Tudor

Somehow publishers think they have all the answers, so when Leanda de Lisle’s outstanding book about the iconic Tudors of medieval England, Tudor The Family Story, was printed and released to American audiences, someone had the bright idea to rename it. After all, publishers evidently believe Americans need more “juicy” inferences on their covers to sell books. Why would audiences in the United States purchase a book about a “family story” when they could scoop up the retelling of medieval “passion, manipulation, and murder from the most notorious of royal families”? The British title is far more appropriate, as Leanda de Lisle brilliantly teaches readers the fascinating medieval family history of the Tudors, and in doing so, illustrates convincingly the influence the early generation of Tudors and women throughout played in shaping the dynastic dynamics of the Royal House of Tudor. Readers are taken on a journey rich in detail, where myths and common misconceptions are continually dispelled in a highly engaging and understandable writing style.Most books about the Tudor Dynasty begin with King Henry VII and end with his granddaughter, Queen Elizabeth I, beginning with the death of King Richard III at the Battle of Bosworth. Leanda de Lisle, however, begins the story much earlier, and readers are treated to learning about Owen Tudor, his wife Queen Catherine of Valois, and their two sons Edmund and Jasper. How did a Welsh commoner catch a Dowager Queen? How did their son become betrothed to the daughter of the Duke of Somerset, a Lady of bastard royal blood at that? How did the Duke’s daughter, Margaret Beaufort, build a life and raise her son after losing her husband at age 12 and giving birth at age 13? Leanda de Lisle tells their fascinating life stories, answering these questions and so much more, and in doing so gives readers a glimpse of the glory to come. For most of us, we parent in a way that we hope leaves our children to live in higher stead than we do. The Tudors are no different, and the earliest generations’ efforts, though they could not possibly have been foretold, laid the foundation for the future glory of the Kings, Queens, Queen Consorts, Dukes, Duchesses and assorted other nobility of their bloodline. This is the legacy of the common Welshman Owen Tudor and his “trophy bride”, and this is the legacy many readers will be introduced to as the Tudor family story begins. It’s about time. Cymru Am Byth!Obviously, a book about the Tudor Dynasty is incomplete without detailing the reigns of the monarchs so ingrained in the memories of all English history enthusiasts, and Leanda de Lisle does not disappoint. Each monarch in turn is highlighted, their challenges, successes and historical contributions clearly detailing how the incremental development of the pigmy nation King Henry VII reigned transformed into the World Empire Queen Elizabeth bequeathed to the Stuarts. Interestingly, de Lisle accomplishes this without focusing comprehensive attention to the typical battles, religious arguments and transformations, politics, and technological advances found in most historical accountings. Instead, she assumes the intelligence of the reader of commonly detailed historical fact and instead focuses upon the actual lives of the monarchs, richly treating the reader to how their life experiences influenced their decision making in how they shaped and ruled their subjects and realm. Also fascinating, de Lisle very convincingly illustrates how women of the Tudor family influenced these monarchs through their parenting, marriage partnerships or sibling relationships. In doing so, readers learn how family dynamics impact the powerful, just as they do the rest of us.Just what do readers learn about the remarkable women of the Tudor Dynasty? In just a few selected examples, they learn of a Queen Consort acting as Regent who organized a battle against a rival neighboring nation, killing a reigning monarch and much of that nation’s nobility; a brave sister who marries for love in opposition of her brother’s plans for her, that man the King of England; an intellectually brilliant teenager who bravely chooses martyrdom over freedom to hold true to her religious beliefs and moral values; a courageous and strong woman who remarkably leads a successful coup d’état, resulting in her coronation as England’s first female reigning monarch; mothers who deftly insure the safety and success of their “at risk” children living in exile or foreign lands; and Duchesses who deftly survive the changing tides of the dangerous discord inherent in the state sponsored religions so common of the era. Also striking to this book is de Lisle’s convincing ability to dispel common misconceptions of several of the Tudor family women, most notably Margaret Beaufort, Duchess of Richmond; Frances Grey, Duchess of Suffolk; and Queen Mary, Regina.Tudor The Family Story is non-fiction history story telling at it’s finest. Queen Anne Boleyn Historical Writers strongly recommends this best practice biography to anyone, whether scholar or history enthusiast, with an interest in learning more of England’s most fascinating and famous royal family. Bravo!

