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House of Tudor: A Grisly History
Gruesome but not gratuitous, this decidedly darker take on the Tudors, from 1485 to 1603, covers some forty-five ‘events’ from the Tudor reign, taking in everything from the death of Richard III to the botched execution of Mary Queen of Scots, and a whole host of horrors in between. Particular attention is paid to the various gruesome ways in which the Tudors despatched their various villains and lawbreakers, from simple beheadings, to burnings and of course the dreaded hanging, drawing and quartering. Other chapters cover the various diseases prevalent during Tudor times, including the dreaded ‘Sweating Sickness’ – rather topical at the moment, unfortunately – as well as the cures for these sicknesses, some of which were considered worse than the actual disease itself. The day-to-day living conditions of the general populace are also examined, as well as various social taboos and the punishments that accompanied them, i.e. the stocks, as well as punishment by exile. Tudor England was not a nice place to live by 21st century standards, but the book will also serve to explain how it was still nevertheless a familiar home to our ancestors.
187 pages, Hardcover
First published February 18, 2022
121 people are currently reading
223 people want to read
About the author
Mickey Mayhew
17 books20 followersMickey Mayhew is an author from London, working on Mary Queen of Scots and the Tudor reign; he has a PhD focusing on the online 'cult' surrounding the 'tragic queens' Anne Boleyn and Mary Queen of Scots. He wrote 'The Little Book of Mary Queen of Scots' (published by The History Press) in 2014 and then 'I love the Tudors' (published by Pitkin Publishing) in 2016. Pen & Sword Books published 'House of Tudor - A grisly history' and 'Imprisoning Mary Queen of Scots' in 2022 and 'Rasputin and his Russian Queen' in 2023.
Previously to this, he was co-author on three books relating to Jack the Ripper, whilst fictional work includes the urban fantasy trilogy 'The Barrow Boys of Barking', beginning with 'Jack and the Lad' and concluding, for now, with 'Jamie's Big Bang'. His tongue-in-cheek memoir 'Mickeypedia' is also now available, with all proceeds going to the Anna Kennedy Online autism charity.
His latest book is The Anne Boleyn Bible, also from Pen & Sword; the work includes the discovery of the sword used at Anne Boleyn's execution; on that score, the opposition to adding anything new or fresh to Anne Boleyn lore would, however, make for a book in itself. He is currently in the process of taking legal action against several Tudor historians who - out of pure spite - tried to sabotage both the book and also the findings therein.
Previously to this, he was co-author on three books relating to Jack the Ripper, whilst fictional work includes the urban fantasy trilogy 'The Barrow Boys of Barking', beginning with 'Jack and the Lad' and concluding, for now, with 'Jamie's Big Bang'. His tongue-in-cheek memoir 'Mickeypedia' is also now available, with all proceeds going to the Anna Kennedy Online autism charity.
His latest book is The Anne Boleyn Bible, also from Pen & Sword; the work includes the discovery of the sword used at Anne Boleyn's execution; on that score, the opposition to adding anything new or fresh to Anne Boleyn lore would, however, make for a book in itself. He is currently in the process of taking legal action against several Tudor historians who - out of pure spite - tried to sabotage both the book and also the findings therein.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 50 reviews
December 6, 2021
Wildly Entertaining! If you are a Tudor or Stuart fan, do not miss this book. Put it on your list and you will not be disappointed. Told in 45 chapters of just the right amount of detail, I was surprised how much "truth" I found to be false and how much I didn't know of certain events that I thought I was pretty educated about. The author does a great job of detailing without it being dry and with a sense of humor where appropriate. I loved this book! And if this book wasn't great enough - the author has added some amazing pictures at the end.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an e-arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thanks to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an e-arc in exchange for my honest opinion.
November 16, 2021
232 Pages
4 stars
I was surprised when this book started out mentioning Henry Tudor wresting the throne from King Richard II, but then failed to mention him again. Mr. Mayhew just skipped over Henry VII and moved right into Henry VIII. I was disappointed. He also skips over the short reign of Henry’s son, King Edward VI, going right on to Queens Mary and Elizabeth.
This book covers the terrible treatment suffered by many, many people during all of the reigns of Henry, Mary and Elizabeth Tudor. It also includes various facts from regions of other sovereigns.
Mr. Mayhew does not spare the reader’s sensibilities in this book. He fully describes some absolutely horrific tortures and the final deaths of several individuals. In my 21 Century mind, I could not believe how bloodthirsty and cruel life was back then. They even allowed children to witness executions! Good grief! .I realize that times were different: no medicines, rampant disease, shorter life span and so on, but could not wrap my mind around the cruelty and fascination of which the average person was capable.
The author also includes a list of notes for those who would like to further explore this subject.
I want to thank NetGalley and Pen & Sword/Pen & Sword History for forwarding to me a copy of this, ahh simply awful, yet fascinating book for me to read and review. The opinions expressed here are solely my own.
4 stars
I was surprised when this book started out mentioning Henry Tudor wresting the throne from King Richard II, but then failed to mention him again. Mr. Mayhew just skipped over Henry VII and moved right into Henry VIII. I was disappointed. He also skips over the short reign of Henry’s son, King Edward VI, going right on to Queens Mary and Elizabeth.
This book covers the terrible treatment suffered by many, many people during all of the reigns of Henry, Mary and Elizabeth Tudor. It also includes various facts from regions of other sovereigns.
Mr. Mayhew does not spare the reader’s sensibilities in this book. He fully describes some absolutely horrific tortures and the final deaths of several individuals. In my 21 Century mind, I could not believe how bloodthirsty and cruel life was back then. They even allowed children to witness executions! Good grief! .I realize that times were different: no medicines, rampant disease, shorter life span and so on, but could not wrap my mind around the cruelty and fascination of which the average person was capable.
The author also includes a list of notes for those who would like to further explore this subject.
I want to thank NetGalley and Pen & Sword/Pen & Sword History for forwarding to me a copy of this, ahh simply awful, yet fascinating book for me to read and review. The opinions expressed here are solely my own.
January 11, 2022
Full disclosure: I received an ARC for my honest review.
This book is quick and dirty, serving up the scandals and butchery of the Tudor reign. This isn’t a chronological treatise of the monarchs, it really is just a cutting of atrocities.
I was hoping for an expanded section on Henry VII but that was all that I felt could be expanded upon. I really enjoyed the overview of perils of Tudor life: disease, medical intervention, infertility, patriarchy, and the often shifting definition of treason.
The author did a great job using accessible language for those new to Tudor history. It was inviting and peppered in different pop culture references for those wanting to learn more with film, book, and television.
I really enjoyed this book
This book is quick and dirty, serving up the scandals and butchery of the Tudor reign. This isn’t a chronological treatise of the monarchs, it really is just a cutting of atrocities.
