The Autobiography of Henry VIII : With Notes by His Fool, Will Somers

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Summary: The Revelation of Henry's Deepest Secrets
Review: If it were not for historical fiction, readers would rarely be allowed to glimpse at the daily life of historical figures and would be forced to content themselves with facts. Here, Margaret George allows us to examine Henry's everyday thoughts firsthand and describes how he changed England in pursuit of happiness. A distinguishable shortcoming is the lack of intricate descriptions that sweep readers off their feet allowing them to experience the breeze through their hair or the perfume of the freshly bloomed roses. However, Margaret George is quickly forgiven by focusing our attention on her sophisticated account of Henry's dual personality, the king in all his splendor and the man with his joys and fears.

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Summary: Only a crab will fail to love this book
Review: Historical fiction often has lots of color and compelling plot, but rarely does it have such a compelling character as the Henry painted by Ms. George, or such intelligent, enjoyable writing. Sentences, paragraphs flow naturally but memorable for their style and emotional impact. Her Henry is a person anyone can understand, admire and grow quite fond of.

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Summary: I loved this book!
Review: Having read this when it just came out, I can't give a detailed review -- I can only say that it is one of my all-time favorite books of historical fiction (which is saying a lot because I read historical fiction by the ton). Everyone I've recommended it to has also loved it.

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Summary: Is it true that power corrupts? Or is it an awesome trust?
Review: This book give the reader a rare chance to actually become Henry and see the world as it looked to him. By the end of the book, I wasn't certain that Anne wasn't really a witch or that England didn't need to be rid of the dictates of the pope. How else could another bloody civil war be avoided? And weren't those deformed children that Katherine produced proof that God agreed she wasn't properly the queen? Fortunately, the fool is there to provide a much needed difference in perspective. This book gave me the kind of inside look at history that a simple recitation of facts can never provide. My copy has been read by more of my friends than any other book I own. By the end of the book (which came much too quickly in spite of its huge size), I felt empathy for a man who was expected to be more than just a man. His legacy is still with us today

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Summary: a terrific book!!
Review: I "discovered" this book several years ago, and have been buying copies ever since to give to other book-lovers. It's one of my all-time favorite historical novels -- Henry VIII truly comes alive!

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Summary: Henry really DID write this book!
Review: This was a wonderful book. Margaret George knows how to make you feel as though you were right there. It felt like I was actually reading his diary. It was very interesting and sad to see how Henry changed over the years. I have never read a historical novel before, and it made me want to read more of this type of novel.

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Summary: Don't let the size of this book scare you away...
Review: Because this is an absolutely breathtaking read! Magnificently written and a must-read for all those interested in Tudor history!
This book gave me an insight not found in other books I'd read on the subject. It takes you deep inside what might have been Henry VIII's inner thoughts. Throughout this book, you'll learn to love, loath, admire, detest, and sympathize with this complex historical figure. This is a jewel of a book and I'm so very glad I found it!

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Summary: Henry VIII Obsessed
Review: I am completely obsessed with Henry VIII, his life, marriages, times, actions, court, etc. I got this book for my 14th birthday and it took me a week to read it. I found it to be thoroughly researched and every fact was correct. Also, each character's personality was written around what was said about them by their contemporaries. Thomas More was as overly religious, Catherine of Aragon was truly in love with Henry, Anne Boleyn was shrewd, etc. This gave the book a very authentic feel, which I loved. My favorite parts were probably before the 1540s, because I liked all his chief ministers. They were portrayed exactly as they were considered at the time. I think my favorite was Cromwell, or maybe Will Somers, who is actually a real person. He really was Henry VIII's private jester. Once the book got into the 1540s, I didn't enjoy it as much, but it was still very good. After reading this, I found Margaret George's other books, which were not as good, but still excellent. Read the Memoirs of Cleopatra next, it dragged at some points, but the characters were excellent.

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Summary: One Point of View
Review: This is an excellent book that honestly presents the culture and thoughts of the time of Henry VIII. The author admits that she must take some liberties, but she has done thorough research. One has to expect subjectivity in any history book.

I found it difficult to put this book down once I started reading it. I encourage anyone, who likes Englisih History, to read this book.

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Summary: Superb!!!
Review: Usually when a book is this long, I have a nagging feeling that an editing hand would have made it better, (see The Crimson Petal and the White) but not this book!! It is gripping, spectacular and superb! I stayed up several nights to read it, and I could barely put it down.
This book is written from the perspective of Henry VIII - and it makes him more human, more sympathetic, yet more chilling, all at once.
He appears to be a smart man, a strong leader, charismatic, and a wise king - but he had a strange childhood of neglect and disfavor by his selfish parents, suddenly interrupted when his brother died and he became king, and was thrust into a world where there were no limits, no brakes upon his conscience, or his power. This odd combination led to a man who, despite his strengths, was in his personal life like a big, dangerous child - when he got tired of wives or friends, he killed them.
Yet the final results of his rule, including the introduction of new ways of viewing religion into England, a breaking up of the old, stale social systems, and the brilliant Queen Elizabeth, were all positive.
This book, fascinatingly written from the perspective of Henry VIII with notes from his very wise fool, Will Summers, explores these contraditions in a clever and attention-catching way. The notes by Will add a fresh perspective and balance to the book.
Also, the book touches the personality of his wives and shows them as real, flawed humans, the good Queen Katherine, who nevertheless allowed her extreme piety to blind her to her husband's needs, the scheming, shrill Anne Boleyn, the quiet and beloved Jane, the ugly but kind and humerous Anne of Cleves, the (...) Katherine Howard, and finally, the wise Katherine Parr.
All of these characters, as well as the mood of the times, of the diverse English people, the war ridden Europe and the superstitions and religious ferver of the age all come alive in this brilliant book.