Tudor History Book - recommendations please!

10 replies

dixia · 06/02/2009 17:26

I have recently read Phillipa Gregory's The Other Boleyn Girl (which I loved).

It has really sparked my interest in finding out more about the tudors.

Can anyone recommend a history book that deals with the tudors? Ideally I would like a book that covers the whole tudor era from Henry VII to Elizabeth. But would be interested in hearing of any good books looking at any period within this era.

I am really keen not to end up with a dry text book history, but something that gives me the facts whilst retaining some interest!

Hopefully someone can help!

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lindenlass · 06/02/2009 17:28

David Starky is good, as is Alison Wier.

KatieScarlett2833 · 06/02/2009 17:30

Starky's book on Henry is great.

Have you read any of the other Gregory "Tudor" series? Not as good as the Boleyn one but still worth a look.

Original poster

dixia · 06/02/2009 18:23

I have actually just started The Boleyn Inheritance. Haven't read any of the others.

Thanks for the tips. I will have a look at the Starky books.

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Northernlurker · 06/02/2009 18:24

Another vote here for Alison Weir. I think Antonia Fraser has covered the tudors too?

madamekoto · 06/02/2009 19:25

Legacy by Susan Kay, smazin!

crumpet · 06/02/2009 19:29

an alternative view to Alison weir's book on Richard III is Josephine Tey's Daughter of Time - both sides of the did he/didn't he kill the princes in the tower - was it a cover up by the Tudors etc

Gavlaar · 06/02/2009 19:38

The Sisters Who Would be Queen by Leanda de Lisle. About Lady jane grey and her 2 sisters. very very interesting and quite tragic.

liath · 06/02/2009 22:29

Simon Schama's history of Britain series has a book which deals with that period in quite a succinct and readable style. I think it might be the first in the series but am not sure.

As others have said, anything by Antonia Fraser or Alison Weir is a good bet. Alison Weir has also written a couple of historical novels set in Tudor times and CJ Sansom has also written some good historical fiction.

madamekoto · 07/02/2009 12:06

Thank you crumpet!!! I read Daughter of time years ago, wonderful book, but could never remember the title or who it was by!

Thank you so much, just ordered copy from Amazon.

Original poster

dixia · 07/02/2009 14:31

Ok, thanks everyone. I have now ordered several books and put more on my wish list!

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