I was hoping for an expanded section on Henry VII but that was all that I felt could be expanded upon. I really enjoyed the overview of perils of Tudor life: disease, medical intervention, infertility, patriarchy, and the often shifting definition of treason.
The author did a great job using accessible language for those new to Tudor history. It was inviting and peppered in different pop culture references for those wanting to learn more with film, book, and television.
I really enjoyed this book
March 4, 2022
This was an okay book. I liked reading about all the kings and queens in ancient times. Catherine of Aragon, Henry the 8th, Elizabeth the 1st, Anne Bolynn. I enjoyed reading it but it wasn’t as interesting as I thought it would be. The ones I had heard about I enjoyed reading about but those I hadn’t read about before or heard of, not so interesting. But it was worth the read for those interesting parts. Thank you to #NetGalley and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review with my honest thoughts and opinions.
May 20, 2022
Very well written and researched except for a few bits and bobs here and there.I was really surprised with how well I enjoyed it and had thought going in that there might be nothing new to me but actually there was.I would have given it a five star had some of the bits and bobs been correct and had the author included a wider field of people from the Tudor era.However, it is an entertaining read.
November 25, 2021
This book has been provided by the editor via NetGalley for the purpose of a review.
While I was reading this book, I was thinking of my university years, when I was working as a tour guide in an imperial palace in Vienna, Austria. Back then, I would have killed for a book like this one (albeit on the Hapsburgs rather than the Tudors, of course), full of intriguing, sometimes touching, sometimes gruesome historical anecdotes with which to sprinkle my guided tours. That means, yes, this was an awesome read, both instructive AND entertaining. The author understands perfectly well that the way to captivate an audience is to treat history like a story, i.e. to “spin a good yarn”, the only (and biggest) difference being that here it’s a yarn based on historical data and facts insomuch as we have them.
If you are looking for a full-scale history of the riveting Tudor-saga, you might be disappointed. This is more a collection of details, but how satisfying it was! Compendiums like this one have the advantage to be readable by amateur Tudor-istas as well as by more enlightened Tudor-ologists, who already know the basic facts and just want to learn a few more tales of those characters and their times. Mickey Mayhew delivers, and he especially delivers those tasty morsels and juicy bits we all, let’s be honest, love to read.
Cherry on the cake, Mr Mayhew is a good writer, too. He knows how to construct his anecdotes, knows how to add atmosphere and paint a vivid picture of those times. He does so in a slightly tongue-in-cheek-y tone that I really appreciated—nothing is duller, I’m afraid, than historians who take themselves and their topics too seriously. Yes, history and historical research should be DONE with a high degree of seriousness; it’s just that that seriousness doesn’t necessarily need to be reflected in history books, in my humble opinion.
So, an interesting book, a perfect read (especially during these cold, windy November nights), which I recommend.
While I was reading this book, I was thinking of my university years, when I was working as a tour guide in an imperial palace in Vienna, Austria. Back then, I would have killed for a book like this one (albeit on the Hapsburgs rather than the Tudors, of course), full of intriguing, sometimes touching, sometimes gruesome historical anecdotes with which to sprinkle my guided tours. That means, yes, this was an awesome read, both instructive AND entertaining. The author understands perfectly well that the way to captivate an audience is to treat history like a story, i.e. to “spin a good yarn”, the only (and biggest) difference being that here it’s a yarn based on historical data and facts insomuch as we have them.
If you are looking for a full-scale history of the riveting Tudor-saga, you might be disappointed. This is more a collection of details, but how satisfying it was! Compendiums like this one have the advantage to be readable by amateur Tudor-istas as well as by more enlightened Tudor-ologists, who already know the basic facts and just want to learn a few more tales of those characters and their times. Mickey Mayhew delivers, and he especially delivers those tasty morsels and juicy bits we all, let’s be honest, love to read.
Cherry on the cake, Mr Mayhew is a good writer, too. He knows how to construct his anecdotes, knows how to add atmosphere and paint a vivid picture of those times. He does so in a slightly tongue-in-cheek-y tone that I really appreciated—nothing is duller, I’m afraid, than historians who take themselves and their topics too seriously. Yes, history and historical research should be DONE with a high degree of seriousness; it’s just that that seriousness doesn’t necessarily need to be reflected in history books, in my humble opinion.
So, an interesting book, a perfect read (especially during these cold, windy November nights), which I recommend.
February 20, 2022
Originally posted on my blog: Nonstop Reader.
House of Tudor: A Grisly History is an accessible and unflinching history of the Tudors by Dr. Mickey Mayhew. Due out 30th April 2022 from Pen & Sword, it's 232 pages (in print) and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.
I enjoy history and especially English history with bonus engagement on my part for late medieval to the early modern periods. This selection hit a lot of high points for me. The author has done a good job of selecting the mildly to moderately salacious bits which we never get to read about in school history classes. It's arranged thematically and roughly chronologically in chapters, each of which tell a particular bit of the history of the Tudors during and after their dynastic reign of more than 100 years. Despite their fame and relative wealth, their lives were most often bloody and short, often because of intolerance, war, political infighting, and/or disease.
This is a layman accessible and eminently readable book. Despite the bonafides of the author, it's not written in formal academic language, and there are no chapter notes or citations in the text. There is a fairly comprehensive bibliography and index, however, which will provide many hours of further background reading if readers wish for more in-depth background.
Four and a half stars. Definitely not a formal academic work, but fascinating for history fans who want a readable book about the Tudors.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
House of Tudor: A Grisly History is an accessible and unflinching history of the Tudors by Dr. Mickey Mayhew. Due out 30th April 2022 from Pen & Sword, it's 232 pages (in print) and will be available in hardcover and ebook formats.
I enjoy history and especially English history with bonus engagement on my part for late medieval to the early modern periods. This selection hit a lot of high points for me. The author has done a good job of selecting the mildly to moderately salacious bits which we never get to read about in school history classes. It's arranged thematically and roughly chronologically in chapters, each of which tell a particular bit of the history of the Tudors during and after their dynastic reign of more than 100 years. Despite their fame and relative wealth, their lives were most often bloody and short, often because of intolerance, war, political infighting, and/or disease.
This is a layman accessible and eminently readable book. Despite the bonafides of the author, it's not written in formal academic language, and there are no chapter notes or citations in the text. There is a fairly comprehensive bibliography and index, however, which will provide many hours of further background reading if readers wish for more in-depth background.
Four and a half stars. Definitely not a formal academic work, but fascinating for history fans who want a readable book about the Tudors.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
December 6, 2021
This is subtitled "A Grisly History" and that is the perfect description! Do not read if you have a weak stomach.
When you think about the Tudors, the beheadings of Henry VIII's wives quickly come to mind. But there's so much more than that. This presents 45 chapters ranging from Richard III's death all the way through Elizabeth I. The stories cover gruesome events like executions (including Anne Boleyn and so much more), torture, animal cruelty, as well as just the health risks of living in that timeframe, such as disease or childbirth.
