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Charles Brandon: The King's Man
Charles Brandon was an enigmatic, charismatic man, rising from a mere boyhood friend of the future king, Henry VIII, to flirting with a European duchess, marrying Mary Tudor, Dowager Queen of France, and being created Duke of Suffolk. Brandon was one of the best jousters during the reign of Henry, he was clever, athletic and confident, though his confidence sometimes got him into trouble. In this detailed biography, Sarah Bryson ( Mary Boleyn in a Nutshell ) gives us a highly detailed look at Charles Brandon's life and times, including information and background on each of his marriages, his children, and his lifetime achievements. Fully referenced and indexed, Charles The King's Man is an invaluable resource for any Tudor enthusiast. “A vivid portrait of one of the most enigmatic and fascinating men at the Tudor court.” - Josephine Wilkinson, author of Katherine Howard “An enjoyable and readable biography of this fascinating Tudor man.” - Claire Ridgway, author of The Fall of Anne Boleyn “Bryson has constructed a fluid and well-informed narrative which rings with passion for her subject. She successfully brings to life a vibrant and complex man, drawing out the different levels of his identity as a courtier, jouster, politician, friend to the King and as a husband and lover. I defy anyone to read this interesting study and not to be drawn in by the author's infectious desire to understand the real Charles Brandon.” - Amy Licence, author of The Six Wives & Many Mistresses of Henry VIII
264 pages, Paperback
Published April 28, 2016
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
October 7, 2018
I found this book to be a rather enjoyable and informative book about a man that I have been slightly aware of all my life considering I was born in the county of Suffolk when my father was stationed in England and would gladly recommend this to anyone wanting clear facts about the real Charles Brandon rather then what was shown on The Tudors.
January 27, 2018
Solid biography of Charles Brandon that sheds a light on the life of one of the most ignored figures of Henry VIII's reign - which is quite something considering how close to Henry (and therefore to all political, religious... matters) he was until his death!
The writing as quite enjoyable as well.
The writing as quite enjoyable as well.
May 3, 2020
I enjoyed every minute of this book. Discovering new things about the Brandon men that I never knew made it worth the read.
November 28, 2016
Charles Brandon is a man that captures the imagination of many Tudor enthusiast’s but why, Is it Henry Cavill’s portrayal of him in The Tudors or Is it because he managed to survive Henry’s wrath until his own death.
For me it is most definitely latter, no offense to Mr Cavill, he did an amazing job but Henry took the head of two wives and many ‘close’ friends yet the Duke of Suffolk survived.
For a man that fascinates so many surprisingly little has been written about him in a time when writing about Tudor personalities is capturing the imagination of many.
Upon discovering that Mrs Sarah Bryson, who has previously published a book about Mary Boleyn, was writing a biography on The Duke of Suffolk I couldn’t get my hands on a copy soon enough, and it didn’t disappoint
Charles Brandon – The King’s Man took me on a journey through the up’s and downs of the Duke’s life which drew me further in with each page.
Sarah’s book gives us a vibrant picture of the life of Charles and the relationships with his wives, family, other members of the Tudor court, not forgetting the King himself.
As you read this book you get a real insight into the type of man that Charles is and his sometimes rocky rise to becoming “The King’s Man”
We learn in this book that Charles most certainly knew how to read the king and knew when to ‘play his cards’ and when to withdraw his hand.
An example of this can be seen when the Duke of Suffolk’s and Norfolk’s men clashed, the event may have escalated had Suffolk been present and the King not intervene from him getting involved.
As a result Norfolk demanded the Earl Marshal title back which Charles relinquished before withdrawing from court with his wife Mary, the King’s sister.
Brandon returned to court after visits from Thomas Cromwell and the king himself.
It is well known that Charles was a talent at the joust. Many believe he used this to keep the King’s favour, Charles knew when to win.
”By beating every other opponent and then falling to the king, he ensured that the king was the greatest opponent upon the field ”
By doing this he insured he was greatly admired by the King.
No Tudor library should be without this book.
This book about Charles is perfect for Tudor enthusiast’ of all type, from the novice reader to the academic historians.
For me it is most definitely latter, no offense to Mr Cavill, he did an amazing job but Henry took the head of two wives and many ‘close’ friends yet the Duke of Suffolk survived.
For a man that fascinates so many surprisingly little has been written about him in a time when writing about Tudor personalities is capturing the imagination of many.
Upon discovering that Mrs Sarah Bryson, who has previously published a book about Mary Boleyn, was writing a biography on The Duke of Suffolk I couldn’t get my hands on a copy soon enough, and it didn’t disappoint
Charles Brandon – The King’s Man took me on a journey through the up’s and downs of the Duke’s life which drew me further in with each page.
Sarah’s book gives us a vibrant picture of the life of Charles and the relationships with his wives, family, other members of the Tudor court, not forgetting the King himself.
As you read this book you get a real insight into the type of man that Charles is and his sometimes rocky rise to becoming “The King’s Man”
We learn in this book that Charles most certainly knew how to read the king and knew when to ‘play his cards’ and when to withdraw his hand.
An example of this can be seen when the Duke of Suffolk’s and Norfolk’s men clashed, the event may have escalated had Suffolk been present and the King not intervene from him getting involved.
As a result Norfolk demanded the Earl Marshal title back which Charles relinquished before withdrawing from court with his wife Mary, the King’s sister.
Brandon returned to court after visits from Thomas Cromwell and the king himself.
It is well known that Charles was a talent at the joust. Many believe he used this to keep the King’s favour, Charles knew when to win.
”By beating every other opponent and then falling to the king, he ensured that the king was the greatest opponent upon the field ”
By doing this he insured he was greatly admired by the King.
