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Among The Wolves of Court: The Untold Story of Thomas and George Boleyn
The tragic story of Anne Boleyn has been retold over the centuries, yet two key figures in Anne's life-her father Thomas and brother George- are often relegated to the margins of Henry VIII's turbulent reign. Well before Anne's coronation in 1533, Thomas was regarded as one of Henry's most skilled and experienced ambassadors, and George was a talented young courtier on the rise. But Anne's downfall was to have a devastating effect on her family – ultimately costing her and her brother their lives. A family whose success and prestige had been shaped over generations was destroyed in a violent and brutal episode as the king sought a new wife and a male heir.
In this first biography devoted to the Boleyn men, Lauren Mackay takes us beyond the stereotypes of Thomas and George to present a story that has almost been lost to history. This book follows the Boleyn men as they negotiated their way through the ruthless game of politics among the wolves of the court, and establishes their place in Tudor history.
In this first biography devoted to the Boleyn men, Lauren Mackay takes us beyond the stereotypes of Thomas and George to present a story that has almost been lost to history. This book follows the Boleyn men as they negotiated their way through the ruthless game of politics among the wolves of the court, and establishes their place in Tudor history.
312 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 30, 2018
38 people are currently reading
473 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Mackay
4 books38 followersDr Lauren Mackay is an historian of Early Modern Europe, specialising in Tudor history. Originally from Sydney, Australia. Lauren spent over five years researching the life of Imperial Ambassador, Eustace Chapuys, who for 18 years was the most important source of the Tudor period, resulting in her debut book, Inside the Tudor Court: Henry VIII and His Six Wives Through the Eyes of the Spanish Ambassador.
Her second book, Among The Wolves of Court: the Untold Story of Thomas and George Boleyn, is the first scholarly biography of Thomas and George Boleyn.She is a regular contributor to BBC History and a lively and engaging voice on Tudor history.
Her second book, Among The Wolves of Court: the Untold Story of Thomas and George Boleyn, is the first scholarly biography of Thomas and George Boleyn.She is a regular contributor to BBC History and a lively and engaging voice on Tudor history.
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
September 10, 2020
There are many books about the Boleyn family, but I think this is the first I have read about Thomas Boleyn; father of Mary, Anne and George, and of George himself. Lauren Mackay attempts to address the way that both Thomas and George Boleyn have been misrepresented over the years - in biographies, fiction and on screen. Thomas seen as manipulative, uncaring and so hungry for power that he pushed both his daughters in the path of Henry. George as everything from depraved enough to sleep with his own sister, to homosexual to scheming and ambitious.
Having finished this, I feel that the author is very fair, but certainly the portrait of Thomas Boleyn is a much clearer one than that of his son, George. Thomas was a seasoned courtier, who used the transition from Henry VII to Henry VII to rise as a 'new man,' at Court. There is much on his trips abroad to make alliances, in military service and of his successful career. We also know more of him from letters, for example from his godson, which give us more of a sense of his life.
George, at the end of this book, is still a more shadowy figure. Mackay obviously wishes to get to the bottom of his marriage with Jane Rochford, but the evidence is just not there. There are complaints about the way he managed tasks, or roles that, perhaps, he was not mature enough to address. However, apart from his wit, we do not really get to know him as a character. He became a page at about the age of ten and, since that point, was a permanent member of the Court. Sadly, much remains speculation. Still, a considered and interesting read which is a must for those interested in the Boleyn family.
Having finished this, I feel that the author is very fair, but certainly the portrait of Thomas Boleyn is a much clearer one than that of his son, George. Thomas was a seasoned courtier, who used the transition from Henry VII to Henry VII to rise as a 'new man,' at Court. There is much on his trips abroad to make alliances, in military service and of his successful career. We also know more of him from letters, for example from his godson, which give us more of a sense of his life.
George, at the end of this book, is still a more shadowy figure. Mackay obviously wishes to get to the bottom of his marriage with Jane Rochford, but the evidence is just not there. There are complaints about the way he managed tasks, or roles that, perhaps, he was not mature enough to address. However, apart from his wit, we do not really get to know him as a character. He became a page at about the age of ten and, since that point, was a permanent member of the Court. Sadly, much remains speculation. Still, a considered and interesting read which is a must for those interested in the Boleyn family.