I found this absolutely fascinating, and the short chapters were easy to digest and get through. I love learning about the Tudor era, and I also love gory horror, so this was really the perfect blend for me!
I also really liked how popular myths or pop culture interpretations were dispelled throughout, putting into context why the book Wolf Hall or the show The Tudors might choose a certain interpretation, even if it's likely inaccurate (or just unknown.) Having read or seen most of the references in the book, I really enjoyed getting that extra context. If you haven't seen/read those, the references are not excessive, so you can easily skip those sentences.
This does assume some knowledge of the Tudor era and the key players. There are some short explanations as to who people are, but if you don't have that baseline knowledge, it might be hard to follow.
But if you're already familiar with the timeframe, and are interested in a somewhat morbid view, this is a great book to pick up!
When you think about the Tudors, the beheadings of Henry VIII's wives quickly come to mind. But there's so much more than that. This presents 45 chapters ranging from Richard III's death all the way through Elizabeth I. The stories cover gruesome events like executions (including Anne Boleyn and so much more), torture, animal cruelty, as well as just the health risks of living in that timeframe, such as disease or childbirth.
I found this absolutely fascinating, and the short chapters were easy to digest and get through. I love learning about the Tudor era, and I also love gory horror, so this was really the perfect blend for me!
I also really liked how popular myths or pop culture interpretations were dispelled throughout, putting into context why the book Wolf Hall or the show The Tudors might choose a certain interpretation, even if it's likely inaccurate (or just unknown.) Having read or seen most of the references in the book, I really enjoyed getting that extra context. If you haven't seen/read those, the references are not excessive, so you can easily skip those sentences.
This does assume some knowledge of the Tudor era and the key players. There are some short explanations as to who people are, but if you don't have that baseline knowledge, it might be hard to follow.
But if you're already familiar with the timeframe, and are interested in a somewhat morbid view, this is a great book to pick up!
February 8, 2023
Books - or anything else for that matter - that concern the Tudors are always popular, and this one puts a gruesome spin on events that is bound to appeal to the teenage historian. It starts at the beginning of the Tudor dynasty at the Battle of Bosworth and the death of the reigning king, Richard III. The injuries to his body, particularly his head, are listed alongside one particularly undignified post-mortem injury. So the tone is set.
The book refers to television programmes and Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall, that have portrayed significant Tudor personalities a particular way, and compares them to the evidence showing what they were really like and some of the things they got up to. It looks at injuries, beheadings, physical and mental illness and childbirth as well as the treatment of enemies and traitors. All with a macabre spin, of course.
In terms of historical information, there is nothing new to add to the known facts and theories. The evidence and research has not been updated - just the horror aspect. However, the history is sound enough.
This is an easy to read book, fairly short with plenty of brief chapters that would appeal to fans of Horrible Histories, and the layman who learns about history from watching television. Comparing the 'Sweating Sickness' to Covid-19 brings everything up to date. Easy to dip into for that grim fix.
3.5 stars rounded up
The book refers to television programmes and Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall, that have portrayed significant Tudor personalities a particular way, and compares them to the evidence showing what they were really like and some of the things they got up to. It looks at injuries, beheadings, physical and mental illness and childbirth as well as the treatment of enemies and traitors. All with a macabre spin, of course.
In terms of historical information, there is nothing new to add to the known facts and theories. The evidence and research has not been updated - just the horror aspect. However, the history is sound enough.
This is an easy to read book, fairly short with plenty of brief chapters that would appeal to fans of Horrible Histories, and the layman who learns about history from watching television. Comparing the 'Sweating Sickness' to Covid-19 brings everything up to date. Easy to dip into for that grim fix.
3.5 stars rounded up
March 29, 2022
If I had to categorize the type of person who this book is aimed at, it would be someone who thought all history books are dry and stodgy, guaranteed to put one to sleep. Author Mickey Mayhew has made sure this book is anything but. His tongue-in-cheek style is present from beginning to end, interlaced with a factual history of the time of the Tudors.
The main figures are here, Henry VIII and Mary Queen of Scots, and the lesser known are also given time at the head of the table. Along the way, all the plans and plots are laid out for us to learn and the title’s promise is fulfilled. Yes, there are grisly moments in history, and the Tudors were present for a number of them.
This is an enjoyable book, both delightful and insightful. This my first read into enemy territory (yes, Tudor fanatics, I would have been carrying a Plantagenet banner) and it has interested me enough to pursue further reading of some of those detailed in Mr. Mayhew’s book. Highly recommended. Four-and-a-half stars.
The main figures are here, Henry VIII and Mary Queen of Scots, and the lesser known are also given time at the head of the table. Along the way, all the plans and plots are laid out for us to learn and the title’s promise is fulfilled. Yes, there are grisly moments in history, and the Tudors were present for a number of them.
This is an enjoyable book, both delightful and insightful. This my first read into enemy territory (yes, Tudor fanatics, I would have been carrying a Plantagenet banner) and it has interested me enough to pursue further reading of some of those detailed in Mr. Mayhew’s book. Highly recommended. Four-and-a-half stars.
November 28, 2021
Peek into the lives of the Tudors and their connections throughout Europe. Author Mickey Mayhew sheds light on what makes the Tudors so fascinating by describing medicine of the time, plots and counterplots, power struggles, torture, the splintering of Europe and England through the Reformation and subsequent split off of the Church of England, and so much more. Chapters are short and focus on a single character and their role in all the squabbles and drama. Connections and comparisons are made between actual history and many of the popular books, TV series, and movies that have centered around this family dynasty. Detailed without getting into gore, this felt akin to a historically accurate Grimm's Fairytales read to me (though, not always with a happy ending for those involved). Sources are carefully cited and speculation (whether of the author or other persons) is laid bare as purely that. A great read for those who need a quick read (thanks to the concentrated chapters) or those who have been pulled into one of the many series/movies and want to check the veracity of these renderings. Bibliography, index, and assortment of pictures and paintings are included at the end of this title.
January 6, 2022
This book was a lovely collection of the gruesome side of the tudors.
I really enjoyed it and it was a nice light read. I already knew most of the stories but one I didn't really care for was the chapter on animal baiting. I know this happened in history but I could have done without reading all the details.
I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in Tudor and Mary Queen of Scot's history.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an E-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
I really enjoyed it and it was a nice light read. I already knew most of the stories but one I didn't really care for was the chapter on animal baiting. I know this happened in history but I could have done without reading all the details.
I would recommend this book to anyone with an interest in Tudor and Mary Queen of Scot's history.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an E-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
March 11, 2022
“In accordance with the law and having been found guilty of the crime of poisoning, Richard Roose was boiled to death…”
Let’s just say I am grateful I didn’t live in Tudor times!