No Tudor library should be without this book.
This book about Charles is perfect for Tudor enthusiast’ of all type, from the novice reader to the academic historians.
February 21, 2017
This book has taught me so much about Charles Brandon, I really enjoyed reading the book Sarah has done a wonderful job with her book. I did not know much about Charles Brandon before I read this book, beside the fact that he was Henry VIII great friend and was married to Mary Tudor. I am so happy I read this book it has giving me a new view and detail of who Charles Brandon was and what kind of life he had.
November 17, 2016
I have read many books about Henry VIII, Thomas Cromwell, Thomas More, Anne Boleyn, and one book about Thomas Wolsey. This is the first book I've read about Charles Brandon, the commoner who married the King's sister and still remained the King's close friend.
Remaining Henry VIII's close friend throughout his life was quite an achievement. The King was close to the Thomases and very close to Anne, yet when they displeased him -- off with their heads! Charles Brandon had the effrontery to wed the King's sister Mary, the dowager queen of France, and his head and body stayed together. [Mary wanted him for her husband, and big brother Henry was fond of her; but after all, a princess marrying a man of no great lineage didn't enhance royal prestige -- even if the man was the second-best jouster in Europe.]
So, Charles Brandon is an intriguing subject. Sarah Bryson did a good job keeping his story interesting. I skimmed through all the manors he obtained through his various wives and his "good service" to the king. The episode where Henry forgot to put his visor down and Charles didn't see it until his lance struck Henry's helmet was given in good detail by Edward Hall in his Chronicle, and Bryson gave us an extensive quote. The episodes with Regent Margaret of Burgundy were well written too. There isn't much academic history here, but the bibliography and quotes show good research in a good narrative. Just right for the armchair Tudor enthusiast.
Remaining Henry VIII's close friend throughout his life was quite an achievement. The King was close to the Thomases and very close to Anne, yet when they displeased him -- off with their heads! Charles Brandon had the effrontery to wed the King's sister Mary, the dowager queen of France, and his head and body stayed together. [Mary wanted him for her husband, and big brother Henry was fond of her; but after all, a princess marrying a man of no great lineage didn't enhance royal prestige -- even if the man was the second-best jouster in Europe.]
So, Charles Brandon is an intriguing subject. Sarah Bryson did a good job keeping his story interesting. I skimmed through all the manors he obtained through his various wives and his "good service" to the king. The episode where Henry forgot to put his visor down and Charles didn't see it until his lance struck Henry's helmet was given in good detail by Edward Hall in his Chronicle, and Bryson gave us an extensive quote. The episodes with Regent Margaret of Burgundy were well written too. There isn't much academic history here, but the bibliography and quotes show good research in a good narrative. Just right for the armchair Tudor enthusiast.
July 19, 2016
From Brandon's humble roots to his elevation to the Dukedom of Suffolk and beyond, author Sarah Bryson takes the reader on a journey to flesh out one of the most noble and beloved courtiers in Henry VIII's court. You won't find any unnecessary "fluff" in this excellent biography and while the author sticks to the facts, the writing is crafted in a way that brings the Duke roaring to life. Aptly titled, Brandon is the king's man in every way...Here we see him as a man who dearly loves Henry as a brother yet isn't afraid to challenge him when necessary. Rather than infuriate the king, it only endears him further. As a man surrounded by 'yes men' it becomes clear why he respects Brandon so much. Bryson's passion for the subject shines through and I loved how she put Brandon's finances in modern day perspective so that the staggering sums could be truly appreciated. I highly recommend this book for the casual Tudor-phile AND for those looking to further deepen their understanding of life as a courtier and the "bromance of the century."
May 28, 2016
An absolute gem of a book that I finished within a few days. Until now, much of what I've read about Brandon has been through other history books were he has been mainly a side player or a footnote. This book really brings him out of the shadows and puts him in centre stage. A fascinating man, whose family rose from humble origins. Brandon really was the only true friend of Henry VIII. And of course his love match with Mary Tudor, Dowager Queen of France, which could have cost him his head for treason, but instead was let off with a fine. It was interesting to read about Brandon and Mary's life as husband and wife, and Brandon's military campaigns and victories.
This is more than a biography though, there's lots of details of locations associated with Brandon that still survive today.
Sarah Bryson has truly succeeded in bringing Charles Brandon out of the shadow and giving him the respect he deserves.
This is more than a biography though, there's lots of details of locations associated with Brandon that still survive today.
Sarah Bryson has truly succeeded in bringing Charles Brandon out of the shadow and giving him the respect he deserves.
December 12, 2017
It feels so good to once again be able to read books I want to read, instead of just trying to scramble to finish my 2016 reading goal. I've had the pleasure of getting to know the author, Sarah Bryson, over the last few weeks and I am impressed with her dedication to research on her subjects.
Charles Brandon is certainly an interesting figure. Full review to come.
(It also helps that as I was reading about him, I was picturing Henry Cavill in my head. The Tudors certainly did right in that casting!)
++++++++++++
Check out my blog http://allthebookblognamesaretaken.bl... or www.facebook.com/AllTheBookBlogNamesA... for my full review.
Fantastic read, a must for Tudorphiles.
Charles Brandon is certainly an interesting figure. Full review to come.
(It also helps that as I was reading about him, I was picturing Henry Cavill in my head. The Tudors certainly did right in that casting!)
++++++++++++
Check out my blog http://allthebookblognamesaretaken.bl... or www.facebook.com/AllTheBookBlogNamesA... for my full review.
Fantastic read, a must for Tudorphiles.
October 17, 2016
Not a bad book ...learnt a bit
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews