Product Description

Robert Hutchinson made his debut as a popular historian with the critically acclaimed and commercially successful LAST DAYS OF HENRY VIII. His biography of Sir Francis Walsingham, ELIZABETH'S SPY MASTER was published in 2006. This new biography works as both a sequel and 'prequel' to his existing books, telling the dramatic story of the Dukes of Norfolk. The richest and most powerful noble family in Britain, after the king himself, they regarded themselves as the power behind the throne and regularly tried to act as 'kingmakers'. Thomas Howard, the second duke, fought for Richard III at Bosworth and was imprisoned in the Tower by Henry VII. A brilliant politician, he negotiated his way out and became a key minister in the new Tudor regime. Late in life he commanded the English army that annihilated the Scots at Flodden in 1513. However, his descendants were a louche lot of plotters and conspirators; Henry VIII and Elizabeth I both beheaded a Norfolk for treason (although another led the Royal Navy against the Spanish Armada). The rise and fall of this mighty dynasty sheds new light on the reigns of Henry VII, Henry VIII and Elizabeth as well as providing enormous entertainment.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #17837 in Books
• Published on: 2009-02-26
• Original language: English
• Binding: Hardcover
• 376 pages

Review
'[Hutchinson] writes with vigour and enthusiasm.. there are some splendid set-pieces (the account of Flodden, for instance, is riveting)' (BBC HISTORY MAGAZINE )

'a gruesome story, of pride, greed and flaunting arrogance, blood and cruelty, cunning and stupidity... [Robert Hutchinson] has created a delightful and instructive book.' (Paul Johnson LITERARY REVIEW )

'all the while [Hutchinson] entertains us with fascinating close-ups of outlandish Tudor behaviour.' (Peter Lewis DAILY MAIL )

'the narrative is compelling and horrible... It is a riveting story, splendidly told.' (Alan Massie THE DAILY TELELGRAPH )

'Hutchinson grips every page with this outstanding story of treason in fearful times laden with espionage and betrayal.' (OXFORD TIMES )

'Hutchinson is a lively biographer and brings the period vividly to life. One has a keen sense of its sights and smells as well as the less immediate stink of fear, betrayal and unbearable pain... This book gives a balanced.... view of the choices and compromises, the moral subtleties and the physical horrors of the age.' (THE TABLET )

'Robert Hutchinson gives a thoughtful sideways view onto 16th century court politics in House of Treason... a fascinating account of the Howard dynasty' (Dominic Sandbrook DAILY TELEGRAPH 'Books of the Year' )

About the Author
Robert Hutchinson was Defence Correspondent for the Press Association from 1976 to 1983 before moving to Jane's Information Group to launch JANE'S DEFENCE WEEKLY. He is a fellow of the Society of Antiquaries of London and a contributing author to THE ARCHAELOGY OF THE REFORMATION. He is the author of Last Days of Henry VIII, Elizabeth's Spy Master and Thomas Cromwell. He was appointed OBE in the 2008 New Year's Honours List.

Customer Reviews

House of Treason
To an Englishman his home is his castle. Arundel (Sussex) actually is to the Dukes of Norfolk to the present day. This focused read tells the story of this extraordinary family. Survival in the Tudor Times, on which the main story is focused was precarious indeed and this family had to summon all their mental, physical and financial resources to survive, maintain and improve their aristocratic positions. The author, Robert Hutchinson using much archive material enhances our knowledge of yet another aspect of Tudor life. The family although does pre-date this period back to the middle ages. A short "Resurgam" enlightens the reader to the present time. History is what makes us and this book will prove a pleasure to read.

House of Treason
A fascinating account of a very dark period indeed of our history. An invaluable antidote to the official history we were taught at school about "Merry England" and all the stuff about the break with Rome forging our national identity as an island race.
An absolutely necessary read at a time when our rulers are every bit as acquisitive and corrupt as they ever were.