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  • 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
  • 4.7 out of 5 stars (684 ratings)
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The Private Lives of the Tudors cover art

The Private Lives of the Tudors

By: Tracy Borman
Narrated by: Jonathan Keeble, Sandra Duncan
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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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    5 out of 5 stars

Utterly absorbing!

Beautifully written and wonderfully read, I found this book completely compelling! Every small, intimate detail of how these iconic figures lived their lives made each one of them more human and more accessible! A must read/listen for anyone with an interest in the period!

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16 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Very illuminating!

Read in moderated tones, this book is a little gem and a must-listen for those interested in the details of Tudor court life. The transition through the Henrys to Elizabeth is skilfully done and, whilst I've read and listened to many such books, I would certainly rate this near the very top of my list.

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13 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

fascinating insight into the Tudors

I thought there wouldn't be much more to be said about this rather dysfunctional family however there was so much I never knew. Excellent.

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12 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

Beautifully written, beautifully read

Why did it have to end?!

By far the best audio book I've had to date. Beautifully written - fascinating and seamlessly moves through history in such a fluid way. Utterly captivating!

The narration was second to none, perfect. If only all audio books could be read by this narrator.

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11 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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informative

I really enjoyed this book. I'm very interested in the tudor period and found this book gave a very unique insight into that time. If you enjoy history then I would highly recommend.
The narrator was very good. Even made some parts amusing.

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7 people found this helpful

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    4 out of 5 stars
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    3 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars
  • PJ
  • 12-11-16

wonderful detail with slightly annoying narration

This is a rich and wonderfully detailed study packed with fascinating tidbits of gossip and intrigue which come together to build a beautifully crafted telling of the Tudor story.

My only issue with it was the author's constant repetitive use of the term "the latter" and, much more significantly, the narration.

The main voice is lovely to listen to until you begin to notice how much he indulges in the words "stool" and "gold", pronounced "shtooooool" and "goooooold" which he lingers on with such ridiculous over-emphasis that soon whole chapters are nearly ruined. He also has an irritating habit of gulping and gurgling in-between sentences and particularly before quotations.

Most heinous though is the voice artist cast to perform the majority of the male quotations. He has an awful, affected, strained voice; gargling and straining through each sentence. I can't imagine why he was employed.

Thankfully, the subject matter is so strong and the writing so pacey that I was able to let these irritations pass but they very nearly ruined the listening experience for me.

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6 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fascinating, funny and Tragic

Narrator was perfect, he nailed this book.
This really was so enjoyable, some parts made me laugh out loud and hit pause so I could share some funny fact with my family, stuck as the methods if contraception used!!!

I am gutted it is over😒

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6 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

Captivating

What made the experience of listening to The Private Lives of the Tudors the most enjoyable?

Very well produced with interesting varied and authentic voices, true to the title and illuminating various personal aspects of the Tudors (it held one's interest, admittedly for a listener with a liking for history), and generous in length for an audiobook. One of the few lengthly audiobooks that took me months to finish in my car but I did, very well satisfied.

What about Jonathan Keeble and Sandra Duncan ’s performance did you like?

Excellent

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4 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

Outstanding.

What a brilliant listen. Absolutely compelling and I will listen again soon. Highly recommended. I will buy more of Tracy Borman's books.

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3 people found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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    5 out of 5 stars

Fascinating

A different slant on the lives of Henry VII and his descendants. Absorbing and most enjoyable

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3 people found this helpful