∎ Download Free The Autobiography of Henry VIII With Notes by His Fool Will Somers A Novel Margaret George 9780312194390 Books

The Autobiography of Henry VIII With Notes by His Fool Will Somers A Novel Margaret George 9780312194390 Books

Download As PDF : The Autobiography of Henry VIII With Notes by His Fool Will Somers A Novel Margaret George 9780312194390 Books

The Autobiography of Henry VIII With Notes by His Fool Will Somers A Novel Margaret George 9780312194390 Books

Wow. So as an avid enthusiast for Tudor history, I had to get this book, and I am VERY glad I did. Most of the books of Tudor historical fiction I have read have been from the POV's of the various women surrounding the tyrant's life, but never have I read one from his POV. It was eye opening, for me. The book itself was written directly from Henry's POV in first person, and also from the POV of a personal friend of his, Sir William. It's set up as William writing letters to a daughter of Mary Boleyn, who was apparently a bastard daughter of Henry's. (Entirely likely seeing as Henry bedded her.) So William is telling her she's Henry's daughter and Henry just died... and she's not believing him... so he sends her Henry's journal. And that's where Henry's voice comes in. William pops in now and then with comments in the diary, but it doesn't really detract from the experience. It reminds you that Henry is writing this as a private journal and we're viewing it. Margaret George has written other books I love, such as The Memoirs of Cleopatra and Mary Queen of Scots. If you have a hunger for historical fiction that requires a book with which you could give someone a concussion, this is the writer for you. :)


Tags : The Autobiography of Henry VIII: With Notes by His Fool, Will Somers: A Novel [Margaret George] on Amazon.com. *FREE* shipping on qualifying offers. <b> The Autobiography of Henry VIII</i> is the magnificent historical novel that established Margaret George's career. Evocatively written in the first person as Henry VIII's private journals,Margaret George,The Autobiography of Henry VIII: With Notes by His Fool, Will Somers: A Novel,St. Martin's Griffin,0312194390,Historical,Biographical fiction,Fools and jesters - Fiction,Great Britain - Kings and rulers,Great Britain - Kings and rulers - Fiction,Great Britain;Kings and rulers;Fiction.,Henry,Henry - Fiction,Historical fiction,060403 SMP Trade Paper-SMP Trade Paper All Prior,1491-1547,American Historical Fiction,Biographical,FICTION Historical General,Fiction,Fiction - Historical,Fiction Historical,Great Britain,Historical - General,King of England,,Kings and rulers,VIII,,henry viii historical fiction; tudor england; english history; 16th century; anne boleyn; british history; british literature; tudors; renaissance; catherine of aragon; england; Henry VIII; henry the eighth; english kings; british royalty; english reformation; medieval historical fiction; british debut novel; biographical fiction; fictional biography; great britain; english literature

The Autobiography of Henry VIII With Notes by His Fool Will Somers A Novel Margaret George 9780312194390 Books Reviews

This was an excellent look into the "other-side" of the life of Henry VIII. Henry is the narrator in the book with side notes from his loyal "fool" Will Sommers. I have read many historical fiction novels written on the Tudor's, this was a breath of fresh air as it is give an entirely new prospective on Henry VIII. I actually found my self feeling sympathy for Henry rather than the usual "self centered beast who killed his wives when they did not suit him" character. Granted, he did some very cruel and callous deeds, but this novel gives insight as to the possible whys and wherefores. It is a long novel (960 pages) but it kept my attention and pulled me in to the tumultuous rein of Henry VIII, and to Henry himself. I highly recommend this author and this book.
This book is so addicting, despite its length. I really could not tear myself away from it. I am a huge fan of Tudor England and this was really my "gateway" drug into a full addiction! It starts with Henry's childhood and goes into (with a HUGE amount of detail) his six marriages, his break from the Catholic Church and Rome, and all of the major triumphs and .tragedies of his reign. It is told from a first person account and while incredibly long, it was such a fast read for me considering I could not put it down. The research must have taken years, and I believe it did. I really cannot say enough about this book. I am considering rereading it for the 3rd time. The only complaint I would have is that it presents Henry in a way too sympathetic light and makes him out to be a victim way too many times. HOWEVER..this is told from HENRY'S point of view, so it is likely not be the author who is apologizing for Henry's actions but rather how she felt Henry justified his actions. He likely did view himself as a victim of the circumstances. From nonfiction accounts I've read, I also believe he had more mistresses than is presented here. According to this book, he never cheated on Anne Boleyn which is very likely not the case. But those are minor things in a truly excellent story. A must read for Tudor fans!
What a creative and thoroughly imaginative way to write history! Author Margaret George has penned a novel that masquerades as an autobiography written by the legendary Tudor king himself--with a few explanatory notes written by his famous court jester.

The result is a captivating story that is steeped in history, all from the point of view of King Henry VIII. Find out how he felt when he divorced or beheaded those wives, the grief and suffering he endured when his favorite, Jane Seymour, died in childbirth and the inner demons he fought over his guilt in executing wives and close friends who betrayed him.

The pomp and circumstance of 16th-century royal life in multiple palaces comes fully alive--even more so if you have had the opportunity to tour England's Hampton Court and Windsor Palace, among others.

At nearly 1,000 pages (or just over 17,324 locations for fans), this book is a commitment. But it is one well worth keeping!
5 stars

What a great book!

I really wished there were more asides by Will Somers, though. I enjoyed those immensely.

This is a brilliant work. It was well written and researched. It doesn't matter that I have read a great deal about King Henry VIII, I truly enjoyed this book.

It tells of Henry's life from his earliest memory through his last days - from his point of view. Of course, some of it had to be surmised, but it was fun reading to say the least.

I will continue to read Margaret George's book as she is a fine writer.
Wow. So as an avid enthusiast for Tudor history, I had to get this book, and I am VERY glad I did. Most of the books of Tudor historical fiction I have read have been from the POV's of the various women surrounding the tyrant's life, but never have I read one from his POV. It was eye opening, for me. The book itself was written directly from Henry's POV in first person, and also from the POV of a personal friend of his, Sir William. It's set up as William writing letters to a daughter of Mary Boleyn, who was apparently a bastard daughter of Henry's. (Entirely likely seeing as Henry bedded her.) So William is telling her she's Henry's daughter and Henry just died... and she's not believing him... so he sends her Henry's journal. And that's where Henry's voice comes in. William pops in now and then with comments in the diary, but it doesn't really detract from the experience. It reminds you that Henry is writing this as a private journal and we're viewing it. Margaret George has written other books I love, such as The Memoirs of Cleopatra and Mary Queen of Scots. If you have a hunger for historical fiction that requires a book with which you could give someone a concussion, this is the writer for you. )