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Henry VIII and the Men Who Made Him

The unmissable, secret history of the people behind the Tudor throne from the Chief Historian at Historic Royal Palaces

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Henry VIII and the Men Who Made Him

By: Tracy Borman
Narrated by: Julie Teal
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About this listen

 A thrilling peek behind the curtain at the men who supported Britain's most famous king from Sunday Times bestselling author Tracy Borman OBE

'An outstanding work of historical artistry' - ALISON WEIR

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Henry VIII is well known for his tumultuous relationships with women, and he is often defined by his many marriages. But what do we see if we take a different look? When we see Henry through the men in his life, a new perspective on this famous king emerges.

Henry's relationships with the men who surrounded him reveal much about his beliefs, behaviour and character. They show him to be capable of fierce, but seldom abiding loyalty; of raising men only to destroy them later. He loved to be attended and entertained by boisterous young men who shared his passion for sport, but at other times he was more diverted by men of intellect, culture and wit. Often trusting and easily led by his male attendants and advisers during the early years of his reign, he matured into a profoundly suspicious and paranoid king whose favour could be suddenly withdrawn, as many of his later servants found to their cost. His cruelty and ruthlessness would become ever more apparent as his reign progressed, but the tenderness that he displayed towards those he trusted proves that he was never the one-dimensional monster that he is often portrayed as.

In this fascinating and often surprising new biography, Tracy Borman reveals Henry's personality in all its multi-faceted, contradictory glory.

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Readers LOVE Tracy Borman:

'Tracy Borman's book must rank among the very best [Tudor history books].' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
'Tracy Borman is an excellent author and you can guarantee anything she writes is very well researched.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
' I love Tudor history and this book was phenomenal.' ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ 16th Century Europe Great Britain Modern Politics & Activism Royalty England Tudor

Critic reviews

In this stunning book, Tracy Borman proves yet again that she is at the top of her field. It's an outstanding work of historical artistry, a brilliantly woven and pacy story of the men who surrounded, influenced and sometimes plagued Henry VIII. Borman is in complete command of the vast source material, and affords us a new perspective on a king who has dominated the national consciousness for centuries - no mean achievement. Masterful, and hugely impressive, this is one Tudor book you must not miss!
An arching overview of Henry's reign with small surprises on virtually every page. Why wait for the final installment of Wolf Hall, when the real tale is every bit as compelling? We meet a Henry who for once is a wholly convincing man - neither a monster, nor the monolith of the Holbein portrait [Borman] unpacks so deftly.
A fresh and interesting approach to Henry VIII's story, revealing a new side to the famous king's character through the lives of the men who surrounded him.
Henry VIII and The Men Who Made Him is a meticulously researched and compellingly presented narrative, which presents the infamous Tudor King in a whole new light from the eyes of the men who knew him: family, friends, servants and enemies. It's a refreshingly brilliant approach to a well known story, which is beautifully and engagingly written.
This is a superbly told and impeccably researched account of Henry VIII's reign and the men who surrounded him. At the centre of Borman's narrative is the majestic horror created, and inflicted, by Henry's charisma.
All stars
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Fascinating to those interested in British history and Henry viii. Probably the only audiobook which I listened to the end and then wanted to hear all again. Tragic and amazing!

Fascinating

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listen from start to finish about Henry VIII and the people around him plus the antics they got up to. The narrator was very good.

A fascinating....

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Tracy always does her homework and this I read and listened to, it’s not just about Henry but about the men who did make him so known. The fights and what led to so many downfalls and how . Excellent

Brilliant and so informative

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I hadn't expected this book to be as interesting as it is. I was expecting a slimmed down Scarisbrick and this is completely different. The focus is on Henry, has to be given he dominated every company he was in, but the descriptions of the men that surrounded him and to an extent manipulated him is a real game changer. I thought this book was very well read. I have listened through once and will gladly listen through again.

Unexpectedly fascinating.

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A gripping book that gives insight into the dynamics of Henry’s court. Well read too!

Fascinating

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