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Thomas Cromwell cover art

Thomas Cromwell

By: Tracy Borman
Narrated by: Gareth Armstrong, Paul Mendez, Sandra Duncan
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Summary

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

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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.

©2014 Tracy Borman (P)2014 Hodder & Stoughton

What listeners say about Thomas Cromwell

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  • 29-08-20

Fantastic historical biography

This is an absolutely engrossing historical biography by Tracy Borman. Like many I was inspired to read it by the incredible Wolf Hall trilogy which whets the appetite for finding out the historical facts behind the fictional account; even if Tracy’s impeccably researched Cromwell is not quite so admirable in all respects as Hilary Mantel’s hero.
The main narration by Gareth Armstrong is excellent but I’m afraid for the voice-overs who read the quoted speech are really quite affected and bizarrely accented and spoilt the flow of the audiobook.
Thoroughly recommended nonetheless.

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Intéressant, bien présenté

Bien écrit, bien raconté, bien documenté. Impartial, on a des vies de Cromwell fortement biaisé mais cell-ci essaye de présenter l'homme dans son temps, avec ses qualités et ses défauts.

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comprehensive and interesting

although the accents given to the characters were ridiculous and distracting. it took me a while to ignore the comical voices and tune into the story.

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Superb!

Amazing history brought to life from prime sources & excellent voice actors! Plus the Holbien portrait looks superb on my iPod when the book was playing🐾

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A very well written book

The presentation of the data was intriguing. For the reading the narrator's voice alone would have sufficed. The various other voices disturbed the flow and the different accents rang false . They were totally unnecessary.

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I really enjoyed it, but has to get used to the accents.

I learnt a lot from the book. Some of the accents are a bit odd. I read somewhere that Cromwell was recorded as having difficulties in saying the letter ‘s’, maybe that is what the narrator is trying to convey. I didn’t know much about Cromwell until I read the Wolf Hall trilogy and bought this current book to find out a bit more. Yes, I would recommend it.

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Superb

I was gripped by this book and fascinated to discover how much wolf hall ‘made up or changed the fact to fit t fiction. Would highly recommend.

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Superb

I embarked on this book somewhat nervously as some historical books can be on the dry side. However, this held my attention throughout and provides a balanced portrayal of Cromwell.

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Changed my opinion of Thomas Cromwell

The voices are a bit off putting in my opinion.
But I really enjoyed this book and learned a lot from it. I think I would have liked Cromwell the person, Not so much the statesman. I highly recommend this book, sometimes it’s good to challenge your beliefs & opinions

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Loved every moment

though well acted out TC’s speech & diction is hard for me to enjoy but didn’t distract or detract. Really good !

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