• 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 (240 ratings)

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The Private Lives of the Tudors  By  cover art

The Private Lives of the Tudors

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

Tracy Borman, author of the best-selling biography of Thomas Cromwell, takes us behind the scenes to reveal the intimate secrets of the Tudor court and the private lives of Henry VIII, Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth I and more.

'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.

©2016 Tracy Borman (P)2016 Hodder & Stoughton
  • Unabridged Audiobook
  • Categories: History

What listeners say about The Private Lives of the Tudors

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Fills in the Gaps

If you could sum up The Private Lives of the Tudors in three words, what would they be?

This book fills in the gaps of what I already knew about the Tudors.

Who was your favorite character and why?

My favorite character was Henry VIII because the book really described what he was like and how he lived.

What’s the most interesting tidbit you’ve picked up from this book?

What I found most interesting was learning about the various roles of the lords and ladies selected to serve the kings/queens.

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5 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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

  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

A very good book about details of their lives

Enjoyed the pace of the telling facts that are revealded about the Tudors. The narraator was easy to listen to and probably will listen to this book again.

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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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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2 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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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  • Overall
    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars

Enjoyable enough, but not alot new

Is there anything you would change about this book?

I wish there were more of the new details and those fun details about every day life. If you're listening to this book it's because you're interested in the Tudors, so you already know the history. The historical aspect was presented as if it were a great discovery. If you're not all that familiar with the Tudors, then this is a great, summary.

What was the most interesting aspect of this story? The least interesting?

It went into some detail about the household structure, which was interesting. People, including monarchs and political leaders, are a product of their environment, and this does flesh that out a bit more than one usually hears (or reads).

Did the narration match the pace of the story?

Narration was pretty decent. The tempo and tone matched the writing

Was The Private Lives of the Tudors worth the listening time?

The title promised to uncover the secrets of the Tudors, but I felt there wasn't alot new. If you're a fan of the Tudor Era, you probably already know most of what was included here. It certainly wasn't badly written or performed, and there were a few interesting moments, and tidbits I hadn't heard, but I've pretty much read it all before.

Any additional comments?

It wasn't so much uncovering secrets, as the title promised - but rather giving more details on the household routines, and some of the more domestic details.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

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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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
  • JD
  • 12-10-16

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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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Amazing amazing amazing

I absolutely love this book! I have read a lot of history books on the tutors and this is one of the very best I've ever read! I love all the little details about clothing, Food, and every day life! I have listened to this book several times. If you love history this is a must read!

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