January 13, 2021
The surname ‘Boleyn’ doesn’t always bring to mind the most positive descriptors. Naturally, one thinks of Anne: King Henry VIII’s second wife and first to be beheaded, the reason Katherine of Aragon was deposed, the alleged instigator of religious reformation and the mother of the future Queen Elizabeth I. Anne’s sister Mary has been dubbed a ‘whore’ and the neglected sibling. While Anne’s brother, George, was put on the block for trumped-up charges of incest with Anne. Through all this, Thomas – Anne’s father- has been notoriously described as a callous pusher of Anne to the throne and not caring about his children. How true is this gossipy slander regarding Thomas and George? Do these two men fit these character boxes or have they been mere victims of propaganda? Tudor historian and researcher Lauren Mackay attempts to reveal a more ‘real’ and personal side of Thomas and George in, “Among the Wolves of Court: The Untold Story of Thomas and George Boleyn”.
The number one shortcoming of ambitious writers hoping to unveil lesser-discussed historical figures; is that the absence of bountiful sources consequentially results in a fluffy piece that is hardly about the figures at hand and strays mostly on tangents regarding the surrounding environment. Feel free to breathe a sigh of relief because Mackay is an expert at overcoming these snags and “Among the Wolves of Court” is another example of her brilliant expertise.
In the introduction to “Among the Wolves of Court”, Mackay reassures readers of her goal of exploring Thomas and George as people and their roles in the famous Tudor/Boleyn interactions rather than merely the events themselves. Mackay also admits to a more centric-Thomas focus merely due to less information being available concerning George. Thus, “Among the Wolves of Court” serves as a dual-biography but also a pop history look at Thomas and George. In no way does this mean the text is dummied down, however. Quite the opposite as Mackay successfully hits all academic and scholarly angles with ease and easy-to-understand accessibility.
Mackay begins “Among the Wolves of Court” with a family tree/genealogical look at the Boleyns and Thomas’s upbringing which sets the tone to debunk myths that the family were upstarts and merely exalted due to King Henry VIII wanting to bed Anne. Mackay brings a fresh look to the Boleyn family; genuinely allowing them to speak for themselves without shadowing them with biases. “Among the Wolves of Court” immediately reveals morsels of detailed history that is new even to Tudor aficionados making “Among the Wolves of Court” both riveting and groundbreaking. Not only does the text effortlessly give readers new perspectives of Thomas, George and the events; but also provides a whole-macro look outside of Anne and centuries of character assassination.
Mackay’s writing style is polished with an up-tempo pace and vivid descriptions but backed with credible research. “Among the Wolves of Court” is carried by primary sources, documents and block quotes while Mackay weeds through it like a sleuth confuting myths left-and-right. This doesn’t mean Mackay isn’t 100% devoid of making speculative statements- she does- but so rarely and over such trivial matters that it doesn’t weaken her own standing or that of “Among the Wolves of Court”.
Naturally, “Among the Wolves of Court” is more rotund when discussing Anne and King Henry VIII’s “Great Matter” but Mackay is adept at maintaining the spotlight on Thomas and George. Although few personal extant artifacts exist written in Thomas and/or George’s own hands; Mackay is able to build personality maps based on their careers and reactions to court events. There are some instances where Mackay almost becomes too defensive of Thomas and George’s innocence but she checks herself quickly and reverts back to a more subjective, academic expression.
“Among the Wolves of Court” concludes with a strong, memorable and emotive ending that summarizes the text beautifully and closes with satisfaction, provoking readers into further research.
Even Mackay’s supplements to “Among the Wolves of Court” are compelling starting with a section of full-color photo plates featuring photos/illustrations not seen in similar-subject texts (oftentimes, Tudor history pieces all have the same photo plates). “Among the Wolves of Court” also has appendices with chronological timelines of the grants, titles, and promotional positions given to both Thomas and George, an annotated notes section and a thorough bibliography rife with substantial primary sources, archives, theses and secondary sources. These finalize “Among the Wolves of Court” in an illuminating manner.
“Among the Wolves of Court” is another Mackay masterpiece that both entertains and informs; impressively concerning two figures not often discussed in-depth. Mackay is a stupendous writer and “Among the Wolves of Court” is recommended for every single reader interested in Tudor history.
The number one shortcoming of ambitious writers hoping to unveil lesser-discussed historical figures; is that the absence of bountiful sources consequentially results in a fluffy piece that is hardly about the figures at hand and strays mostly on tangents regarding the surrounding environment. Feel free to breathe a sigh of relief because Mackay is an expert at overcoming these snags and “Among the Wolves of Court” is another example of her brilliant expertise.
In the introduction to “Among the Wolves of Court”, Mackay reassures readers of her goal of exploring Thomas and George as people and their roles in the famous Tudor/Boleyn interactions rather than merely the events themselves. Mackay also admits to a more centric-Thomas focus merely due to less information being available concerning George. Thus, “Among the Wolves of Court” serves as a dual-biography but also a pop history look at Thomas and George. In no way does this mean the text is dummied down, however. Quite the opposite as Mackay successfully hits all academic and scholarly angles with ease and easy-to-understand accessibility.
Mackay begins “Among the Wolves of Court” with a family tree/genealogical look at the Boleyns and Thomas’s upbringing which sets the tone to debunk myths that the family were upstarts and merely exalted due to King Henry VIII wanting to bed Anne. Mackay brings a fresh look to the Boleyn family; genuinely allowing them to speak for themselves without shadowing them with biases. “Among the Wolves of Court” immediately reveals morsels of detailed history that is new even to Tudor aficionados making “Among the Wolves of Court” both riveting and groundbreaking. Not only does the text effortlessly give readers new perspectives of Thomas, George and the events; but also provides a whole-macro look outside of Anne and centuries of character assassination.
Mackay’s writing style is polished with an up-tempo pace and vivid descriptions but backed with credible research. “Among the Wolves of Court” is carried by primary sources, documents and block quotes while Mackay weeds through it like a sleuth confuting myths left-and-right. This doesn’t mean Mackay isn’t 100% devoid of making speculative statements- she does- but so rarely and over such trivial matters that it doesn’t weaken her own standing or that of “Among the Wolves of Court”.
Naturally, “Among the Wolves of Court” is more rotund when discussing Anne and King Henry VIII’s “Great Matter” but Mackay is adept at maintaining the spotlight on Thomas and George. Although few personal extant artifacts exist written in Thomas and/or George’s own hands; Mackay is able to build personality maps based on their careers and reactions to court events. There are some instances where Mackay almost becomes too defensive of Thomas and George’s innocence but she checks herself quickly and reverts back to a more subjective, academic expression.
“Among the Wolves of Court” concludes with a strong, memorable and emotive ending that summarizes the text beautifully and closes with satisfaction, provoking readers into further research.
Even Mackay’s supplements to “Among the Wolves of Court” are compelling starting with a section of full-color photo plates featuring photos/illustrations not seen in similar-subject texts (oftentimes, Tudor history pieces all have the same photo plates). “Among the Wolves of Court” also has appendices with chronological timelines of the grants, titles, and promotional positions given to both Thomas and George, an annotated notes section and a thorough bibliography rife with substantial primary sources, archives, theses and secondary sources. These finalize “Among the Wolves of Court” in an illuminating manner.
“Among the Wolves of Court” is another Mackay masterpiece that both entertains and informs; impressively concerning two figures not often discussed in-depth. Mackay is a stupendous writer and “Among the Wolves of Court” is recommended for every single reader interested in Tudor history.
September 20, 2018
I was sent an advanced copy of this book before publication by the publisher in return for my honest opinion of it, which was: -
'"Among the Wolves of Court" is an elegant, ground-breaking, persuasive reinterpretation of a powerful family. Impeccably researched and thoroughly readable, Lauren Mackay's book shatters the entrenched legends surrounding the tragic, frustrated, and fascinating lives of Anne Boleyn's father and brother.'
'"Among the Wolves of Court" is an elegant, ground-breaking, persuasive reinterpretation of a powerful family. Impeccably researched and thoroughly readable, Lauren Mackay's book shatters the entrenched legends surrounding the tragic, frustrated, and fascinating lives of Anne Boleyn's father and brother.'
May 23, 2022
I bought this book because I always wondered whether Anne Boleyn’s father got a raw deal by history. One can’t help but think that he benefited from his daughter’s rise to power. And undoubtedly it’s true. This book takes that story much farther and shows us that he was successful in his own right, way before Anne even made her first appearance on the historical stage. As an ambassador, he expressed charm, intelligence, and understanding, and was utilized again and again by the king. He also formed a close relationship with Cardinal Wolsey. Unfortunately, as it seems to me, aside from the basic information there really aren’t enough historical anecdotes to give us a picture of the man. As a result, we get a dry recitation of his numerous excursions to France and not much else of interest. The story of Mary Boleyn is barely touched upon. His relationship with Anne is hinted at, but for all intents and purposes she is on her own. When she gets into trouble, he is mostly absent. George gets a good amount of coverage in the same vein; he served as ambassador, too, though with much less success. His relationship with his sister is strangely absent. Sorry to say I found this a tedious read, and as far as I can see, the untold story is still mostly untold.
