The Tudor Kings & Queens: The Dynasty That Forged a Nation

by Alex Woolf

Tudor Kings and Queens is the ideal, handy guide to what is a perennially popular era in British history. Beginning with the accession to the English throne of Henry VII, the author guides the reader through a succession of monarchs, who also included the infamous King Henry VIII, Mary I, Edward VI and Elizabeth I. Identifying the key moments of their reigns, from insurrections to their handling of foreign policy to their many marriages, Alex Woolf clarifies the way in which these kings and queens governed their realm and what they had to deal with. Well-known figures from the period come to life and their roles in supporting or opposing these kings and queens are explained in context. It's the perfect companion for anyone who enjoys historical drama and wants to know more about one of the most intriguing royal dynasties.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Tudor Period, Classics

192 pages, Paperback

First published August 15, 2019

About the author

Alex Woolf is a prolific, award-winning author of books for adults and children. In his non-fiction he has written on subjects as diverse as sharks, robots, asteroids, flying reptiles and chocolate. His novels span a range of genres, including crime, mystery, science fiction, historical fiction, steampunk and horror.

Alex is a regular author for Fiction Express, online publishers of interactive stories for schools. Fiction Express is read by more than 150,000 students from 20 countries. Two of his stories have won reader awards. In 2021, he won the prestigious ASE award for his non-fiction book Think Like a Scientist. His horror novel, Soul Shadows, was shortlisted for the Falkirk Red Book Award. Bestselling crime author Peter James described his novel Aldo Moon as “a real delight, witty, ghostly and at times deliciously ghastly”.

Reviews

[Samantha · Rating 4 out of 5]

This brief introduction to the Tudor dynasty is a balanced and well organized summary of an era that can easily become confusing and overwhelming. Ideal for students, people who are new to the period, or those who would like a basic understanding without years of study, Woolf's Tudor Kings and Queens keeps things relatively simple and uses an easy to read narrative tone.

One of the elements that I appreciated about this book was the unbiased look at each monarch. It is so easy to fall into the trap of making a villain of one person to glorify another. Woolf treats each king and queen with the respect they deserve, pointing out both strengths and weaknesses, or when more time might have allowed them to prove themselves more satisfactorily.

I was somewhat disappointed to see Edward VI and Mary I joined together in one section, while the chapters on Elizabeth took up nearly 40% of the book. But, my own feelings for her aside, Elizabeth's reign was much longer than either of her unfortunate siblings. Though the attention given to Elizabeth is appropriately more substantial, she is not overly praised, and her mistakes and faults of character are included just as they are for the other Tudors.

At 128 pages, this book includes a treasure trove of information, including pictures, for one not familiar with the Tudor dynasty without reading like a textbook.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my copy of this book. Opinions expressed are my own.

[Becci · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have a fascination with Tudor history, I know quite alot about Henry VIII but I know very little about his father or successors so I wanted to read this book to find out more.

I really liked this book it was full of facts about The War of the Roses, Henry's marriages and The Spanish Armada. It is a short book so there isn't pages and pages of details on one subject but you do get a good detailed account on wars, uprisings, and domestic life.

Personally I would have liked a little less on the constant wars and more about their personal life and maybe more images, there are a couple but I find them fascinating and would have liked to see images of Henry's wives and children.

I would definately recommend this book for any Tudor geek, like me, there are enough facts to keep the reader happy.

*Thankyou to the author, publisher and Netgalley for an arc in exchange for an honest review.*

[Matthew Selby · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very short, concise, and interesting book. Would recommend if you wish to learn about the Tudors.

[Sharon Barrow Wilfong · Rating 4 out of 5]

Interesting overview of the Tudor line starting with Henry VII in 1485, moving on to Henry VIII whose reign was 1509-1547. After King Henry VIII we have the brief reigns of Edward VI and Mary I, not forgetting the even briefer reign of Lady Jane Grey somewhere between the last two before finally concluding with the Virgin Queen, Elizabeth I whose reign 1558-1603 finished the Tudor Dynasty.

The chapters are brief but give a good overview of each King or Queen's rule. We learn their character, the good the bad, the ugly, their effectiveness as domestic governing abilities, their foreign policies and their legacies.

Little is known about Henry VII but Henry VIII easily fills up eight chapters. He did, after all, throw off the yoke of Roman Catholic rule and started a uniquely English church with himself as the Ruler. What followed was a lot of upheaval as monasteries and convents and their wealth and properties were confiscated and used to fill the coffers of the King.

Henry's marriages are infamous, of course, but in Woolf's history we get to know each woman a little better; which ones were innocent victims; which were scheming hussies, who died by the axe and who died from sickness.

Edward did not live long enough to make a difference, but was more of a political tool by other people trying to manipulate power. We learn about the scheming powers behind the throne, many succeeded but a lot ended up losing their head or being hanged and drawn and quartered.

