Preview
  • The Private Lives of the Tudors

  • Uncovering the Secrets of Britain's Greatest Dynasty
  • By: Tracy Borman
  • Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble, Sandra Duncan
  • Length: 15 hrs and 18 mins
  • 4.6 out of 5 stars (241 ratings)

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The Private Lives of the Tudors

By: Tracy Borman
Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble, Sandra Duncan
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Publisher's summary

A BEHIND THE SCENES GLIMPSE INTO THE LIVES OF HENRY VIII, ANNE BOLEYN, ELIZBAETH I AND MORE, FROM BESTSELLING HISTORIAN TRACY BORMAN

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'I do not live in a corner. A thousand eyes see all I do.' Elizabeth I

The Tudor monarchs were constantly surrounded by an army of attendants, courtiers and ministers. Even in their most private moments, they were accompanied by a servant specifically appointed for the task. A groom of the stool would stand patiently by as Henry VIII performed his daily purges, and when Elizabeth I retired for the evening, one of her female servants would sleep at the end of her bed.

These attendants knew the truth behind the glamorous exterior. They saw the tears shed by Henry VII upon the death of his son Arthur. They knew the tragic secret behind 'Bloody' Mary's phantom pregnancies. And they saw the 'crooked carcass' beneath Elizabeth I's carefully applied makeup, gowns and accessories.

It is the accounts of these eyewitnesses, as well as a rich array of other contemporary sources that historian Tracy Borman has examined more closely than ever before. With new insights and discoveries, and in the same way that she brilliantly illuminated the real Thomas Cromwell - The Private Life of the Tudors will reveal previously unexamined details about the characters we think we know so well.

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Critical acclaim for The Private Lives of the Tudors:

'Borman approaches her topic with huge enthusiasm and a keen eye for entertaining...this is a very human story of a remarkable family, full of vignettes that sit long in the mind.' Dan Jones, The Sunday Times

'Tracy Borman's eye for detail is impressive; the book is packed with fascinating courtly minutiae... this is a wonderful book.' The Times

'Borman is an authoritative and engaging writer, good at prising out those humanising details that make the past alive to us.' The Observer

'Fascinating, detailed account of the everyday reality of the royals... This is a book of rich scholarship.' Daily Mail

'Tracy Borman's passion for the Tudor period shines forth from the pages of this fascinatingly detailed book, which vividly illuminates what went on behind the scenes at the Tudor court.' Alison Weir

©2016 Tracy Borman (P)2016 Hodder & Stoughton
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History
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What listeners say about The Private Lives of the Tudors

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Historical details

Any additional comments?

If you like historical details, like how they transported the court from castle to castle, what happened during childbirth, how expensive fabrics were in Tudor times ---- you will enjoy this book. I loved it.

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Private Lives of the Tudors

A most enjoyable book! Jonathan Keeble's narration was splendid as was Tracy Borman's telling of the Tudor story. I particularly enjoyed hearing about Queen Elizabeth 1st. Well written.

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Terrific book for anyone Tudor-oriented

Best I've seen yet. Great detail, new information, wonderful narration style, thoroughy enjoyable and strongly recommended

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Very informative, made me feel like I was there...

Where does The Private Lives of the Tudors rank among all the audiobooks you’ve listened to so far?

This would easily be in my top 5 favorites on the Tudor period.

Who was your favorite character and why?

Henry VIII was my favorite...he seemed more like a real person and I enjoyed hearing more about everyday life in his world.

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Entertaining Look at the Tudors

Not at all boring or dry the way some non-fiction reads. Very interesting- new approach to era I thought I knew all about!

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    5 out of 5 stars

Great read

I really enjoyed the historical facts it gives the reader a total different look into that period loved it!

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So good

I found the story fascinating and while history buffs might miss all the goings on in state... It was the most interesting part to me.. Personal lives and personal practices of the time. The narrator was great.! Loved it! I was sad when it was over... Wanted the author and narrator to bring me up to present day.

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if you love details..

narrator was wonderful. writing a bit redundant in spots...but if you enjoy details about clothes and jewels and letters this book is for you.

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Fantastic Read/Listen

If you think history is a bunch of old bones, this book is the meat the bones carried.

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Better than Weirs books.

Better representation of this era in English history,where the common man was inconsequential, as today.

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2 people found this helpful