November 2, 2019
”To ask how Thomas could stand by and watch the tragic events unfold for his children is the wrong question, and we are demanding answers from the wrong person.”
I loved this book. Every single moment of it. It made me genuinely reconsider everything I thought I knew about Thomas and George Boleyn, and see exactly how they’ve been on the receiving end of unfair criticism for so long. Whilst there is an army ready and waiting to jump to Anne’s defence at any given moment, those ready to do the same for her father and brother are few and far between - if we accept that Anne’s story has been tainted by unreliable accounts and contemporary hostility, then shouldn’t the same be said for her relatives too? This book does exactly that - examines the actual sources, the exact wording of comments made by contemporaries (usually Chapuys) that have been abridged and so taken out of context or misunderstood by generations of historians. By doing something that seems so logical, this book gives us an entirely different view of these men and I recommend this book to absolutely anyone interested in Tudor history.
I loved this book. Every single moment of it. It made me genuinely reconsider everything I thought I knew about Thomas and George Boleyn, and see exactly how they’ve been on the receiving end of unfair criticism for so long. Whilst there is an army ready and waiting to jump to Anne’s defence at any given moment, those ready to do the same for her father and brother are few and far between - if we accept that Anne’s story has been tainted by unreliable accounts and contemporary hostility, then shouldn’t the same be said for her relatives too? This book does exactly that - examines the actual sources, the exact wording of comments made by contemporaries (usually Chapuys) that have been abridged and so taken out of context or misunderstood by generations of historians. By doing something that seems so logical, this book gives us an entirely different view of these men and I recommend this book to absolutely anyone interested in Tudor history.
October 9, 2018
Myth & Prejudices Are Laid To Rest
For years, Thomas Boleyn has been maligned in both books and tv adaptations; he’s seen as a man who goes to any lengths to get what he desires (power and titular rewards) at the expense of those close to him (his family).
And who was the real George Boleyn? Was he the sap that he is portrayed in fiction?
Lauren Mackay puts to rest the flawed and (often) prejudiced perception of the Boleyn men.
Meticulously researched, Among the Wolves of Court: The Untold Story of Thomas and George Boleyn is a fascinating biography — especially of Thomas Boleyn.
It throws aside all preconceived notions of a man tarred by historic folklore, Lauren brings to life a man whose talent and brilliance brought him rewards and not his daughters relationships with King Henry VIII.
For years, Thomas Boleyn has been maligned in both books and tv adaptations; he’s seen as a man who goes to any lengths to get what he desires (power and titular rewards) at the expense of those close to him (his family).
And who was the real George Boleyn? Was he the sap that he is portrayed in fiction?
Lauren Mackay puts to rest the flawed and (often) prejudiced perception of the Boleyn men.
Meticulously researched, Among the Wolves of Court: The Untold Story of Thomas and George Boleyn is a fascinating biography — especially of Thomas Boleyn.
It throws aside all preconceived notions of a man tarred by historic folklore, Lauren brings to life a man whose talent and brilliance brought him rewards and not his daughters relationships with King Henry VIII.
June 24, 2021
A long overdue look into the lives of Thomas & George Boleyn moving past their often cruel caricatures in fictional portrayals and in other biographies.
Insanely well researched and gripping, this feels like essential reading for any Tudor history fan. Super gripping, I felt so many times that I couldn't put it down. I really enjoyed Lauren's style of writing, it was easy to follow while not cutting any corners on giving you all the information (from plenty of sources) you need. She does an incredible job of showing the different sides of these men.
Anne's coronation from Thomas' POV was so well written I felt like I had a lump in my throat the entire time, it's so different reading from his point of view because how can any one truly grasp how he felt watching his daughter become Queen of England.
I will now mark this book as history books that made me cry, the entire last page had me sobbing, it was so beautiful.
Insanely well researched and gripping, this feels like essential reading for any Tudor history fan. Super gripping, I felt so many times that I couldn't put it down. I really enjoyed Lauren's style of writing, it was easy to follow while not cutting any corners on giving you all the information (from plenty of sources) you need. She does an incredible job of showing the different sides of these men.
Anne's coronation from Thomas' POV was so well written I felt like I had a lump in my throat the entire time, it's so different reading from his point of view because how can any one truly grasp how he felt watching his daughter become Queen of England.