I must say, I did not realize there were two Mary's and we learn about both. Both were Catholic, but only one was Bloody Mary and that was the Queen of England. She killed thousands of Protestants in an attempt to terrorize the country into reverting to the Roman religion. Scottish Mary was really more foolish in her choice of husbands then anything else. Her scandals ultimately undid her and she ended up spending the rest of her life in prison under Queen Elizabeth I before finally being condemned to death.

And we end with Queen Elizabeth I and her legacy, one of which was to build the most powerful navy in the world. But she had her own intrigues and scandals.

All in all, an enjoyable read and an excellent overview of a famous dynasty.

[Jo · Rating 3 out of 5]

Starting with a brief overview of the Wars of the Roses, Woolf looks at each Tudor monarch in turn and gives the reader the highlights of their reign. For anybody just starting out learning about the Tudors, this is a great book as it gives a very brief review of what happened and some of the main players. You can then go on to read more indepth stuff about a particular figure or aspect that intrigues you. For everybody else, it won't tell you anything new but it's a good reminder of some key points from the era.

[Beth · Rating 4 out of 5]

Since I have been reading some Tudor historical fiction, I decided to read some nonfiction. This was a bargain book I found so I picked it up. It was a very good summary of the Tudor dynasty. It is a short book. I pretty much read it in one sitting so if you are looking for an introduction into the Tudor period I do recommend this book. I don't think I realized Margaret Beaufort, mother of Henry VII, was 13 when she had him.

[Rebecca Crofts · Rating 5 out of 5]

i love the tudors slay

[Helene Harrison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Review - This was quite an easy read, and good for those quite new to the period, but hoping to engage further. There was one error that I noticed - it said that Margaret Beaufort accompanied her son, the future Henry VII, into exile in 1471, but she didn't. She remained in England and remarried. Woolf has quite an engaging writing style, but I think it could do with better research, and source citation. There is only minimal citation of images and nothing really of what written sources were used. The images are dispersed throughout the book rather than just in the centre pages which gives it less of an academic and more of a popular feel.

General Subject/s? - History / Tudors

Recommend? – Maybe

Rating - 14/20

[Heather · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a great starter-guide to learning about the Tudors. Those who already know the general story of the dynasty might not get much out of this one, but if you are new to this part of history, I think this is a great place to start. You get a lot of general knowledge, a simple breakdown of the timeline, and a true understanding of why the Tudors fascinate the world even today. And at coming in under 150 pages, it's not a big time commitment either. So, if you want a jumping off point for learning about the Tudors, but massive histories overwhelm you, pick this one up. I don't think you'll be disappointed.

**I received this copy via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**

[Liam Carroll · Rating 4 out of 5]

An adventure through nearly 120 years of English history! When you grow up in North America you hear the names but you dont know their stories

Though only reigning through a few generations, the Tudors were a force ti be reckoned with and their legacy in England never died. The names we all know were those of the Tudors and knowing their story is so fascinating!

Now, this book was written and published before the passing of HM The Queen Elizabeth II and I purchased it before then. But here’s what I found very interesting — a very small piece of “Elizabeth’s Golden Speech:” (Queen Elizabeth I gave this speech, quoted in the book)

“And though you have had, and may have, many princes more mighty and wise sitting in this seat, yet you never had, nor shall have, any that will be more careful and loving.”

Now, there are countless people with further expertise on the Royal Family and the history of the throne…but I would guess that perhaps she was wrong, and the monarch who was able to rise to that challenge was the next Queen Elizabeth, 350 years later.

It was a super quick read, very informative. Definitely recommend for anyone interested in learning a little bit more about one of the incredible dynasties to sit on one of the mightiest thrones of history

[Sierra Dirksen · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was amazing! I have always been fascinated by English royalty, particularly King Henry VIII. When I saw this book in my favorite book store, I knew I needed to buy it. It follows the Tudor family starting with the first Tudor King, Henry VII, and ends with Elizabeth I. It covers all aspects of the reign of the Tudors and what happened throughout their dynasty. I would recommend this book to anyone who is interested in the Tudor or in English History.

[Jess Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’ve had this book for a while and have just picked it back up. It’s a very good introduction to the Tudor dynasty (which I’ve always had a huge interest in) and it covers all of the interesting events that took place and all of the reigns of the different Tudor kings and queens. It is very useful to have, in case you ever want to fact check something or you want a slow ease into this fascinating time in history! :)

[Meghan · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy English history and the Tudors especially. This book gives a very good overview for someone who doesn't have much previous knowledge or just wants a general overview. I enjoy more detail and depth because I really love history, but still enjoyed this book.

**I received a copy from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for a review**

[Hannah McInnes · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall, this book was a neutral perspective on the Tudor dynasty, showcasing the pros and cons of each monarch and the members of their courts. If you enjoy history, especially English history, I'd definitely recommend this book!

[Fred Hughes · Rating 4 out of 5]

A highly entertaining read about Kings and Queens and how they get to stay that way.

Illigitimate children, fighting with other countries and switching religous doctrine rules the day.

Great read

[George H. Roe · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well researched, easy to read

Excellent and objective look at the Tudor dynasty. Must read.
Highly recommend to all the fans of the Tudor family.