This is the perfect book to read if you enjoy reading about the Tudors, it’s also great if you want to read about crime, torture, punishment and death.
I thoroughly enjoyed this gem of a book! It was truly fascinating.
This has spurred a love affair with this piece of history and I cannot wait to read more on this topic - fiction and non-fiction.
Thank you Pen & Sword for gifting me with this book, one of my favourites and it will take place on my bookshelf proudly :)
Let’s just say I am grateful I didn’t live in Tudor times!
This is the perfect book to read if you enjoy reading about the Tudors, it’s also great if you want to read about crime, torture, punishment and death.
I thoroughly enjoyed this gem of a book! It was truly fascinating.
This has spurred a love affair with this piece of history and I cannot wait to read more on this topic - fiction and non-fiction.
Thank you Pen & Sword for gifting me with this book, one of my favourites and it will take place on my bookshelf proudly :)
November 28, 2021
Mayhew offers us the history of the Tudors, told in 45 “episodes” spanning the death of Richard III through the death of Elizabeth I. Rather than solely focusing on Henry VIII and his wives or the saga of Mary Stuart’s reign and downfall, the events are woven together with a nod to pop culture references and some bits of humor sprinkled throughout.
Many thanks to Pen & Sword and NetGalley for the complimentary copy of this work.
Many thanks to Pen & Sword and NetGalley for the complimentary copy of this work.
November 13, 2021
House of Tudor by Mickey Mayhew
Gruesome but not gratuitous, this decidedly darker take on the Tudors, from 1485 to 1603, covers some forty-five ‘events’ from the Tudor reign, taking in everything from the death of Richard III to the botched execution of Mary Queen of Scots .
This book get a solid 5 star stars from me. If you like reading about the history of this time , you will enjoy reading the guts ( pun intended ) of the backstory to the ones you probably have already heard about .
Well researched via a plethora of well known Tudor loving authors , Hillary Mantel , Philippa Gregory etc.
A great read.
Gruesome but not gratuitous, this decidedly darker take on the Tudors, from 1485 to 1603, covers some forty-five ‘events’ from the Tudor reign, taking in everything from the death of Richard III to the botched execution of Mary Queen of Scots .
This book get a solid 5 star stars from me. If you like reading about the history of this time , you will enjoy reading the guts ( pun intended ) of the backstory to the ones you probably have already heard about .
Well researched via a plethora of well known Tudor loving authors , Hillary Mantel , Philippa Gregory etc.
A great read.
August 18, 2023
This is quite a different take on the Tudor period which I really enjoyed. It’s written in really short chapters which makes it easy to read and dip in and out of and return to if you want to refresh your memory on a particular event.
The book covers 45 different events of the Tudor period which are the most grisly events of the period rather than the most common events. These include the poisoning of Bishop Fisher, the blackened heart of Katherine of Aragon, Mary I’s phantom pregnancies, and the kidnap of Mary Queen of Scots, among many others. Particular attention is paid to some of the more gory or unusual aspects of the events described which is quite novel and something that some history books skate over.
The book has a great selection of images, and a comprehensive index and bibliography. The one thing I will say that stops this being a 5-star read for me, maybe just as a historian myself, there is a lack of original / contemporary primary sources, but that certainly doesn’t detract from the excellent discourse and ease of reading of this book which I thoroughly enjoyed!
This is a fantastic addition to my Tudor bookcase and one that I will certainly come back to when working on my own writing! It really does cover so many different things that there will be something for everyone whatever your interests are; political, personal, medical, or death.
The book covers 45 different events of the Tudor period which are the most grisly events of the period rather than the most common events. These include the poisoning of Bishop Fisher, the blackened heart of Katherine of Aragon, Mary I’s phantom pregnancies, and the kidnap of Mary Queen of Scots, among many others. Particular attention is paid to some of the more gory or unusual aspects of the events described which is quite novel and something that some history books skate over.
The book has a great selection of images, and a comprehensive index and bibliography. The one thing I will say that stops this being a 5-star read for me, maybe just as a historian myself, there is a lack of original / contemporary primary sources, but that certainly doesn’t detract from the excellent discourse and ease of reading of this book which I thoroughly enjoyed!
This is a fantastic addition to my Tudor bookcase and one that I will certainly come back to when working on my own writing! It really does cover so many different things that there will be something for everyone whatever your interests are; political, personal, medical, or death.
December 19, 2021
Review: House of Tudor: A Grisly History by Mickey Mayhew
I want to start by thanking Mickey Mayhew for granting my wish for this title on Netgalley. I also want to say I have already pre-ordered a physical version of this to add to my bookshelf. I was lucky to be brought up in a household that loved learning. Encouraged particularly by my Nan and Mom to pursue knowledge and learn and most of all how fun learning can be. My mother has always had a love for the Tudors and it seems that I have inherited it as well. A fascinating period of Not sure here history it founded the basis of my MA studies into Renaissance Literature and History. So I was a little more than excited for this title.
House of Tudor focuses on the gruesome, darker take on the Tudors reign from 1485 to 1693, covering some of the forty-five ‘events’ that shaped the fascinating epoch of history. It deals with everything from the death of Richard III to the botched execution of Mary Queen of Scots and a host of horrors in between. With particular attention paid to the various gruesome ways in which the Tudors dealt with and dispatched their various villains and lawbreakers, from simple beheadings, to burning and of course the dreaded hanging, drawing and quartering. Other chapters cover the various diseases prevalent during Tudor times, including the dreaded ‘Sweating Sickness’ as well as the cures for these sicknesses, some which were considered worse than the actual disease itself. The day-to-day living conditions of the general populace are also given consideration, as well as various social taboos and the punishments that accompanied them, i.e. the stocks, as well as punishment by exile. Tudor England was not a nice place to live by 21st Century standard, but the book will also serve to explain how it was still nevertheless a familiar home to our ancestors.
The book is brilliant. Informative and to the point. The writing is concise and enjoyable. One thing I have found with some reference and history books is that you get an air of almost pretentiousness (not all of course but some) and this is not the case with Mayhew. We certainly are aware that Mayhew is an authority on the subject. I was able to finish this in two sittings and have since gone back to it several times. It is definitely a must read for those interested in or specialising in the Tudor and Renaissance period who want an accessible and in depth history of the darker aspects of the period, a refreshing look in and of itself.
As I have said I have already pre-ordered a physical copy and I’ve also ordered a copy for my mom who I know will adore this being interested not only in the period but in historical forms of crimes and punishment.
I want to start by thanking Mickey Mayhew for granting my wish for this title on Netgalley. I also want to say I have already pre-ordered a physical version of this to add to my bookshelf. I was lucky to be brought up in a household that loved learning. Encouraged particularly by my Nan and Mom to pursue knowledge and learn and most of all how fun learning can be. My mother has always had a love for the Tudors and it seems that I have inherited it as well. A fascinating period of Not sure here history it founded the basis of my MA studies into Renaissance Literature and History. So I was a little more than excited for this title.
