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Every Sunday Tanzanite highlights books that will be released during the upcoming week. She hopes you will find something you will enjoy!
The Tudors by G.J. Meyer. Non-fiction. I originally had a US release date of March 22, 2011, but it look like it was actually available a few weeks ago.
Acclaimed historian G. J. Meyer provides a fresh look at the fabled Tudor dynasty—and some of the most enigmatic figures ever to rule a country. In 1485, Henry Tudor, whose claim to the English throne was so weak as to be almost laughable, nevertheless sailed from France with a ragtag army to take the crown from the family that had ruled England for almost four centuries. Fifty years later, his son, Henry VIII, aimed to seize even greater powers—ultimately leaving behind a brutal legacy that would blight the lives of his children and the destiny of his country. Edward VI, a fervent believer in reforming the English church, died before realizing his dream. Mary I, the disgraced daughter of Catherine of Aragon, tried and failed to reestablish the Catholic Church and produce an heir, while Elizabeth I sacrificed all chance of personal happiness in order to survive.
The Tudors presents the sinners and saints, the tragedies and triumphs, the high dreams and dark crimes, of this enthralling era.
The Favorite: Ambition, Politics and Love - Sir Walter Raleigh in Elizabeth I's Court by Mathew Lyons. Non-fiction. US release date March 24, 2011; released in the UK earlier this month ahead of schedule.
When the adventurer Walter Ralegh first encountered Elizabeth I, he supposedly placed his cloak over a puddle and allowed the queen to walk across it. Thus began one of the most intriguing relationships between a monarch and her favourite. "The Favourite" explores the labyrinthine complexity of human emotion, ambition and ritual within the restricted confines of the Tudor court. Was the favourite a Machiavellian schemer who fooled the queen in her affections? Was Elizabeth willing to manipulate her courtier for her own ends? The Queen's affection for Ralegh would protect him but he would soon become the 'most hated man in England'. In "The Favourite", Mathew Lyons reveals a new portrait of an immortal relationship and a fascinating exploration of the many layers of love between Gloriana and Ralegh- courtier, chancer and privateer.
"The Tudors" by G.J. Meyer. I purchased that book over six months ago from a bookstore in Florida. Why does a publisher re-release a book which is already out in the market? As for switching covers...don't get me started on that :(
As for the innards of this book...it was good. I liked the info about Henry VII...so often he isn't talked about in-depth. The later section of the book, dealing with Elizabeth, I found repetitive. But then, most every bio of her life has been read and there was nothing new here.
March 21, 2011 4:19 AM