num_pages: 932
description: Henry VIII ascended the throne as a vigorous and handsome youth. The story of his long, turbulent reign is well documented, and many authors have used it as background for novels. But George takes a different tack than most in this first novel by telling Henry's story from his own perspective. We are given an intimate view of how it must have felt for Henry to grow up under the influence of a dour father and a frail, distant mother. When he becomes king we watch as his exuberant, trusting nature slowly turns sinister and cruel. Interspersed with Henry's words are comments by his fool, Will, a man who loved his master, served him faithfully, but saw clearly his failings.
language: English
title: The Autobiography of Henry VIII: With Notes by His Fool, Will Somers
titlecomplete: The Autobiography of Henry VIII: With Notes by His Fool, Will Somers
characters: Jane Seymour, Catherine Howard, Charles Brandon, 1st Duke of Suffolk, Thomas Cromwell, Will Somers, Thomas Wolsey, Henry VIII of England, Mary I of England, Thomas More, Elizabeth of York, Anne Boleyn, Catherine of Aragon
genres: British Literature, Historical, Adult, Adult Fiction, Tudor Period, Historical Fiction, Audiobook, 16th Century, Fiction, Medieval
ratings_count: 28001
places: United Kingdom
awards: awardedAt: 536486400000
name: Banta Award
publisher: St. Martin's Press