Anne Boleyn & Elizabeth I

The Mother and Daughter Who Forever Changed British History

By: Tracy Borman

Narrated by: Tracy Borman

Length: 8 hrs and 49 mins

Publisher's summary

Anne Boleyn may be best known for losing her head, but as Tudor expert Tracy Borman reveals in a book that recasts British history, her greatest legacy lies in the path-breaking reign of her daughter, Elizabeth.

Much of the fascination with Britain’s legendary Tudors centers around the dramas surrounding Henry VIII and his six wives and Elizabeth I’s rumored liaisons. Yet the most fascinating relationship in that historic era may well be that between the mother and daughter who, individually and collectively, changed the course of British history.

The future Queen Elizabeth was not yet three when her mother, Anne Boleyn, was beheaded on May 19, 1536, on Henry’s order, incensed that she had not given him a son and tired of her contentious nature. Elizabeth had been raised away from court, rarely even seeing Anne; and after her death, Henry tried in every way to erase Anne’s presence and memory. At that moment in history, few could have predicted that mother and daughter would each leave enduring, and interlocked, legacies. Yet as Tracy Borman reveals in this first-ever joint portrait, both women broke the mold for British queens and for women in general at the time. Anne was instrumental in reforming and reshaping forever Britain’s religious traditions, and her years of wielding power over a male-dominated court provided an inspiring role model for Elizabeth’s glittering, groundbreaking 45-year reign. Indeed, Borman shows how much Elizabeth—most visibly by refusing to ever marry, but in many other more subtle ways that defined her court—was influenced by her mother’s legacy.

In its originality, Anne Boleyn & Elizabeth I sheds new light on two of history’s most famous women—the private desires, hopes, and fears that lay behind their dazzling public personas, and the surprising influence each had on the other during and after their lifetimes. In the process, Tracy Borman reframes our understanding of the entire Tudor era.

©2023 Tracy Borman (P)2023 Hodder & Stoughton Ltd

Great book!

Such a great book on the lives of Elizabeth I and her mother Queen Anne Boleyn. It’s tragic that they did not spend much time together in life but it’s wonderful that Elizabeth never forgot her mother.

Refreshing Perspective, Elegantly Written

It was time we learned the full truth about Elizabeth and her Mother. Thoroughly researched and presented Borman captured my imagination for a beautiful stroll through Tudor/ Elizabethan England with style and finesse. I love how she brought to life previously neglected characters and storylines from that era. 10 stars!!

informative

Very interesting history of Anne Boylen and Queen Elizabeth the 1st. I feel like Anne got the last laugh, by having her daughter become Queen and reign for many years.

History made real

This work seems well research and although I was familiar with both mother & daughter, since Elizabeth had been so young when she lost her mother, I had never guessed at the connections between them. I loved learning about the Boleyns throughout history, but especially Elizabeth’s devotion to her mother.

Great listen!

I enjoy English history and this was a great listen! Tracy does a great job in bringing the reader back in time to understand the English crown.

Good historical review of Anne and Catherine.

Well researched engaging story of two influential women in the history of The Crown. I had to speed up the narration which I normally don’t like to do. Worthwhile listening for anyone interested in British history.

Interesting New Information About These Two Women

Tracy Borman’s narration was excellent. While explaining the circumstances that surrounded these two women, Tracy provides additional interesting information. I enjoyed the unique focus on how Anne’s short life influenced Elizabeth so much. Highly recommended.

Tracy Borman is approachably terrific.

Really enjoyed the perspective of both lives overlayed and all the familial relations explored. I also really appreciate the chronological order too! Thank you, Tracy!

Thoroughly enjoyed

I enjoy watching and listening to Tracy Borman. This book did not disappoint. I especially liked hearing about all the ways Elizabeth I paid homage to her mother and how she kept other Boleyn family members close throughout her reign.

Wonderful new info!

I enjoy all of Tracey Borman’s works. She’s just a very good Elizabeth and historian.