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The Tudors

The Complete Story of England's Most Notorious Dynasty

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The Tudors

Written by: G. J. Meyer
Narrated by: Robin Sachs
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About this listen

 NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • The award-winning author of The Memphis Murders presents “a rich and vibrant tapestry” (The Star-Ledger) of the fabled Tudor dynasty—and some of the most enigmatic figures to ever rule a country.

“A thoroughly readable and often compelling narrative . . . Five centuries have not diminished the appetite for all things Tudor.”—Associated Press

In 1485, Henry Tudor, whose claim to the English throne was so weak as to be almost laughable, nevertheless sailed from France with a ragtag army to take the crown from the family that had ruled England for almost four centuries. Fifty years later, his son, Henry VIII, desperate to rid himself of his first wife in order to marry a second, launched a reign of terror aimed at taking powers no previous monarch had even dreamed of possessing—ultimately leaving behind a brutal legacy that would blight the lives of his children and the destiny of his country. The boy king Edward VI, a fervent believer in reforming the English church, died before realizing his dream. Mary I, the disgraced daughter of Catherine of Aragon, tried and failed to reestablish the Catholic Church and produce an heir, while Elizabeth I sacrificed all chance of personal happiness in order to survive.

Blending gripping history with lively storytelling, The Tudors presents the sinners and saints, the tragedies and triumphs, the high dreams and dark crimes of this enthralling, notorious era. Europe Great Britain Historical Politics & Activism Royalty England Tudor Middle Ages Dream United Kingdom Tudors History England

What the critics say

"[A] sweeping history of the gloriously infamous Tudor era. Unlike the somewhat ponderous British biographies of the Henrys, Elizabeths and Boleyns that seem to pop up perennially, Meyer displays some flashy, fresh irreverence…Meyer cut[s] to the quick of the action…Energetic and comprehensive."—Kirkus Reviews

"History buffs will savor Meyer's cheeky, nuanced, and authoritative perspective on an entire dynasty, and his study brims with enriching background discussions, ranging from class structure and the medieval Catholic Church to the Tudor connection to Spanish royalty."—Publishers Weekly, starred review

"Historian/journalist Meyer does an excellent job of recreating the Tudor epoch, both in his dramatic narrative and in the alternating "background" chapters that illuminate 16th-century culture, politics, etc...Meyer's book is a rich and vibrant tapestry depicting England's most notorious—and most remembered—monarchs."—The Newark Star-Ledger
All stars
Most Relevant
I listened to this to bolster my knowledge of the history of this period. I'd forgotten how many current day conflicts trace back in some manner or another to the segmentation of Christianity, especially the break between Catholicism and Protestantism during this period. The creation of the Church of England, which traces to Henry the VIII, has had unfathomable impact in the United Kingdom and across the world. This captivating description that provides great detail and interesting background is well worth the time spent listenting.

Entertaining look into the past

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Meyer is not afraid to venture his opinion without qualifying or being wishy washy like a lot of historians. Not enough detail or appreciation of Henry VII. Parsimonious or not, it’s worth spending more time on how a nobody who’s grandfather slept with a dead king’s widow maneuvered himself to be king, and then kept it. Henry VIII is likely one of the most evil men in middle age/Renaissance history and that is well portrayed. Definitely one of the least flattering portrayals of Elizabeth I I’ve come across, but he backs up his opinions credibly. I would have liked more of a soft intro do James I/IV and the issues he inherited on becoming king.

Excellent and Entertaining overview of the Tudor Era

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Excellent fresh perspective, less hagiographic and welcome for that. Very well written and read. Highly recommended.

Excellent fresh perspective, less hagiographic.

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