House of Tudor focuses on the gruesome, darker take on the Tudors reign from 1485 to 1693, covering some of the forty-five ‘events’ that shaped the fascinating epoch of history. It deals with everything from the death of Richard III to the botched execution of Mary Queen of Scots and a host of horrors in between. With particular attention paid to the various gruesome ways in which the Tudors dealt with and dispatched their various villains and lawbreakers, from simple beheadings, to burning and of course the dreaded hanging, drawing and quartering. Other chapters cover the various diseases prevalent during Tudor times, including the dreaded ‘Sweating Sickness’ as well as the cures for these sicknesses, some which were considered worse than the actual disease itself. The day-to-day living conditions of the general populace are also given consideration, as well as various social taboos and the punishments that accompanied them, i.e. the stocks, as well as punishment by exile. Tudor England was not a nice place to live by 21st Century standard, but the book will also serve to explain how it was still nevertheless a familiar home to our ancestors.
The book is brilliant. Informative and to the point. The writing is concise and enjoyable. One thing I have found with some reference and history books is that you get an air of almost pretentiousness (not all of course but some) and this is not the case with Mayhew. We certainly are aware that Mayhew is an authority on the subject. I was able to finish this in two sittings and have since gone back to it several times. It is definitely a must read for those interested in or specialising in the Tudor and Renaissance period who want an accessible and in depth history of the darker aspects of the period, a refreshing look in and of itself.
As I have said I have already pre-ordered a physical copy and I’ve also ordered a copy for my mom who I know will adore this being interested not only in the period but in historical forms of crimes and punishment.
October 17, 2022
The glitzy, glamorous life of the Tudors portrayed in popular TV shows and novels mask the truth of this infamous dynasty. It is more bloody than what has been described. It is filled with grotesque executions, deadly diseases, bloody battles, and bloody battles. What happened to Richard III's remains? What was Tudor torture like for those unfortunate victims? What were other devious tales at play in 16th-century Europe? Mickey Mayhew has worked hard to answer these questions by combining 45 of the most gruesome stories from this dynasty into one book, "The House of Tudor: A Grisly History."
Thank you, Pen and Sword Books and Casemate Group, for sending me a copy of this book. I am always looking for a new book about the Tudors, so when I heard about this one, I decided that the perfect time to read it would be in October.
Mayhew begins the grotesque journey into the Tudor dynasty by exploring what happened to the previous king before Henry VII, Richard III, and his remains. We then jump into the reign of King Henry VIII with the tale of Catherine of Aragon and the head of King James IV of Scotland. It is then that Mayhew dives into the tumultuous reign of the big man, his unfortunate wives, and his ministers who got caught in the middle of all that tantalizing Tudor drama.
After the death of King Henry VIII, the political drama got more intense, as did the political and religious motivated executions. From the minute reign of Lady Jane Grey to the "bloody" albeit misnamed reign of Mary I to the colorful reign of Elizabeth I. Sprinkled in the chapters of these English queens were chapters dedicated to Mary Queen of Scots, Catherine de Medici, and the courts of Scotland and France, which were equally brutal as their English counterparts. We have plots plenty with the Babington, Ridolfi, and the smaller-scale Parry plot. Naturally, with schemes came rebellions and political assassinations that dominated 16-century Europe, especially in Tudor England, and numerous deadly diseases.
Mayhew categorized each chapter in chronological order with rather witty titles, which I appreciate in more academic writing. He does not shy away from the gory details, which adds another element to stories that are familiar to those who are Tudor fans. If you want something spooky to read in October or know more about the darker side of Tudor history, I recommend reading "House of Tudor: A Grisly History" by Mickey Mayhew.
Thank you, Pen and Sword Books and Casemate Group, for sending me a copy of this book. I am always looking for a new book about the Tudors, so when I heard about this one, I decided that the perfect time to read it would be in October.
Mayhew begins the grotesque journey into the Tudor dynasty by exploring what happened to the previous king before Henry VII, Richard III, and his remains. We then jump into the reign of King Henry VIII with the tale of Catherine of Aragon and the head of King James IV of Scotland. It is then that Mayhew dives into the tumultuous reign of the big man, his unfortunate wives, and his ministers who got caught in the middle of all that tantalizing Tudor drama.
After the death of King Henry VIII, the political drama got more intense, as did the political and religious motivated executions. From the minute reign of Lady Jane Grey to the "bloody" albeit misnamed reign of Mary I to the colorful reign of Elizabeth I. Sprinkled in the chapters of these English queens were chapters dedicated to Mary Queen of Scots, Catherine de Medici, and the courts of Scotland and France, which were equally brutal as their English counterparts. We have plots plenty with the Babington, Ridolfi, and the smaller-scale Parry plot. Naturally, with schemes came rebellions and political assassinations that dominated 16-century Europe, especially in Tudor England, and numerous deadly diseases.
Mayhew categorized each chapter in chronological order with rather witty titles, which I appreciate in more academic writing. He does not shy away from the gory details, which adds another element to stories that are familiar to those who are Tudor fans. If you want something spooky to read in October or know more about the darker side of Tudor history, I recommend reading "House of Tudor: A Grisly History" by Mickey Mayhew.
January 27, 2022
"Karma could be a terrible bitch, even in Tudor times"
The best way to sum up House of Tudor: A Grisly History is: Horrible Histories for adults- and I absolutely mean that in the best possible way.
Its short, pithy and (importantly) fun ride through the Tudor era through the lens of torture, murder, executions and scandal.
If you are a Tudor history fan, it probably won't tell you much you don't already know, but it is enjoyable to read nevertheless. It's tone is familiar and engaging, relating the historical events and facts to their depictions in well known TV shows and films. Some older readers/fans of traditional history books may not be a fan of the contemporary tone, and may find the use of a-historical terms like 'slut-shaming' jarring, but it works well for a younger audience. It is in no way an academic text or a formal history- there is no central argument and there is little engagement with primary sources, relying more on the texts of other historians- however it is not trying to be. It is an engrossing retelling of historical events for a non-specialised audience.
It would be an excellent introduction to the period to people interested in the Tudor period/early modern England but unsure where to start, and would make a good gift for fans of the period.
The book focuses on the key Tudor monarchs- Henry VIII and Elizabeth, and I would have appreciated some more stories relating to Henry VII, Mary I and Edward VI. However, I was pleasantly surprised and intrigued by the number of chapters devoted to Catherine de Medici and the French court, and Mary Stuart/Mary Queen of Scots. While Mary Stuart is technically a member of the Tudor family (part of the House of Tudor if you will), she is generally treated separately, and while I enjoyed the chapters on her, I think some readers who are just interested in Henry VIII and Elizabeth may find this distracting.