I will now mark this book as history books that made me cry, the entire last page had me sobbing, it was so beautiful.
November 10, 2018
4.5 stars.
That last sentence just gave me chills. This was such an incredible book, completely reinventing the image of Thomas Boleyn in particular. This is an essential read for any fan of Anne Boleyn.
That last sentence just gave me chills. This was such an incredible book, completely reinventing the image of Thomas Boleyn in particular. This is an essential read for any fan of Anne Boleyn.
November 30, 2021
I was so keen to read this – especially given popular culture has stereotyped Anne Boleyn’s family as generally her sister Mary the “whore”, her brother “as guilty of incest and possibly gay and a rapist” and her father “ambitious, uncaring and pimped her to Henry”. So, it was refreshing to see a book that was seeking to revise these accepted “facts” and focus on her father (mainly) and somewhat on her brother George (unfortunately still vague due to lack of primary sources).
The information is interesting, especially challenging myths that the family were overly ambitious and above their “station” (that good old British class system!) and provides a lot of detail about Thomas’s career in politics and diplomacy and as a family man. It is informative BUT it wasn’t engaging. I found it was hard work to get through and it took me over almost two months to read and found myself skimming (and its only 312 pages and 230 pages when you take out the bibliography and references!). I think this book has an audience but it would be for someone with an interest in Tudor history wanting a dry, academic history lesson.
The information is interesting, especially challenging myths that the family were overly ambitious and above their “station” (that good old British class system!) and provides a lot of detail about Thomas’s career in politics and diplomacy and as a family man. It is informative BUT it wasn’t engaging. I found it was hard work to get through and it took me over almost two months to read and found myself skimming (and its only 312 pages and 230 pages when you take out the bibliography and references!). I think this book has an audience but it would be for someone with an interest in Tudor history wanting a dry, academic history lesson.
December 22, 2018
Thomas Boleyn is long overdue a re-evaluation. His reputation has been far more maligned than his children’s.
Lauren Mackay’s book gives Thomas the credit he has always deserved. If you take away the fact that one of his daughters became Queen of England and the other was a mistress of the King, you would still find Thomas Boleyn as a successful Ambassador, Diplomat and Politician.
From his close relationships with Margaret of Austria and Louise of Savoy, to his close working relationship with Cardinal Wolsey to the high esteem he was held in by the Humanist scholar Erasmus, Thomas Boleyn was an accomplished Renaissance man and it is a great shame this is often ignored and overlooked.
As to the theory that he pimped out his daughters to the King? Well that in itself is ridiculous and Lauren dismisses those theories with an abundance of evidence.
Every page in this definitive and groundbreaking biography brings Thomas out of the shadow of his daughter Queen Anne Boleyn, dispelling the popular and ridiculous myths promoted by fiction, detailing his many trips to the European courts and the grants and promotions he was given long before either of his daughters came to court.
George Boleyn is also discussed as and when appropriate. Unfortunately his career was - and still is - forever overshadowed by the fact his sister was Queen of England, but how he should also be remembered as a intellectual and cultured man, brutally cut down in his prime.
This biography re-examines the Boleyn family altogether. And strips away the ridiculous myths and instead, places them as one of the most cultured, intellectual families of the Renaissance period.
I give this book five stars and highly recommend to anyone interested in Anne Boleyn, the Tudor period, Politics and History. It is a definite must read.
Lauren Mackay’s book gives Thomas the credit he has always deserved. If you take away the fact that one of his daughters became Queen of England and the other was a mistress of the King, you would still find Thomas Boleyn as a successful Ambassador, Diplomat and Politician.
From his close relationships with Margaret of Austria and Louise of Savoy, to his close working relationship with Cardinal Wolsey to the high esteem he was held in by the Humanist scholar Erasmus, Thomas Boleyn was an accomplished Renaissance man and it is a great shame this is often ignored and overlooked.
As to the theory that he pimped out his daughters to the King? Well that in itself is ridiculous and Lauren dismisses those theories with an abundance of evidence.
Every page in this definitive and groundbreaking biography brings Thomas out of the shadow of his daughter Queen Anne Boleyn, dispelling the popular and ridiculous myths promoted by fiction, detailing his many trips to the European courts and the grants and promotions he was given long before either of his daughters came to court.
George Boleyn is also discussed as and when appropriate. Unfortunately his career was - and still is - forever overshadowed by the fact his sister was Queen of England, but how he should also be remembered as a intellectual and cultured man, brutally cut down in his prime.
