
Monarchy
From the Middle Ages to Modernity
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Narrated by:
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David Starkey
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By:
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David Starkey
About this listen
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Overall
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The 15th century saw the longest and bloodiest series of civil wars in British history. The crown of England changed hands five times as two branches of the Plantagenet dynasty fought to the death for the right to rule. Now, celebrated historian Dan Jones describes how the longest reigning British royal family tore itself apart until it was finally replaced by the Tudors. Some of the greatest heroes and villains in history were thrown together in these turbulent times.
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This acclaimed best seller from popular historian Alison Weir is a fascinating look at the Tudor family dynasty and its most infamous ruler. The Six Wives of Henry VIII brings to life England’s oft-married monarch and the six wildly different but equally fascinating women who married him. Gripping from the first sentence to the last and loaded with fascinating details, Weir’s rich history is a perfect blend of scholarship and entertainment.
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When the once-mighty city of Rome was sacked by barbarians in 410 and lay in ruins, it signaled the end of an era—and the beginning of a thousand years of profound transformation. In a gripping narrative bursting with big names—from St Augustine and Attila the Hun to the Prophet Muhammad and Eleanor of Aquitaine—Dan Jones charges through the history of the Middle Ages. Powers and Thrones takes listeners on a journey through an emerging Europe, the great capitals of late Antiquity, as well as the influential cities of the Islamic West.
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Hard to take a break from it!
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England in the 1520s is a heartbeat from disaster. If the king dies without a male heir, the country could be destroyed by civil war. Henry VIII wants to annul his marriage of 20 years and marry Anne Boleyn. The pope and most of Europe opposes him. Into this impasse steps Thomas Cromwell: a wholly original man, a charmer and a bully, both idealist and opportunist, astute in reading people, and implacable in his ambition. But Henry is volatile: one day tender, one day murderous. Cromwell helps him break the opposition, but what will be the price of his triumph?
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Superb narration, but keep a character index at hand
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Performance
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Story
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Fantastic .. a proud defense of George III
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An interesting book!
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Mr. Starkey once again delivers an epic!
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If you could sum up Monarchy in three words, what would they be?
You'll be hookedWhich scene was your favorite?
This is a lot of history and it would be easy to forget who is who. Starkey keeps the players sharp in the memory. I think the book is amazing.Any additional comments?
Definitely makes me want to learn more about English History.Awesome
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A wonderful history of the British monarchy, very comprehensive and detailed. A lot of surprising information on lesser known kings and the stories that go with them
What did you like best about this story?
David Starkey narrating is own book! Having watched the video series, which I enjoyed immensely. I was delighted to find David reading the book. It adds great touch and really ties it all together with his video series.
What does David Starkey bring to the story that you wouldn’t experience if you just read the book?
His Oxford accent and his way with words bring a regal touch to the listening experience.
Did you have an extreme reaction to this book? Did it make you laugh or cry?
I really learned a lot! I do plan on listening to it again, since there is so much to take in.
Any additional comments?
Would love to hear David narrate more of his books! Thank you for the experience.
A fantastic overview of the British monarchy
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Some of the individual kings and queens receive rather brief biographical sketches, but this is more a story of their most notable successes - and spectacular failures - than of the minutiae of their daily lives. An interesting theme is the way in which even the spectacular failures (eg. much of James II's reign) are extremely important - because they provided the impetus for many of the social and political changes which led to our modern forms of democracy.
I always enjoy hearing the author read his or her own work, and Starkey's characteristic narration is definitely no exception - he has an obvious passion for his field of study, and the way his tone rises with excitement and descends into an almost reverent hush is very well-suited to the weighty topics he discusses.
This book was one of my first and still one of my very favourite Audible audiobooks, and I would recommend it to anyone with an interest in history.
Seminal history of the British monarchy
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A "must read"!
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The book that got us hooked on Audible!!
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As good as the documentary
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My list favorite kind of history
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