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Henry VIII: The Heart and the Crown

'this novel makes Henry VIII’s story feel like it has never been told before' (Tracy Borman)

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Henry VIII: The Heart and the Crown

By: Alison Weir
Narrated by: Elliot Fitzpatrick
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About this listen

 'Alison Weir makes Henry VIII's story feel like it has never been told before' TRACY BORMAN

Six wives. One King. You know their stories. Now it's time to hear his.

The magnificent new Tudor novel from the author of the Sunday Times-bestselling Six Tudor Queens series.

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A second son, not born to rule, becomes a man, and a king...

In grand royal palaces, Prince Harry grows up dreaming of knights and chivalry - and the golden age of kings that awaits his older brother. But Arthur's untimely death sees Harry crowned King Henry of England.

As his power and influence extends, so commences a lifelong battle between head and heart, love and duty. Henry rules by divine right, yet his prayers for a son go unanswered.

The great future of the Tudor dynasty depends on an heir. And the crown weighs heavy on a king with all but his one true desire.

HENRY VIII. HIS STORY.

Alison Weir's most ambitious Tudor novel yet reveals the captivating story of a man who was by turns brilliant, romantic, and ruthless: the king who changed England forever.

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PRAISE FOR ALISON WEIR'S TUDOR FICTION

'As always, Alison Weir is ahead of the curve - and at the top of her game. Her wide knowledge and unparalleled understanding of the Tudor era fuels a sympathetic, but never sycophantic, portrait of England's most compelling king' Sarah Gristwood

'History has the best stories and they should all be told like this' Conn Iggulden

'This is royal Tudor life both in broad scope and intimate detail and readers are in for a sumptuous journey' Elizabeth Chadwick

'With Elizabeth of York, Alison Weir gives us her most compelling heroine yet... This is where the story of the Tudors begins and is historical fiction at its absolute best' Tracy Borman

'This series is a serious achievement' The Times

'Weir is excellent on the little details that bring a world to life' Guardian

'Profoundly moving... lingers long after the last page' Elizabeth Fremantle

'Well researched and engrossing' Good Housekeeping

'Vivid characters and a wonderful sense of time and place' Barbara Erskine

'Hugely enjoyable . . . Alison Weir knows her subject and has a knack for the telling and textural detail' Daily Mail

(P) 2023 Headline Publishing Group Ltd©2023 Alison Weir Biographical Fiction Fiction Genre Fiction Historical Historical Fiction Renaissance Royalty Biography England Tudor Heartfelt

Critic reviews

Alison Weir makes Henry VIII's story feel like it has never been told before . . . she gets under the skin of the man who is so often dismissed as a much-married monster and gives us an altogether more nuanced, compelling and human portrayal (Tracy Borman)
As always, Alison Weir is ahead of the curve - and at the top of her game. Her wide knowledge and unparalleled understanding of the Tudor era fuels a sympathetic, but never sycophantic, portrait of England's most compelling king (Sarah Gristwood)
This is royal Tudor life both in broad scope and intimate detail and readers are in for a sumptuous journey (Elizabeth Chadwick)
What a book! Alison has done a fantastic and impressive job of bringing to life such a notorious historical figure as a multi-faceted, imperfect yet likeable and even, at times, pitiable character . . . Complex, captivating and memorable (Tracy Rees)
All stars
Most relevant
Really enjoyed this book and seeing it through Henry’s eyes. Love Alison’s writing style and never lets me down .. 100% recommend

couldn’t stop listening

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This is brilliantly written by Alison Weir as she brings Henry VIII’s reign to life through drama and turmoil. It’s such a fascinating story which still fascinates us.

Highly recommend

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I really enjoyed listening to this production. Well done. Elliot was a good narrator, very clear.

I enjoyed it

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It was a change to read the story from Henry's point of view, and to think about the emotions and reflections that he may have went through. it was certainly some way from the head chopping tyrant we all know of, and I enjoyed listening to the narrative.

A little different.

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Wonderful story, great to hear from Henry’s side. Wondering narrator. Goes from the death of Henry’s mother to his own death

Brilliant narrative

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