A Remarkably Intimate Tale of the Intrigue, Ruthlessness, and Majesty of Henry VIII's Court
When country lad Will Somers lands himself the pl... read full description
reviews
Dec 26, 2009
Michele
rated it: 
Yes, I know, ol' Henry the VIII and his surplus of wives has been a bit overdone as of late. But this one was originally published in 1959 and Barnes knew what she was doing here.
The tale is told by Will Somers, a man who had a remarkably well-documented career as the King's fool from early in Henry's reign all the way through to his death. (Sound familiar? Margaret George used a similar idea for her 1986 novel, Autobiography of Henry VIII: With Notes by His Fool, Will Somers.)
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The tale is told by Will Somers, a man who had a remarkably well-documented career as the King's fool from early in Henry's reign all the way through to his death. (Sound familiar? Margaret George used a similar idea for her 1986 novel, Autobiography of Henry VIII: With Notes by His Fool, Will Somers.)
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Nov 01, 2008
Elizabeth
rated it:
Returning to paperback early 2009!
It may be surprising that I only gave 3 stars to one of *Granny's* books, but relative to her other works, this one falls somewhere in the middle. KING'S FOOL, the story of Henry VIII told from the perspective of his royal jester, Will Somers, is a solid read, though by no means her most riveting work. It has, however, been picked up by Sourcebooks to be re-released in paperback early next year (once again featuring companion materials contributed by More...
It may be surprising that I only gave 3 stars to one of *Granny's* books, but relative to her other works, this one falls somewhere in the middle. KING'S FOOL, the story of Henry VIII told from the perspective of his royal jester, Will Somers, is a solid read, though by no means her most riveting work. It has, however, been picked up by Sourcebooks to be re-released in paperback early next year (once again featuring companion materials contributed by More...
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Jan 25, 2010
Neil
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This is a solid fictional account of the reign of Henry VIII from the perspective of his fool and friend, Will Somers. Somers was a real historical character, a young man associated with the merchant Richard Fermor until Henry brought him to court as a fool, close enough to Henry's family to be portrayed with them in a couple of pictures. He hung on at court until around the inauguration of Elizabeth I. Other than that, history doesn't say a lot about the real man.
Barnes makes an int More...
Barnes makes an int More...
Mar 25, 2009
Carey
rated it: 
Will Somers grew up the impoverished son of a country schoolmaster. He had no talent for farm work but had a quick, sharp wit. In this inventive novel, originally published fifty years ago, Margaret Campbell Barnes imagines how this young man came to be the confidant, even friend, of one of history's largest men, King Henry the Eighth.
Though he comes to live at court at the King's side, as his jester, Will loves and misses his first master, merchant Richard Fermor. He particularly m More...
Though he comes to live at court at the King's side, as his jester, Will loves and misses his first master, merchant Richard Fermor. He particularly m More...
Jul 24, 2011
Cindy
rated it: 
This is a good book that covers a span of 20 years of King Henry VIII's court jester, Will Somers. It gives Will's point of view of what happens in Henry's life. It also tells Will's own story about love and life. It shows the close personal relationship that King Henry VIII had with his jester, which can be seen in real life, as there were several paintings done during the Tudor reign with Will included in the picture. If you like any stories concering the Tudor dynasty, then this would be
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Aug 31, 2010
Alana
rated it:
I received a free review copy of this book from the publisher.
Will Somers grew up not fitting in - although he was always the center of attention at parties, he was neither learned enough to teach like his father, nor strong (or skilled) enough to work on his uncle's farm. Happily for Will, luck hands him employment with the wealthy merchant, Richard Fermor, and then a well-timed joke brings him to the attention of King Henry VIII himself. Over the next 20 years, Will spends his time More...
Will Somers grew up not fitting in - although he was always the center of attention at parties, he was neither learned enough to teach like his father, nor strong (or skilled) enough to work on his uncle's farm. Happily for Will, luck hands him employment with the wealthy merchant, Richard Fermor, and then a well-timed joke brings him to the attention of King Henry VIII himself. Over the next 20 years, Will spends his time More...
