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4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
informative
medium-paced
informative
slow-paced
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Hodder & Stoughton in exchange for a fair and honest review. Thank you! 😀
This is a well researched book starting with Henry VII and ends with Elizabeth I. It goes beyond the story of the throne and goes into the details of life at court. The book is colorful and is full of interesting people. I was surprised by how sympathetic I felt towards the Monarchs and some of their royal subjects. Just because you are born into wealth and excess doesn’t mean you will lead a happy, fulfilled life.
This is a well researched book starting with Henry VII and ends with Elizabeth I. It goes beyond the story of the throne and goes into the details of life at court. The book is colorful and is full of interesting people. I was surprised by how sympathetic I felt towards the Monarchs and some of their royal subjects. Just because you are born into wealth and excess doesn’t mean you will lead a happy, fulfilled life.
This is a well researched book starting with Henry VII and ends with Elizabeth I. It goes beyond the story of the throne and goes into the details of life at court. The book is colorful and is full of interesting people. I was surprised by how sympathetic I felt towards the Monarchs and some of their royal subjects. Just because you are born into wealth and excess doesn’t mean you will lead a happy, fulfilled life.
Disclaimer: ARC via Netgalley.
Do we really need another book about the Tudors?
I’m not sure, but they do seem to be sparking quite the industry don’t they?
Borman’s book is suppose to be about the private lives – not so much sex, though there is plenty of that- but of housekeeping and castle running. In other words, how bodily functions were carried out, what make up was used, and, of course, the virginity of Elizabeth I.
It is not a bad book, but it is hardly a book that someone who has already read books about the Henrys, Mary, Edward, and Elizabeth I needs to read. The best sections are those were Borman really does focus on the private lives, such private lives that the kings and queens could have (which really wasn’t much). In this case, it means discussing views about sex as well as herbs that could be used if one spent too much time with a woman. There are detailed descriptions about royal wardrobes that are actually quite interesting, and make Henry VIII look even more of a bully.
The book bogs down for the far from causal Tudor reader, when Borman retreads the well-known Tudor stories, and why she acknowledges this in her introduction, that doesn’t make the reading more fascinating for those readers who already know this. What is interesting is that Borman follows the standard glossy over Edward and Mary (especially Mary) to make quick room for Elizabeth. It’s hardly surprising; Elizabeth ruled far, far longer. But it also feels as if she let go of a chance to do something different too easily. Instead of dwelling for the length of time she does on say Mary, Queen of Scots perhaps more about Mary I of England.
It is not a bad book, but if you have read other Tudor histories, it isn’t going to bring much new to the table. If you have just started reading about the Tudors, you should add this to your list.
Do we really need another book about the Tudors?
I’m not sure, but they do seem to be sparking quite the industry don’t they?
Borman’s book is suppose to be about the private lives – not so much sex, though there is plenty of that- but of housekeeping and castle running. In other words, how bodily functions were carried out, what make up was used, and, of course, the virginity of Elizabeth I.
It is not a bad book, but it is hardly a book that someone who has already read books about the Henrys, Mary, Edward, and Elizabeth I needs to read. The best sections are those were Borman really does focus on the private lives, such private lives that the kings and queens could have (which really wasn’t much). In this case, it means discussing views about sex as well as herbs that could be used if one spent too much time with a woman. There are detailed descriptions about royal wardrobes that are actually quite interesting, and make Henry VIII look even more of a bully.
The book bogs down for the far from causal Tudor reader, when Borman retreads the well-known Tudor stories, and why she acknowledges this in her introduction, that doesn’t make the reading more fascinating for those readers who already know this. What is interesting is that Borman follows the standard glossy over Edward and Mary (especially Mary) to make quick room for Elizabeth. It’s hardly surprising; Elizabeth ruled far, far longer. But it also feels as if she let go of a chance to do something different too easily. Instead of dwelling for the length of time she does on say Mary, Queen of Scots perhaps more about Mary I of England.
It is not a bad book, but if you have read other Tudor histories, it isn’t going to bring much new to the table. If you have just started reading about the Tudors, you should add this to your list.
informative
medium-paced
informative
medium-paced
Some very broad strokes in this book - Queen Mary covered in what felt like a half dozen pages (and little to no discussion of her personal religion and its impacts).
While the coverage of the early Tudor Monarchs presented some new information, very little else surprised me as new knowledge in this book, although that may have been coloured by recently reading "How to Be a Tudor", which is extensively referenced through the book!
Easy reading, and probably an excellent introduction for those who have not read Tudor History before outside of novels.
While the coverage of the early Tudor Monarchs presented some new information, very little else surprised me as new knowledge in this book, although that may have been coloured by recently reading "How to Be a Tudor", which is extensively referenced through the book!
Easy reading, and probably an excellent introduction for those who have not read Tudor History before outside of novels.
emotional
informative
slow-paced
If you're looking for an overview of Tudor history, this is probably not the book for you. The author gives a basic overview, but it's more of a refresher before going into the more detailed information about the lives of the Tudor monarchs. That said, the detailed information is very well presented if you're interested in more details of how and what they ate, what they wore, and more.
The book is organized basically chronologically, so the various topics are covered in the section on each monarch. But it's engagingly written, a fairly quick read, and the bibliography is extensive if you're interested in seeking out more sources. If you're looking for a more humanizing view of the Tudors, this book is a good option.
The book is organized basically chronologically, so the various topics are covered in the section on each monarch. But it's engagingly written, a fairly quick read, and the bibliography is extensive if you're interested in seeking out more sources. If you're looking for a more humanizing view of the Tudors, this book is a good option.