This biography re-examines the Boleyn family altogether. And strips away the ridiculous myths and instead, places them as one of the most cultured, intellectual families of the Renaissance period.
I give this book five stars and highly recommend to anyone interested in Anne Boleyn, the Tudor period, Politics and History. It is a definite must read.
December 31, 2019
Dr Lauren Mackay handily dismantles the unsubstantiated, salacious myths that have grown up around the Boleyn men. Deftly researched with thorough references, Among the Wolves is an engaging read, the first to delve this deeply into the life of one of the most well-known and slandered patriarchs of the Tudor period.
February 8, 2019
The age of the Tudors has fascinated historians for centuries. As of recently, there has been a shift in how we view historical figures. Historians have been stripping away the more controversial elements that have been ingrained in how we view historical figures to look for the truth. Historical figures like Anne and Mary Boleyn have been placed under the microscope and have been given a closer look in recent years. But what about the men of Boleyn family, Thomas, and George? What were their lives really like? Did they truly desire power and titles so much that they were willing to do anything to get it? Those are the questions that Lauren Mackay decided to explore in her latest book, “Among the Wolves of Court: The Untold Story of Thomas and George Boleyn.”
Mackay explains her goal for writing this book about Thomas and George Boleyn:
This book attempts to dispel the traditional stereotypes, relying on the textual traces of both Boleyn men, which are dispersed in a wide variety of sources across English and European archives and libraries. I want to present a more complete account of these men- their political and personal trajectories, the evolution of their careers, and what mattered to them. Where judgment can be made it has been done so cautiously. In the absence of any extensive scholarly consideration, they have remained captive to a dated historiography which is a reflection of the frame within which the world continues to view them, and from which this book seeks to unburden them. While this is a biography of two generations of Boleyns, I should note that there is far more evidence on Thomas than George, whose career had barely taken off before he was executed, therefore a great deal of the book naturally follows Thomas’ lengthy career with George brought in as the evidence allows. (Mackay, 5).
In order to understand the Boleyns, Mackay begins her book with a brief history of the Boleyn family and how they were able to come into the service of the English monarchy. It is interesting to read how the Boleyns came from such humble beginnings and their loyalty to the Tudors and the Lancastrians during the Wars of the Roses. While brief, this part of this book is imperative to understand how loyal and hardworking the Boleyn men were, especially the father Thomas Boleyn.
Both Thomas and George were diplomats and were part of embassies and special envoys in order to establish good relationships with other countries through discussions and treaties. Mackay takes time to explain these political terms for those readers who do not understand how 16th-century politics work. As someone who wanted to know more about the political system of the 16th century, this helped me quite a bit. Thomas earned respect and many of his titles through his own merits, although there are some who believe that he gained some of his titles through his daughters’ affairs with King Henry VIII. We see the rise of the Boleyns as well as the inevitable fall of Anne and George that lead to their executions.
Lauren Mackay gives us a more realistic perspective of Thomas and George Boleyn. They were not men who would do anything for power. Thomas was a man loyal to the crown and his family while George was a young and naive man who was trying to follow in the footsteps of his father. Thomas and George had their names dragged through the mud by people who did not like them. Mackay’s book breathes new life to the legacy of the Boleyns. “Among the Wolves of Court: The Untold Story of Thomas and George Boleyn” by Lauren Mackay is a perfect introduction for anyone who is interested in the inner workings of the English court during the early years of Henry VIII’s reign and a fascinating look into the Boleyns and their legacy.
Mackay explains her goal for writing this book about Thomas and George Boleyn:
This book attempts to dispel the traditional stereotypes, relying on the textual traces of both Boleyn men, which are dispersed in a wide variety of sources across English and European archives and libraries. I want to present a more complete account of these men- their political and personal trajectories, the evolution of their careers, and what mattered to them. Where judgment can be made it has been done so cautiously. In the absence of any extensive scholarly consideration, they have remained captive to a dated historiography which is a reflection of the frame within which the world continues to view them, and from which this book seeks to unburden them. While this is a biography of two generations of Boleyns, I should note that there is far more evidence on Thomas than George, whose career had barely taken off before he was executed, therefore a great deal of the book naturally follows Thomas’ lengthy career with George brought in as the evidence allows. (Mackay, 5).
In order to understand the Boleyns, Mackay begins her book with a brief history of the Boleyn family and how they were able to come into the service of the English monarchy. It is interesting to read how the Boleyns came from such humble beginnings and their loyalty to the Tudors and the Lancastrians during the Wars of the Roses. While brief, this part of this book is imperative to understand how loyal and hardworking the Boleyn men were, especially the father Thomas Boleyn.
