The Tudors: The Crown, the Dynasty, the Golden Age

I love Tudor History and have read a fair bit and travelled to see the 'real' places. This book is physically beautiful...the graphics, colors, design and standard of production makes this a keeper. This lady really knows her stuff (as of course she would having worked for Hampton Court Palace...home of Henry VIII for more than 20 years). If you want a great start on this fascinating bit of time, get this book !

Gloriously illustrated, THE TUDORS is the perfect gift for someone who wants to know more about that famous dynasty than Henry VIII's marital exploits. The book is a comprehensive study of the period; indeed, it begins before the advent of the dynasty with the Wars of the Roses and takes a reader into the reign of James I, the first Stuart King of England. The authors, Siobhan Clarke and Linda Collins, touch all major events, but they give some striking details of the personal lives of the family and make them seem accessible to the 21st century. The observations of the reign of Mary I are particularly insightful. The authors note that it was Mary who made it possible for a queen, a female prince, to reign with the same power as if she had been male. The Mary that emerges in these pages is far more fascinating than the caricature of "Bloody Mary," infamous for nearly 500 years. The authors describe her very loving relationship with her little brother, who would grow up to be Edward VI. The discussion of the relationships among Henry's three heirs is very enlightening. They are a family--a bit dysfunctional, but a family nonetheless. This book is obviously a labor of love, and whoever gets to read this book is very lucky!!

This book is a rare gem combining words and powerful imagery to tell the breathtaking story of the Tudors bringing the narrative of this formidable family to life for the reader. A daunting task these two authors took on indeed ! For Tudor enthusiasts like myself this book offers a deep dive into the world of all that is Tudor. The broad scope and storytelling will keep even a casual reader of history engaged as it deftly navigates through the 15th and 16th centuries starting with Henry VII as the unlikely king who founded this dynasty. The book is well written and engaging bringing all of the family players onto the stage and presenting each in turn. The authors offer a subtle portrayal just how the Tudors wielded power ,and as importantly, how they held onto it. It gives the reader an appreciation of the scope of Tudor influence - the wars and rivalries that extended across kingdoms ; and the infighting within the Tudor family itself with its often tragic outcomes. As I finished reading the book, I came away feeling fascinated by this imposing family.

Bought as a birthday gift, recipient delighted.