Apr 13, 2010
Barb
rated it:
This is the first novel I've read by Margaret Campbell Barnes and I found it to be an easy and enjoyable read. I thought it was well written and interesting. The history is painted in broad strokes and seen through the sympathetic eyes of Will Somers, King Henry VIII's fool.
I enjoyed Will's first person narrative and the relationship between Henry and his fool. But my favorite part of the book was reading about Will's life and relationships. I particularly enjoyed his relationsh More...
I enjoyed Will's first person narrative and the relationship between Henry and his fool. But my favorite part of the book was reading about Will's life and relationships. I particularly enjoyed his relationsh More...
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Mar 29, 2009
KyleeJ
rated it:
I’ve wanted to learn more about Will Somers since reading Philippa Gregory’s books about the women in Henry VIII’s life. How interesting it would have been to be within Henry VIII’s inner circle, but not to be considered a threat by such a powerful man.
Will Somers was in just such a position. Born in Shropshire, England Will Somers was the only son, only child actually, of a churchman father and a Welsh mother, she died of the plague when Will was only four. Will had pretty happy lif More...
Will Somers was in just such a position. Born in Shropshire, England Will Somers was the only son, only child actually, of a churchman father and a Welsh mother, she died of the plague when Will was only four. Will had pretty happy lif More...
Jul 29, 2009
Sarah
rated it:
I'm a sucker for all things related to the Tudor monarchs, their courts, and their era, and I thoroughly enjoyed this well-told piece of historical fiction. King's Fool, originally published in 1959, relates the dramatic events of Henry VIII's reign, as seen through the eyes of the real-life figure of Will Somers, the king's jester and confidante.
Sep 11, 2009
Teddy
rated it:
Will Somers starts out with a dull life in the country on the family farm. Even his family admits that he doesn't make a good farmer. That doesn't leave him with any real options, until an option lands in his lap.
Will is one of the few lucky country children that had an education. He is given to a merchant, Richard Fermer , to work for. He has a good head for numbers and he must do the books and take inventory. He is good at what he does, but it bores him. The one shining light in hi More...
Will is one of the few lucky country children that had an education. He is given to a merchant, Richard Fermer , to work for. He has a good head for numbers and he must do the books and take inventory. He is good at what he does, but it bores him. The one shining light in hi More...
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Sep 26, 2010
Leigh Ann
rated it:
I struggled with this book in the beginning due to Barnes' writing style. After I adjusted to her writing style, I found the book rather enjoyable. It was different perspective about Henry VIII's life and reign as King of England. Will Somers, the court jester, has been portrayed in many novels about this time period, but you never truly knew that much about him (at least from some of the novels I have read). What you did know was only his jokes and antics from being the court jester. This
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Mar 18, 2011
Cindy
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This author has clearly done extensive research and I really enjoyed the sidelines look of King Henrey's court life and marriages. Easy to read and great history.
Mar 04, 2011
Gena
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Recommended to me by my High School English teacher who was mad about English historical novels, I learned alot about Henry the 8 and his wives.
Feb 23, 2010
Jane
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If you like the King Henry the VIII era you love this author's depiction of the wives from the fool's perspective.
Oct 12, 2009
Kris
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If you liked The Other Boleyn Girl, here's another prospective of Henry 8th court.
Sep 30, 2010
Jessie (saxgrl1)
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An interesting point of view of the life of Henry VIII. I struggled throught the beginning of this book, but really got into it once Will became part of Court life. His compasionate nature and ability to listen makes Will an endearing and important part of the Tudor history.
Aug 06, 2009
Mandi
rated it:
Very good version of Henry VIII's life as seen through the eyes of his jester, Will Sommers, who was with Henry from his first wife to the sixth at this death. Personally, I like more depth to the story of each wife, but that would make for a VERY long book so this was a good "review" of the wives and from an interesting perspective.
Jan 22, 2011
It might just be the heat, but this isn't the book for me right now. Maybe later.
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