Both Thomas and George were diplomats and were part of embassies and special envoys in order to establish good relationships with other countries through discussions and treaties. Mackay takes time to explain these political terms for those readers who do not understand how 16th-century politics work. As someone who wanted to know more about the political system of the 16th century, this helped me quite a bit. Thomas earned respect and many of his titles through his own merits, although there are some who believe that he gained some of his titles through his daughters’ affairs with King Henry VIII. We see the rise of the Boleyns as well as the inevitable fall of Anne and George that lead to their executions.
Lauren Mackay gives us a more realistic perspective of Thomas and George Boleyn. They were not men who would do anything for power. Thomas was a man loyal to the crown and his family while George was a young and naive man who was trying to follow in the footsteps of his father. Thomas and George had their names dragged through the mud by people who did not like them. Mackay’s book breathes new life to the legacy of the Boleyns. “Among the Wolves of Court: The Untold Story of Thomas and George Boleyn” by Lauren Mackay is a perfect introduction for anyone who is interested in the inner workings of the English court during the early years of Henry VIII’s reign and a fascinating look into the Boleyns and their legacy.
January 1, 2025
“It is an out-dated myth, repeated ad nauseam with no regard for the circumstances.”
Generally, it’s the women who history smears.
Reputations get skewed, facts get jumbled. Sometimes unintentionally, and sometimes very much on purpose.
And that is very much the case here, as well: the true Anne Boleyn was marred first by contemporaries, then by historians with fanciful ideas, and then by authors of historical fiction who know what drama hooks readers.
Yet, while efforts have been made to bring the realities of her life into relief, efforts to demean her brother and father seemingly only strengthened.
To be fair, two men of politics hardly make for nearly as thrilling stories as the woman who became queen, gave birth to one of the world’s most famous monarchs, and was beheaded.
But it’s long been of interest to me that Thomas and George Boleyn - by no means without fault, but seemingly a talented statesman and Reformation enthusiast, respectively - are consistently and adamantly referred to as evil schemers, with no moral codes, among other far-flung claims.
So, it was quite a treat to find Among the Wolves of Court, which reevaluates their stories and the posthumous treatment they’ve received.
What is so fascinating is how so much of the negative lore around them has arisen a very long time after their deaths. This is not to say they were universally loved during their lives, but the now widely accepted stereotypes and tales were not remotely contemporary.
Thomas Boleyn had his share of enemies and rivals, but he had a strong reputation as a diplomat and highly trusted member of the king’s inner circle, even before his daughter’s rise. And George, while unable to live up to his father’s professional reputation (perhaps for lack of skill, or perhaps just for lack of opportunity), cultivated strong rapports and was an eager falconer and student of early Reformation ideals.
Mackay does a great job parsing through the available facts and shedding more light on a realistic portrayal of history, rather than conjecture. She acknowledges different possibilities where they exist, suggesting why one is most likely but not stating options as definite realities.
There are some wry assertions, which keep the tone light, and the history is laid out in a clear, easy to follow manner that makes this quite readable (though that’s of course helped by the level of intrigue at play).
I would note some sections feel a bit repetitive, but to readers unfamiliar with the pieces of history, that could be helpful.
I definitely think this is a worthwhile read for anyone curious to learn more about the period and some of the significant players at the time.
So much has been written about the Boleyns that perhaps it could feel overwrought. But one clear impression has taken over common views and, as Mackay writes, “the evidence presents a considerably different picture.”
August 24, 2022
Written in a very elegant style, this was a thorough appraisal of the lives of the two Boleyn men who were overshadowed by their most famous daughter/sister. Ms Mckay has done an enormous amount of research. I gave it three stars because I did not find it an easy read. I kept getting lost and then retracing the pages to work out the story or characters. There was so much going backwards and forwards between the English and French courts, as well as remembering the characters which were part of the story, either in England, France or the Low Countries etc. Perhaps a list of people at the various courts or countries would have helped. The story was just not written in an engaging style and other than the movements and various embassies that the courtiers made, we really know very little more about the familial relationships of the Boleyn family. I had a break of several months before I finished the book as I found it quite tedious sadly.
