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Fools and Mortals

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Fools and Mortals

By: Bernard Cornwell
Narrated by: Thomas Judd
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A dramatic new departure for international bestselling author Bernard Cornwell, FOOLS AND MORTALS takes us into the heart of the Elizabethan era, long one of his favourite periods of British history.

‘With all the vivid history that is his trademark, Bernard Cornwell transports the readers to the playhouses, backstreets and palaces of Shakespeare's London with added depth and compassion’ Philippa Gregory

In the heart of Elizabethan England, young Richard Shakespeare dreams of a glittering career in the London playhouses, dominated by his older brother, William. But as a penniless actor with a silver tongue, Richard’s onetime gratitude begins to sour, as does his family loyalty.

So it is that Richard falls under suspicion when a priceless manuscript goes missing, forcing him into a high-stakes game of duplicity and betrayal, and through the darkest alleyways of the city.

In this richly portrayed tour de force, Fools and Mortals takes you among the streets and palaces, scandals and rivalries, and lets you stand side-by-side with the men and women of Bernard Cornwell’s masterful Elizabethan London.

 Action & Adventure Genre Fiction Historical Literary Fiction Mystery, Thriller & Suspense Thriller & Suspense World Literature Fiction Mind-bending Mystery Theatre
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Critic reviews

‘Sharp and funny … His combination of wit, adventure and deft characterisation succeeds triumphantly’ THE TIMES
‘Fools and Mortals is a delight. Witty and knowledgeable in its evocation of Shakespearean London … highly enjoyable’ BBC HISTORY MAGAZINE
‘Cornwell not only succeeds in creating an engaging story, but also in celebrating the difficulties and delights, at any time in history, of putting on a show’ THE SUNDAY TIMES
‘Cornwell leads us effortlessly through palaces and playhouses with the skill of a master storyteller who loves this period of history’ DAILY EXPRESS
‘With all the vivid history that is his trademark, Bernard Cornwell transports the readers to the playhouses, backstreets and palaces of Shakespeare's London with added depth and compassion, and a likeable hero’ Philippa Gregory
‘A cracking novel … the atmosphere and intrigues of this dangerous time are vividly realised. A smash hit’ THE TIMES
‘Story and characters crackle off the page as do the stink and violence of Elizabethan London. The author of the Sharpe and Last Kingdom bestsellers has pulled off a surprise for his readers — and a terrific one at that’ Elizabeth Buchan, DAILY MAIL
The Times Saturday Review Book of the Month
‘Cornwell is an enthusiastic amateur dramatist. His portrayal of the actors’ rivalries and superstitions is sharp and often funny. His combination of wit, adventure and deft characterisation is a triumphant departure from his usual territory’ THE TIMES
‘Cornwell mixes the dark realities of history with pacy dialogue … vividly entertaining’ DAILY EXPRESS
Praise for Bernard Cornwell:
'Strong narrative, vigourous action and striking characterisation, Cornwell remains king of the territory he has staked out as his own' SUNDAY TIMES
‘Cornwell draws a fascinating picture of England as it might have been before anything like England existed’ THE TIMES
‘He’s called a master storyteller. Really he’s cleverer than that’ TELEGRAPH
All stars
Most relevant
As my headline says, this book falls between two stools: if you are interested in the plays, as opposed to Shakespeare's life, the book will give you nothing new and, indeed, becomes irritating with its description of plots and snatches of quotation. If you are not interested in Shakespeare I don't think the book will encourage you to plunge in and become an ardent fan. The bits about life in London are good, though.

Falls between two stools

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I am a keen fan of Bernard Cornwell but this was a little slow-paced for my liking. The extended retelling of Shakespeare’s plays was often too drawn out but the period detail was interesting and the hero likeable.

A little disappointing

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An excellent book weaving history with imagination. I loved it as you are transferred back to Elizabethan London

rip roaring adventure with a twist

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Bought it purely in my trust in the author, wasn’t disappointed. A gem of a story from one of the best historical authors I’ve had the privilege of reading.

Cornwell delivers as always

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The plot and characterization here is absolutely first rate. I’m a big fan of most of Cornwell’s stronger characters (Sharpe, Starbuck etc) but have found a few ‘misses’ when he writes his stand-alone novels. But not today! My god, this is addictive stuff, capturing the essence of the time, the stage and the man. Devastated to have come to the end.

Cornwell’s finest

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