’s Golden Voice Award and numerous Earphones Awards and was nominated for a Grammy for his readings.