Winter King

Listeners are in for treat when they plug in to this well-researched biography of Henry VII, the founder of the Tudor dynasty, who has been called the Uniter of England. Although Henry VII is often overshadowed by his much more famous descendants, his quarter-century on the throne was one of intrigue, drama, and political manipulation. Narrator Simon Vance's expressive reading is a perfect match for Penn's accessible and literary work. Especially helpful to listeners are Vance's subtle change in tone to signal direct quotations and his expert handling of the Latin, Spanish, and other languages sprinkled throughout the text. Through careful use of pacing and emphasis, Vance holds listeners' attention throughout this fascinating true story of England's transition to power and wealth. C.B.L. (c) AudioFile 2012, Portland, Maine

January 23, 2012
Transforming himself from an exile with a dubious claim to England’s throne into the founder of the Tudor dynasty, Henry VII’s (1457–1509) micromanagement and questionable tax collection practices enabled the later success of his descendents Henry VIII and Elizabeth I. Penn (editorial director of Verso Books in London and with a doctorate in medieval history) rescues the founding Tudor from the shadows with insight into his politically expedient yet loving marriage to Elizabeth of York, a Plantagenet heir, and chronicles Henry’s careful conclusion of the exhausting multigenerational Wars of the Roses. With occasional digressions, Penn still entertains casual readers with a brisk, almost conversational tone bolstered by ample context, especially when recounting the convoluted and politically fraught family history. Tudor scholars will appreciate Pen’s well-documented attention to the elder king’s steadfast devotion to stability, to the character formation of the young heir, Prince Henry, and Penn’s revealing analysis of why in the last years of his reign, Henry earned respect but not love from his people. , Illus., maps. Agent: Aitken Alexander Associates (U.K.)

July 1, 2012

Henry VII had a childhood on the run and a fragile claim to the crown but ruled England for nearly a quarter-century. The research into the players is intricate and multifaceted, and Penn paints a detailed picture of court life with its insecurity, conspiracy, intrigue, diplomacy, and politics at the highest levels where the stakes were one's head. Europe at the dawn of the 16th century was rife with plots and shifting allegiances that, ultimately, led to Henry VIII's reign. Simon Vance's rich tenor voice and English accent take listeners back to the era. VERDICT A must-read for any student of British History. ["Penn holds a Ph.D. in medieval history from Clare College, Cambridge University. Not just for diehard historians, as this publisher would be aiming for a broad reach," read the review of the S. & S. hc, LJ 10/15/11.--Ed.]--Scott R. DiMarco, Mansfield Univ. of Pennsylvania Lib.

Copyright 2012 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.