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4.05 AVERAGE
4.05 AVERAGE
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.
emotional
informative
sad
slow-paced
As others have said, this doesn't break a lot of new ground but it does dispel some myths and fill in some fascinating background.
I like to consider myself pretty knowledgeable about the Tudor dynasty. If you have read a lot about them, most of the stories will not be new to you. But the strength of this book is that in-depth look at the "private lives" of Henry, Henry, Edward, Mary, and Elizabeth. The focus on those closest to them, the clothing, the food, etc. Fantastic book, well-researched and thorough. But I expect nothing less from Tracy Borman. Full review to come.
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Check out my complete review on my blog http://allthebookblognamesaretaken.blogspot.com or www.facebook.com/AllTheBookBlogNamesAreTaken
+++++++++++++++
Check out my complete review on my blog http://allthebookblognamesaretaken.blogspot.com or www.facebook.com/AllTheBookBlogNamesAreTaken
I knew very little about the Tudors before I read this and I must say this is a fantastic introduction. It paints the monarchs as real people, which is of great importance to me when engaging with history. It is particularly important for periods pre-19th century, as I do not tend to be drawn to them as much. For the most part this was a gripping read. I had a wobble with keeping my interest going during the chapters on Edward and Mary, but mainly due to their lives not being quite as exciting, rather than the quality of the writing changing in any way. I would most wholeheartedly recommend this book and I am likely to pick up another tome by this author as her style is extremely engaging.