A review by joshua_c
Black Tudors: The Untold Story by Miranda Kaufmann

3.5

A thought-provoking and well-researched exploration of the lives of Black people in Tudor England. Kaufmann provides vital and conclusive evidence that people of colour have lived in and been part of British culture and everyday life for centuries, dismissing innumerable misconceptions to the contrary including that multiculturalism is a purely modern phenomenon. Black Tudors is somewhat let down by the relative lack of evidence, most sources being taken from parish birth, marriage or death records which cannot be helped and does not undermine the central message of the book. However, the result is that much of what is offered is context which, though interesting, that space could have been better used to discuss in greater detail wider themes and conclusions on the topic. Nevertheless, a vital work that expands our understanding of the past and enriches our national history.