Description

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

Readers LOVE Thomas Cromwell:
‘Very well written and engaging; I found it hard to put it down . . . Great book and one I will read again.’
‘This is one of the most fascinating biographies I’ve read.’
‘There have been many biographies of Cromwell, but Tracy Borman’s book must rank among the very best.’

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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

Publisher Review

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 * Borman writes admirably; her prose trips along merrily and is full of intriguing titbits. * New Statesman * An excellent and readable biography. * The Tribune * A real and vital portrait, deftly drawn. * Mail on Sunday * Borman combines a mastery of historical detail with past-pace and an accessible style. She doesn't forget that she is dealing with human beings, with their fallibilities and petty motivations, and rather than see him as a man for whom things got out of control, as Mantel does, views him instead as a master of control. * Independent on Sunday * An intelligent, sympathetic and well-researched biography. * Wall Street Journal *