[Anna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Tracy Hall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Pretty informative, alot I knew but there was also some Ididn't know. Definitely recommend for Tudor and historical buffs alike.

[Hannah Michauville · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a really great introduction to the lives of the Tudors and the rise of English power

[Samantha Harding · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really Enjoyed this book I found out new information that I didn’t know about.

[Olivia Walker · Rating 4 out of 5]

4⭐️
A good, quick summary of each of the monarchs of the Tudor dynasty. However, there was more to explore that the book didn’t cover.

[Raechel Rudolph · Rating 2 out of 5]

It was okay. Not as informative as I would have thought. Very brief in terms that I could probably find more information on Wikipedia for each monarch than the book gave me.

[Eliza Slade · Rating 5 out of 5]

*4.5

[Jamie · Rating 3 out of 5]

A good summary of the Tudor dynasty. It was fun to dig back into my teenage obsession with the Tudors.

[Korrina Newton · Rating 5 out of 5]

Brilliantly written, fun way of looking at Tudors as a whole

[Henry · Rating 1 out of 5]

This book is terrible for academic research because Woolf did not source his research, which one would normally find in the bibliography at the end of a history book.

Woolf doesn’t seem to be well read on Tudor history either, because he included myths. For instance he repeatedly stated that Edward VI was a sickly boy all throughout his life. Which is incorrect. Edward had a few bouts of ill health during his life, including contracting malaria as a young boy and later on in the last year or so of his life he contracted measles, small pox and possibly tuberculosis, though I must mention the latter historians are not sure on. Otherwise Edward was actually a keen sports man just like his father, he played tennis and competed in jousting. If Edward was poor and sickly all of his life I could hardly imagine Edward having the physical fitness to joust and wear heavy armour, that most of us wouldn’t be able to wear considering how strong you have to be to wear such a thing.

Woolf also mentions that Margaret Beaufort fled to Brittany, which she did not do. She stayed in England.


I do not recommend this book.

I’m sure many of us here could do a better job at writing a history book.

[Crystal · Rating 5 out of 5]

Received from NetGalley for an honest review.
This is a concise history of the Tudor Kings and Queens of England. We begin with Henry VII, then move through the rest (Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary, and Elizabeth I). Well written with very little extraneous information. It would be a good guide for anyone wanting to know more about the life and reign of the Tudor line. This book set up a well-constructed timeline for me with historical figures I had read about, but still had questions about. Major players such as Cardinal Wolsey and Cromwell are discussed in here as well.
I particularly enjoyed reading about Elizabeth I. I knew most about the rest of the other rulers, but had done only a little research about Elizabeth, though she ruled for a very long time and had a lot of things happen during her reign.
If you are a fan of English History, their Monarchy, or the Tudors, I definitely recommend reading this book.

[Celia · Rating 4 out of 5]

A well written basic history of the Tudor dynsty. This book was made more interesting by the current Brexit vote because it deals with England's relations with Europe(Was Henry VIII decision to establish the Church of England the Brexit of his time?).

The first Tudor ruler, Henry VII is the least interesting of the Tudors. Consequently, it may take the reader a little while to get interested in the book. The problem probably has nothing to do with the author or Henry VII. There is probably just not much information on him.

When it comes to the more dynamic figures of Henry VIII and Elizabeth.I, the book provides some worthwhile information. In the books, I have read about these rulers the focus has been on their personal lives rather than what the accomplished as rulers.

Therefore, I would recommend this book for those who want a basic overview of the Tudor rule in England.

I received a free copy of the book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Veena · Rating 4 out of 5]

Henry VII founds the dynasty and conquers England. But he hardly has time to rule over the kingdom. England is left for King Henry VIII. He is probably the most famous of the monarchs. His regime sees some great changes in the foreign policies and religious structures. But the King is most known for his marriage to Anne Boleyn and over throwing of the Catholic Church for the same.
The book moves on to King Edward VI and Mary I. Both their reigns were rather short. Mary, also known as Bloody Mary did not do much to win over the people even though she was a pure blood Tudor, which earned her the support of the commoners.
Mary left the throne for Elizabeth I, her step sister and daughter of Henry VIII and Anne Boleyn. Elizabeth reigned over England for over 45 years, eventually with her death ending the Tudor reign over England. The author has done a great job of structuring the chapters and including all the relevant data. The book is heavy on facts but does not make it a boring read.

[Nannette · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Tudor Kings and Queens
by Alex Woolf
Arcturus Digital

Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for honest review

The Tudor Kings and Queens by Alex Woolf is a great introductory book for those wishing to learn about the Tudor Dynasty. It covers the founding of the dynasty as wells as background information on the War of the Roses that led to the Tudors capturing the throne. It covers each monarch's reign with the significant events as well as their lasting legacy. For someone who has read quite a bit of Tudor history, non-fiction as opposed to historical fiction, the book is a quick and easy read. For those first encountering the Tudors, it lays the groundwork for future exploration. I recommend it highly for those who want to separate fact from fiction, reality from Showtime, and also have a great overview of the dynasty as a whole instead of one monarch at a time.
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