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Thomas Cromwell

The Untold Story of Henry VIII's Most Faithful Servant

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Thomas Cromwell

By: Tracy Borman
Narrated by: Gareth Armstrong, Paul Mendez, Sandra Duncan
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About this listen

THE CAPTIVATING TRUE STORY OF THE MAN WHO INSPIRED WOLF HALL, MASTERFULLY TOLD: NOW REVISED WITH A NEW CHAPTER


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Known widely as Henry VIII's 'right-hand man', Cromwell has captured imaginations throughout the centuries: but who was he really? In this major new biography, leading historian Tracy Borman examines the life, loves and legacy of the man who changed the shape of England forever.


Born a lowly tavern keeper's son, Cromwell rose swiftly through the ranks to become Henry VIII's right hand man, and one of the most powerful figures in Tudor history. The architect of England's break with the Roman Catholic Church and the dissolution of the monasteries, he oversaw seismic changes in England's history. Influential in securing Henry's controversial divorce from Catherine of Aragon, many believe he was also the ruthless force behind Anne Boleyn's downfall and subsequent execution.


Although for years he has been reviled as a Machiavellian schemer who stopped at nothing in his quest for power, Thomas Cromwell was also a loving husband, father and guardian, a witty and generous host, and a loyal and devoted servant. With fresh research and new insights into Cromwell's family life, his household and his close relationships, Tracy Borman tells the true story of Henry VIII's most faithful servant.

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Critical acclaim for Thomas Cromwell:

'Dr Tracy Borman has crafted an exceptional and compelling biography about one of the Tudor age's most complex and controversial figures. With expert insights based on a wealth of research, and riveting detail, she has brought Thomas Cromwell to life as never before.' ― Alison Weir

'This deeply researched and grippingly written biography brings Cromwell to life and exposes the Henrician court in all its brutal, glittering splendour.' -- Kate Williams ― Independent

'Tracy Borman tells us succinctly in 400 pages what we need to know about the man who rose to be the king's highest adviser ... a very good book.' ― The Times

'Tracy Borman's study makes clear his achievements, both admirable and despicable ... Borman has read an impressively wide range of modern historical literature on Cromwell.' ― Guardian

'Borman's is a highly readable account, and will add to the debate surrounding this ultimately elusive character.' ― Financial Times

'Elegant ... her prose, as ever, glides beautifully along.' ― Sunday Times

'An engaging biography.' ― Evening Standard

©2014 Tracy Borman (P)2014 Hodder & Stoughton
Europe Historical England Tudor Witty Royalty Middle Ages

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All stars
Most relevant  
This is an absolutely engrossing historical biography by Tracy Borman. Like many I was inspired to read it by the incredible Wolf Hall trilogy which whets the appetite for finding out the historical facts behind the fictional account; even if Tracy’s impeccably researched Cromwell is not quite so admirable in all respects as Hilary Mantel’s hero.
The main narration by Gareth Armstrong is excellent but I’m afraid for the voice-overs who read the quoted speech are really quite affected and bizarrely accented and spoilt the flow of the audiobook.
Thoroughly recommended nonetheless.

Fantastic historical biography

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Bien écrit, bien raconté, bien documenté. Impartial, on a des vies de Cromwell fortement biaisé mais cell-ci essaye de présenter l'homme dans son temps, avec ses qualités et ses défauts.

Intéressant, bien présenté

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Would you listen to Thomas Cromwell again? Why?

Yes, a captivating and fascinating chronological journey through Thomas Cromwell's life and times. It was read brilliantly with an easy to listen to style and pace.

What was one of the most memorable moments of Thomas Cromwell?

I absolutely enjoyed the whole book

What about the narrators’s performance did you like?

It was read brilliantly with an easy to listen to style and pace.

Was this a book you wanted to listen to all in one sitting?

No

Outstanding

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Great narration by those involved, love Tracey Bormans work and I feel like Thomas Cromwell would suit 2023 very well.

Great book

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Great to compare with Hilary Mantels novels, though the narrative voice used for Cromwell didn’t seem to fit the character and took some getting used to.

The real Cromwell

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although the accents given to the characters were ridiculous and distracting. it took me a while to ignore the comical voices and tune into the story.

comprehensive and interesting

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Amazing history brought to life from prime sources & excellent voice actors! Plus the Holbien portrait looks superb on my iPod when the book was playing🐾

Superb!

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The presentation of the data was intriguing. For the reading the narrator's voice alone would have sufficed. The various other voices disturbed the flow and the different accents rang false . They were totally unnecessary.

A very well written book

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I learnt a lot from the book. Some of the accents are a bit odd. I read somewhere that Cromwell was recorded as having difficulties in saying the letter ‘s’, maybe that is what the narrator is trying to convey. I didn’t know much about Cromwell until I read the Wolf Hall trilogy and bought this current book to find out a bit more. Yes, I would recommend it.

I really enjoyed it, but has to get used to the accents.

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Narrator perfect the additional ‘voices’ really detract from the audio experience. Takes an effort to overcome them.

Excellent detail well structured

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