578 pages4 starsLeanda de Lisle's history of the Tudors begins with the charismatic and handsome Welsh squire Owen Tudor. He charmed and married Catherine of Valois, former Queen of England and recently widowed from King Henry V. For a commoner such as Owen to marry a (former) queen was a major scandal. They went on to have four children together.The problem arises in that Catherine's other son, half-brother to the Tudor children, was now King. Henry VI did not find his mother's marriage to Owen amusing. Although he did like him and this probably saved Owen from the scaffold. (Although he was imprisoned in Newgate.) The children, however, had been protected and educated by the king. Henry VI eventually pardoned Owen.Edmund and Jasper grew under the auspices of the king. He bestowed upon them the rank of an earl. Henry VI had in mind for Edmund to marry Henry's cousin Margaret Beaufort. While Edmund was to die early in his marriage, Margaret was to give birth to a boy she named Henry. This boy was to become Henry VII.With his victory at Bosworth Field (or thereabouts), Henry VII became the King of England. He then married one of former King Edward IV's sister Elizabeth of York. She had four children that lived, two boys and two girls. One of the sons became King Henry VIII.I noticed with amusement that the German mercenaries' (who participated in an uprising against Henry VII), ill-matched “uniforms” created a fashion craze in London.One of the things I took away from this book was how the power of propaganda worked effectively even back in the 15th and 16th Centuries. I had noticed it on some level before now, but Ms. de Lisle really illustrates it well in this story. How little things change – from cults to false beliefs...There are many such tidbits of information littered throughout this book.Thus was born the Tudor dynasty. It was to last until the early 1600's when the childless Queen Elizabeth died without children.Ms. de Lisle writes in an easy, conversational style. Her words are enjoyable to read and easy to follow. The book is not at all dry or boring. The subject matter is fascinating and the pages just fly by. While she skips some of the history that I found to be essential to any Tudor history, it is understandable in light of the fact that there is an awful lot of material to cover in the pages alloted. And I would take issue with some of her conclusions. The book is very well footnoted and has interesting pictures.

What a great book. I am of Scottish descent, but this whole period of English history absolutely enthralls and amazes me. This author has clearly done her research and this book is informative and gives you a clear insight to what occurred all those many years ago. Others give you historical fiction, this is history. Well done and I look forward to reading more of her work. Point of contemplation; how different would the world be today if circumstances had changed from anywhere from Richard III to the succession of either Henry, Mary or Elizabeth? What if Arthur had lived to reign? Guess we'll never know.Well done! Slainte Math!

I originally didn't buy this bc of the sensationalist title, but my library has an e-copy. It's very well written and most importantly starts during the he Wars of the Roses, providing key background usually missing from Tudor books. Up to date and balanced

The book came with a little bit of damage to it, which makes me suspect that it was used before me, even though I ordered a NEW book. Also, the cover isn't the same cover that is depicted for the hardcover book, so I'm a little disappointed in that, but I'm still going to give it a read.

Thoroughly researched, and expertly written. A real page turner from start to finish.Cannot recommend highly enough. Three words needed.

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Easily accessible history, yet complete. The author a historian and a journalist, writes history as...a story. It is thus thoroughly enjoyable.

very good book to understand unknown sides of the War of the Roses to the succession of Elizabeth I. I learned a lot!

A compelling read and a massive gathering of resources to provide both background and the close up details. There is a drive to the narrative which make it compelling, the light shed on the growing and and exile years of Henry Tudor is especially interesting. The role of Margaret Beaufort is fascinating and sometimes moving. With her strategic sense and devotion,she joins the ranks of mothers who provided immense support to their sons as monarchs.Because the narrative moves quickly the events tend to rush in too close together to see separately. Sometimes the reader is overwhelmed rather than able to consider or anticipate, and some of the sketching of the small stuff is more suited to Wiki.But the author deserves respect for her use of the sources and her ability to knit them together into a book where, even when the stories are very well-known, the reader is still gripped. Some of the royal players in this pack come across as spoilt, greedy, willful, very much the brats of the kingly nursery; others are amazing for their courage, daring, resilience and endurance, but most seem, even the best, to be overwhelmed eventually by the bloody nature of the acts necessary to stay on the throne.The book is a great way to get a little closer to the reality behind the myth and mystery of royal families but the closeness shows how inadequate and costly monarchy is as a way of managing the leadership of a nation. Sadly, Henry Tudor's Arthurian vision of kingship was never on offer.