If you are looking for a light (and slightly morbid) survey of the period, House of Tudor would be a fun book to read. It reads like a medieval soap opera and can be easily devoured in a day.
My thanks to Netgalley and Pen & Sword books for providing me with a copy to review.
The best way to sum up House of Tudor: A Grisly History is: Horrible Histories for adults- and I absolutely mean that in the best possible way.
Its short, pithy and (importantly) fun ride through the Tudor era through the lens of torture, murder, executions and scandal.
If you are a Tudor history fan, it probably won't tell you much you don't already know, but it is enjoyable to read nevertheless. It's tone is familiar and engaging, relating the historical events and facts to their depictions in well known TV shows and films. Some older readers/fans of traditional history books may not be a fan of the contemporary tone, and may find the use of a-historical terms like 'slut-shaming' jarring, but it works well for a younger audience. It is in no way an academic text or a formal history- there is no central argument and there is little engagement with primary sources, relying more on the texts of other historians- however it is not trying to be. It is an engrossing retelling of historical events for a non-specialised audience.
It would be an excellent introduction to the period to people interested in the Tudor period/early modern England but unsure where to start, and would make a good gift for fans of the period.
The book focuses on the key Tudor monarchs- Henry VIII and Elizabeth, and I would have appreciated some more stories relating to Henry VII, Mary I and Edward VI. However, I was pleasantly surprised and intrigued by the number of chapters devoted to Catherine de Medici and the French court, and Mary Stuart/Mary Queen of Scots. While Mary Stuart is technically a member of the Tudor family (part of the House of Tudor if you will), she is generally treated separately, and while I enjoyed the chapters on her, I think some readers who are just interested in Henry VIII and Elizabeth may find this distracting.
If you are looking for a light (and slightly morbid) survey of the period, House of Tudor would be a fun book to read. It reads like a medieval soap opera and can be easily devoured in a day.
My thanks to Netgalley and Pen & Sword books for providing me with a copy to review.
April 19, 2022
As noted in the foreword by Linda Porter, there is worldwide fascination with the Tudor dynasty who occupied the English throne from the end of the 15th century to the beginning of the 17th century.
Lots of books have been written on this period (think Hilary Mantel (Wolf Hall is still on my tbr 🙈) and Alison Weir) and lots of film/tv series like The Tudors bbc series (obsessed!).
Think of this book as a Horrible Histories book for adults; a different perspective on Tudor history focussing on the darker parts of history: gruesome deaths, deathly diseases and brutal events. Personally I find these events the most entertaining and fascinating and this book is definitely that!
With short and easily readable chapters, the reader gets an informative potted history of key events during this historical period with lots of details on botched beheadings, torture devices used on suspected traitors, and the worst punishment for treason to be hung, drawn and quartered. Let’s just say you wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of King Henry VIII…
All the most well known historical figures will feature like Henry VIII, his six wives, Thomas Cromwell, Cardinal Wolseley. While I know a lot about this period from studying it at school to reading about it to watching it on tv, it feels good to be back with these infamous characters.
In addition to the grisly events above, we learn about diseases like the sweating sickness that Anne Boleyn was lucky to survive from (but many didn’t), the terrible ulcerated leg that King Henry suffered for most of his later years following a jousting injury as well as the tyrannical reign of Bloody Mary. There is much more to discover!
If you enjoy reading and learning about the Tudors, don’t miss this one!
Lots of books have been written on this period (think Hilary Mantel (Wolf Hall is still on my tbr 🙈) and Alison Weir) and lots of film/tv series like The Tudors bbc series (obsessed!).
Think of this book as a Horrible Histories book for adults; a different perspective on Tudor history focussing on the darker parts of history: gruesome deaths, deathly diseases and brutal events. Personally I find these events the most entertaining and fascinating and this book is definitely that!
With short and easily readable chapters, the reader gets an informative potted history of key events during this historical period with lots of details on botched beheadings, torture devices used on suspected traitors, and the worst punishment for treason to be hung, drawn and quartered. Let’s just say you wouldn’t want to get on the wrong side of King Henry VIII…
All the most well known historical figures will feature like Henry VIII, his six wives, Thomas Cromwell, Cardinal Wolseley. While I know a lot about this period from studying it at school to reading about it to watching it on tv, it feels good to be back with these infamous characters.
In addition to the grisly events above, we learn about diseases like the sweating sickness that Anne Boleyn was lucky to survive from (but many didn’t), the terrible ulcerated leg that King Henry suffered for most of his later years following a jousting injury as well as the tyrannical reign of Bloody Mary. There is much more to discover!
If you enjoy reading and learning about the Tudors, don’t miss this one!
February 7, 2023
Mr. Mayhew spins a great yarn. In fact, this was an easy read that flew by in a few hours. The pace of the book was excellent for some get away time. The short chapters led to a quick pace and driven story. If you are looking for a nice read about the terrible medieval period, this is a good book.
However, there are some items I (need to stress the personal aspect of this critique) found wanting.
First, the book must be meant to augment viewers watching popular fiction shows like Showtime's 'The Tudors.' I found this a terrible idea, as the reason those shows are deplorable is that they almost always get the history wrong. I don't see the point of writing a book that continues to reference bad historical shows, identifies where the show is wrong (i.e. the too heroic Thomas Cromwell in Wolf Hall) but continues to fawn over the shows as if they are exceptional television. If you are getting your history from Wolf Hall or The Tudors, you have no idea what happened. Better to have stayed with John Guy and leave the pop culture alone.
Second, the book chides the popular British adoration of Anne Boleyn. Yet I thought the author avoided ANY deep criticism of Elizabeth I. The second half of the book details the life of Queen Mary of Scots, but seems to avoid any mud or guilt that should stick to the Elizabeth.
Finally, the author seems to delve into conspiracy theories and engages in fantasy, especially during Mary of Scotland's time. The author never affirms the craziness, but cashes in on it.
One last thing, it is my understanding that Foxe's Book of Martyrs should be avoided as any sense of real history. It was anti catholic rhetoric, not real history.
A good read, but if you are looking for history, buy John Guy.
However, there are some items I (need to stress the personal aspect of this critique) found wanting.
First, the book must be meant to augment viewers watching popular fiction shows like Showtime's 'The Tudors.' I found this a terrible idea, as the reason those shows are deplorable is that they almost always get the history wrong. I don't see the point of writing a book that continues to reference bad historical shows, identifies where the show is wrong (i.e. the too heroic Thomas Cromwell in Wolf Hall) but continues to fawn over the shows as if they are exceptional television. If you are getting your history from Wolf Hall or The Tudors, you have no idea what happened. Better to have stayed with John Guy and leave the pop culture alone.