August 5, 2021
Despite some spelling errors and full blown typos (in one particular passage George Boleyn was referred to as Anne’s sister, though I can’t recall exactly where), this book gets 5 stars from me. In terms of the author’s voice and information, this book is fabulous. I teared up at her conclusion. I tend to be skeptical of books that claim to revamp or otherwise provide new inside to a historical figure (particularly after a certain recent biography of Anne Boleyn…) but in this, as in her book on Eustace Chapuys, Dr. Mackay has fully delivered. She is now one of my favorite Tudor historians, and I cannot wait to read more by her!
June 16, 2019
Although interesting, this was a long, slow read and I had some minor quibbles. There were several instances where the author got someone’s given name wrong. I appreciate that she made short work of dismissing the unsubstantiated and rather foolish charges that George Boleyn was either gay or an abuser of women, since he was neither, but her characterization of Mary Boleyn’s second husband, William Stafford, as nothing more than “a poor soldier” is both misleading and inaccurate.
February 5, 2021
Thomas Boleyn and George Boleyn have gone down in history as "Anne Boleyn's pimp father and oversexed brother." Mackay works hard in this book to show that they both had many achievements of their own including politics, diplomacy, poetry, patron of the arts, reform, and much more, much of it long before Anne Boleyn was queen, and most of the negative qualities they are remembered for by historians and historical fiction writers are, for the most part, not true and/or impossible to prove.
February 11, 2022
Fascinating and comprehensive, this is a sympathetic look at the lives and careers of two men whose reputations have struggled under the incredible shadow cast by Henry's second wife.
Thomas Boleyn especially emerges as an intelligent, cultured, diplomatically talented man who has been cruelly misremembered by history. I loved it.
Thomas Boleyn especially emerges as an intelligent, cultured, diplomatically talented man who has been cruelly misremembered by history. I loved it.
September 1, 2021
This was hard work. Felt like reading a long-winded academic tome. The author used 10 sentences when one would've sufficed. Also way to repetitive for me. Great shame as the subject matter sounded interesting.
December 27, 2021
I loved this book. Anyone who is interested in Tudor history needs to read it. Thomas and George Boleyn have been cruelly treated by history and Mackay does an excellent job giving us the real story of their careers.
June 22, 2019
a fresh approach to this subject also the author actually speaks about the subjects rather than other people which was good
June 12, 2021
Read hard-copy; see for notes. Would rate 4.5.
June 11, 2022
Brilliant book.
August 10, 2022
4.5 stars
June 27, 2019
I was delighted by how much information was put into this book. This is now my go-to book for anything involving the Boleyn men. A must-read for anyone interested in knowing more about Henry VIII’s reign than just Henry’s six wives!
May 24, 2022
Thomas and George Boleyn were the father and brother to Queen Anne Boleyn, second wife of Henry VIII. With the Boleyn family being my favourite subject to read about, I was often frustrated by how vilified and misunderstood they appeared to be presented in various accounts.
I enjoyed reading about these two men greatly. Mackay's writing was very accessable and easy to follow. More importantly, for me, I loved how respectful the author was to her subject matter, giving clear and well researched arguments to each point made.
By the end of the book I felt like some justice had been given to these men so that they could have an unbiased account of their lives and achievements.
I can't wait now to read further books by Lauren Mackay.
I enjoyed reading about these two men greatly. Mackay's writing was very accessable and easy to follow. More importantly, for me, I loved how respectful the author was to her subject matter, giving clear and well researched arguments to each point made.
By the end of the book I felt like some justice had been given to these men so that they could have an unbiased account of their lives and achievements.
I can't wait now to read further books by Lauren Mackay.
November 4, 2023
I enjoyed this book very much. I do, however, think that the author is a little biased towards Thomas. Which is natural if you spend a long time studying one person, I imagine. Jane Boleyn was spared by the author and that's a point in the author's favour because if history has been unfair to Thomas (which in my opinion it has), it has been unfair to her too.
I do think historians in general should be wary of relying too much on Chapuys. Not to call him a liar, but I very much doubt that George Boleyn (more Lutheran than Luther) renounced his reformist faith on the scaffold.
And of course I do not believe in the 1507 date. But like I said I liked this book and I recommend it. I know so much more about Thomas Boleyn's impressive ambassadorial career now.
I do think historians in general should be wary of relying too much on Chapuys. Not to call him a liar, but I very much doubt that George Boleyn (more Lutheran than Luther) renounced his reformist faith on the scaffold.
And of course I do not believe in the 1507 date. But like I said I liked this book and I recommend it. I know so much more about Thomas Boleyn's impressive ambassadorial career now.
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