Second, the book chides the popular British adoration of Anne Boleyn. Yet I thought the author avoided ANY deep criticism of Elizabeth I. The second half of the book details the life of Queen Mary of Scots, but seems to avoid any mud or guilt that should stick to the Elizabeth.
Finally, the author seems to delve into conspiracy theories and engages in fantasy, especially during Mary of Scotland's time. The author never affirms the craziness, but cashes in on it.
One last thing, it is my understanding that Foxe's Book of Martyrs should be avoided as any sense of real history. It was anti catholic rhetoric, not real history.
A good read, but if you are looking for history, buy John Guy.
January 27, 2022
Death comes to us all but sometimes it is hastened along. In the times of the Tudors (1453-1603) particularly barbaric methods of torture to extract information (true or false) or recant were used. Executions were so despicable, so appalling it just doesn't seem possible human beings implemented them. Royalty and upper crust people were not exempt, though it did help to have money to bring about death more quickly (possibly, depending on the skills of the executioner). In the House of Tudor Mickey Mayhew describes in painstaking detail what society was like and the various deaths of several people, often at the hands of others or by causes such as childbirth and disease.
The author injects wit into what is a morbid subject. He refers to TV and movie portrayals of people mentioned and includes vivid illustrations. Starting with the Battle of Bosworth, he writes about the death of Richard III, discusses charnel pits, the fate of traitors (hung, drawn and quartered with...extras), boiling to death of poisoners, minute details of the rack and "Scavenger's daughter", botched deaths such as Margaret Pole's hacking, falconers sewing falcons' eyes shut, Margaret Clitherow's horrific ordeal with rocks and so much more. He also explains the reasoning for not retaining keepsakes of those killed and the encouragement of the public to witness such atrocities.
Readers of the Tudor era ought to add this book to their list. Just know that descriptions are graphic and not for everyone. From historical and societal perspectives it is fascinating and informative.
My sincere thank you to Pen & Sword and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this engrossing book.
The author injects wit into what is a morbid subject. He refers to TV and movie portrayals of people mentioned and includes vivid illustrations. Starting with the Battle of Bosworth, he writes about the death of Richard III, discusses charnel pits, the fate of traitors (hung, drawn and quartered with...extras), boiling to death of poisoners, minute details of the rack and "Scavenger's daughter", botched deaths such as Margaret Pole's hacking, falconers sewing falcons' eyes shut, Margaret Clitherow's horrific ordeal with rocks and so much more. He also explains the reasoning for not retaining keepsakes of those killed and the encouragement of the public to witness such atrocities.
Readers of the Tudor era ought to add this book to their list. Just know that descriptions are graphic and not for everyone. From historical and societal perspectives it is fascinating and informative.
My sincere thank you to Pen & Sword and NetGalley for the privilege of reading this engrossing book.
May 26, 2022
A great overview of the Tudor period that pushes back against the romanticism of the period. And Mayhew has a point - with so many textbooks, historical fiction novels, documentaries, plays, tv shows and films focusing on the fashions, jewelry, artwork, music, feasting, dances and sports, its worth it to take a close look at how horrible the Tudors could be.
To start, Mayhew describes the death and post-death of Richard III, pointing out how barbaric the treatment of the body was. Oddly, he then skips over Henry VII’s reign and jumps right into the reign of Henry VIII.
We then get a chronological examination of the rest of the Tudor time period that both zeroes in on specific moments, such as the horrific execution of Margaret Pole, and the gross details of what a smallpox outbreak really looked like, but always keeping an eye on the big picture to let the reader know where specific events take place in context of the wider reign.
I liked that Mayhew made a point to emphasize how irrational people can be, showing that various actions were probably the result of emotions rather than any sort of grand conspiracy or 3D chess plan.
He quotes historians and historical fiction equally, which I wasn’t sure about at first, but decided it works, as Mayhew approaches unclear events with proper unbiasedness, pointing out different possible (or improbable, in some cases) interpretations that fact and fiction writers alike have given to the “grey areas” of history over the years.
May 20, 2023
Cover: I’ve seen better.
What a brilliant book! While I love me some nonfiction goodies, I’ll admit it’s hard for them to make me go all oh, hey! They evoke awe with photography and polite interest with prose—a literary palate-cleanser? Mind-cleanser? Something like that. Still, hard facts and reality don’t go well with emotions, at least for me.
House of Tudor brings a welcome change to the table. The historical parts, while well-researched, are nothing new; the way they’re presented is. Mayhew’s style is spot on. He’s funny, references back both books and tv series, and doesn’t pull punches. The dark and gritty details are all there, from torture to botched executions—don’t read it when you’re eating.
The book covers a lot of ground. Henry VIII and his unlucky wives, Mary Tudor, Mary Queen of Scots, Elizabeth I, their issues—boy, they had a lot—and the people caught in the middle of them. Yet, it wraps everything up in 187 pages, a good choice if you ask me. Overdoing it is a real risk with nonfiction.
Let me stress on it: this is not a happy-go-lucky story nor a clinical recount of facts. This is a unique spin on history.
From a technical standpoint, Mayhew and his editors polished their grammar to the nth, while the flow is pleasant enough. Thank you.
5 stars on GR.
[Want more? Check out Bookshelves & Teacups]
What a brilliant book! While I love me some nonfiction goodies, I’ll admit it’s hard for them to make me go all oh, hey! They evoke awe with photography and polite interest with prose—a literary palate-cleanser? Mind-cleanser? Something like that. Still, hard facts and reality don’t go well with emotions, at least for me.
House of Tudor brings a welcome change to the table. The historical parts, while well-researched, are nothing new; the way they’re presented is. Mayhew’s style is spot on. He’s funny, references back both books and tv series, and doesn’t pull punches. The dark and gritty details are all there, from torture to botched executions—don’t read it when you’re eating.
The book covers a lot of ground. Henry VIII and his unlucky wives, Mary Tudor, Mary Queen of Scots, Elizabeth I, their issues—boy, they had a lot—and the people caught in the middle of them. Yet, it wraps everything up in 187 pages, a good choice if you ask me. Overdoing it is a real risk with nonfiction.
Let me stress on it: this is not a happy-go-lucky story nor a clinical recount of facts. This is a unique spin on history.
From a technical standpoint, Mayhew and his editors polished their grammar to the nth, while the flow is pleasant enough. Thank you.
5 stars on GR.
[Want more? Check out Bookshelves & Teacups]
January 3, 2022
Modern soap operas have nothing on life in Tudor England. Neither do horror movies. Subtitled A Grisly History, House of Tudor describes the darker details of life under the Tudors. Botched beheadings, disease, poison (intentional and unintentional), oozing wounds, torture, burning at the stake - it’s all here and it is fascinating. From the mystery of the princes in the Tower of London to the lonely death of Queen Elizabeth l, author Mickey Mayhew tells the stories behind historic facts. For instance, Henry Vlll injured his leg in a joust and reinjured it several years later. The suppurating wound caused intense pain. But the pain also led to a personality change that turned him into a mean, angry, paranoid ruler. Elizabeth l wore makeup whitened with lead but she also painted blue lines on her forehead to mimic actual veins. One of the princes In the Tower may have been spirited away and raised in a distant village. The House of Tudor is full of intriguing stories like this and is a 5 star enjoyable read for all lovers of English history.
Thank you to NetGalley, Pen & Sword History and Mickey Mayhew for this ARC.
Thank you to NetGalley, Pen & Sword History and Mickey Mayhew for this ARC.
March 7, 2022
House of Tudor: A Grisly History - Mickey Mayhew
With this we get a potted grisly history of the Tudors. I love the Tudor period, we all know the stories of Henry and his 6 wives…divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived and this covers those infamous wives plus some other forty five events in total from that time. So we take in the demise of Richard III to the botched execution of Mary Queen of Scots and a lot in between.
There are beheadings, burnings, disease and being hanged drawn and quartered.
It is readable, interesting, gruesome and entertaining too. It contained information that I already knew but a lot that I didn’t, it has been well researched and was an enjoyable read. Very detailed there were some parts that I read out to my teenage kids- having just recently visited Hampton Court it tied in nicely with what we had seen and another visit to the Tower of London with the instruments of torture!
A gruesome and entertaining read, one you can dip in and out of and bring the tudors to life!
✩✩✩✰
Thanks to Pen and Sword books for my copy of this book and spot on the blog tour
July 11, 2022
What's not to love about this book?
It gives concise chapters on all the gory details you always wanted to know about the Tudors. What happened to the body of Richard III? How did torture work? What happened to Mary Queen of Scots husbands? How did Elizabeth I die? This has it all and Mickey Mayhew ensures these are all told in a far from dull way. There's humour woven in along with references to The Tudors TV show (an inaccurate but guilty pleasure) as well as other recent adaptations of Tudor themes.
It doesn't just focus on the gruesome aspects people did to each other, it also covers things like disease including Sweating Sickness and Syphilis.
This book can be picked up and put down easily due to how concise and different the chapters are, or you can skip to those that really interest you which for me was Margaret Clitheroe but I'd recommend reading it all as its fabulous!
Many will know alot of the details but the way Mickey Mayhew writes makes reading fun, even if you do already know! I particularly like how Mayhew notes the current state of locations as to whether they're a ruin or abandoned etc. I made a note of a couple to visit thanks to this book.
It gives concise chapters on all the gory details you always wanted to know about the Tudors. What happened to the body of Richard III? How did torture work? What happened to Mary Queen of Scots husbands? How did Elizabeth I die? This has it all and Mickey Mayhew ensures these are all told in a far from dull way. There's humour woven in along with references to The Tudors TV show (an inaccurate but guilty pleasure) as well as other recent adaptations of Tudor themes.
It doesn't just focus on the gruesome aspects people did to each other, it also covers things like disease including Sweating Sickness and Syphilis.
This book can be picked up and put down easily due to how concise and different the chapters are, or you can skip to those that really interest you which for me was Margaret Clitheroe but I'd recommend reading it all as its fabulous!
Many will know alot of the details but the way Mickey Mayhew writes makes reading fun, even if you do already know! I particularly like how Mayhew notes the current state of locations as to whether they're a ruin or abandoned etc. I made a note of a couple to visit thanks to this book.
December 29, 2021
Even for someone who has read a lot of various Tudor books, this one still has a lot to offer. The author uses humour to tell the Tudor story and give it a new lease on life. I got a kick out of this book, it is factual history, but told in such a way that it makes you forget you are learning something.
If you enjoy lighter history books without all of the lengthy scholarly discourse, this would be a perfect book to choose. I thought the author did a good job of keeping up with the theme of the book and not getting sidetracked. I found myself laughing in some spots and cringing in others, but enjoying the read the entire time. It also made me grateful, Once more; that I am not a woman in Tudor times. Or a priest. Or anyone else, to be honest.
This book is not extremely long, so it would be great for an afternoon escape. I would recommend it to anyone with a curiosity about the stranger side of royal history.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher, provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
If you enjoy lighter history books without all of the lengthy scholarly discourse, this would be a perfect book to choose. I thought the author did a good job of keeping up with the theme of the book and not getting sidetracked. I found myself laughing in some spots and cringing in others, but enjoying the read the entire time. It also made me grateful, Once more; that I am not a woman in Tudor times. Or a priest. Or anyone else, to be honest.
This book is not extremely long, so it would be great for an afternoon escape. I would recommend it to anyone with a curiosity about the stranger side of royal history.
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher, provided through Netgalley. All opinions are my own.
November 7, 2022
I didn't like it. I felt like the author could have done more research on each event. It doesn't provide any new information. The book is 45 chapters but the book is only 179. Basically each event only had 2 to 3 pages dedicated to it. I'm amazed that 45 chapters could be squeezed into only 179 pages but the author managed to to do it. If you want a more in depth history of the grisly events in Tudor history then this book isnt for you. Its probably great if you know nothing about Tudor history but if you do know anything about Tudor history it basically gives quick summaries of certain events. It also doesnt seem like the author researched this very well either. The author mentions the tv show the Tudors a lot. I feel like the author used the Tudors as a source more than any other work. He used the tv show to support his facts when he should be using nonfiction to support his facts The Tudors is based on history but it's not historically accurate. A good show but not a good source
April 8, 2022
Really enjoyed this - not often a non fiction reader, and certainly not of history, but this didn't feel like a non fiction in many ways.
Think horrible histories for adults- that is literally this. I loved that there was a good mix of detail as well as lots of references to the portrayals of the events and historical figures in the media- for instance The Tudors series was mentioned a lot (made me want to rewatch it!) as well as Reign towards the end.
I can't really decided which was my favourite part - We go through Henry VII to Elizabeth I so a lot is covered in a short book, but the historical events were concisely contextualised and explained so even history novices like me could follow along with ease. I did like the Mary Queen of Scots details.
Certainly Grisly at times- that cauldron thing turned my stomach a bit and I'm not usually squeamish, but such an interesting read!
Think horrible histories for adults- that is literally this. I loved that there was a good mix of detail as well as lots of references to the portrayals of the events and historical figures in the media- for instance The Tudors series was mentioned a lot (made me want to rewatch it!) as well as Reign towards the end.
I can't really decided which was my favourite part - We go through Henry VII to Elizabeth I so a lot is covered in a short book, but the historical events were concisely contextualised and explained so even history novices like me could follow along with ease. I did like the Mary Queen of Scots details.
Certainly Grisly at times- that cauldron thing turned my stomach a bit and I'm not usually squeamish, but such an interesting read!
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