georginaspriddell's review
informative
slow-paced
5.0
I read this book in lower sixth, and can safely say its virtuosity and verve is what kickstarted my love for this period of history. Amin writes the history of a family whose impact we can still see across the British Isles today, in an engaging and rhythmic way. Now, as an undergraduate, the House of Beaufort is still the book I recommend to my friends who say they have an interest in "The Tudor Period". The House of Beaufort will always have a special place amongst my books!
sarahbryson's review
5.0
The House of Beaufort by historian Nathen Amin is a fascinating book that explores the origins of the Beaufort family. From the first born son of John of Gaunt and his mistress Katherine Swynford, John Beaufort, to the last legitimate heir, Margaret Beaufort, mother of King Henry VII; Amin examines the lives of one of history’s most extraordinary families. Born a bastard line, the Beaufort’s were eventually legitimized and at one point became indispensable to the Kings of England. Yet Fortunes Wheel was forever part of the Beaufort’s lives and their lives would be turned upside down eventually losing it all, including the last male member of the family, leaving a small girl to carry on the family name.
Often when history books cover multiple generations it can be difficult to keep track of who is who, especially when fathers and sons tended to have the same name! Yet Amin’s book is clear and concise, each member of the Beaufort family detailed with great clarity. In addition it is clear that Amin has done a wealth of research for this book, using letters, parliamentary documents and other first-hand documents to bring the history of the Beaufort family to live.
This is a compelling, captivating and fascinating book that explores the lives of the members of the Beaufort family. If you enjoy history then this is a must read book!
Often when history books cover multiple generations it can be difficult to keep track of who is who, especially when fathers and sons tended to have the same name! Yet Amin’s book is clear and concise, each member of the Beaufort family detailed with great clarity. In addition it is clear that Amin has done a wealth of research for this book, using letters, parliamentary documents and other first-hand documents to bring the history of the Beaufort family to live.
This is a compelling, captivating and fascinating book that explores the lives of the members of the Beaufort family. If you enjoy history then this is a must read book!
silverselkie's review against another edition
3.0
This is a very well researched book, but due to its extremely poor family tree, and various editing errors usually involving "the", I can only give 3 stars.
irenep19's review against another edition
5.0
I've been interested in learning more about the Beaufort family since reading [a:Leanda de Lisle|90578|Leanda de Lisle|https://images.gr-assets.com/authors/1363634721p2/90578.jpg] 's [b:Tudor: The Family Story|17456974|Tudor The Family Story|Leanda de Lisle|https://images.gr-assets.com/books/1375463991s/17456974.jpg|24349043]. Books usually focus on the Tudor origins of Henry VII, beginning from Catherine of Valois as the matriarch of the Tudor dynasty, overlooking his maternal ancestry. This book gave me the chance to understand his claim to the throne of England from another perspective and, more importantly, learn about his Beaufort roots.
In the book, the Beauforts are, finally, in the spotlight. It all starts from the beginning, giving the reader a clear understanding of how they managed to reach the top and of their subsequent fall from grace. It was actually sad to read about their great beginnings knowing that they were doomed all along. While reading historical books, I always have the question of "what if" in my mind, imagining what could have happened if things had been different. Of course, the Beauforts were somewhat vindicated by the success of Henry VII in claiming the throne, but so many of his ancestors died defending it, through physical and political battles. Who among them could have imagined that their wars would have led to this outcome, one of their own Beaufort kin sitting on the throne? Is it possible that they could have thought that all this fighting would result in one of their relatives as King, not a member of the "pure" Lancastrian family that they never stopped defending after all?
These questions will probably never be answered, but I like to think that the Beauforts thought of themselves as a family destined for greatness, for a place on the throne of England. This book was a trully fascinating read and succeeds in giving the reader great insight into the story of one of the most historically obscure medieval families. Nevertheless, I think I would have liked more details on Margaret Beaufort who was, after all, significantly instrumental in the events that unfolded, leading towards the accession of her son. I imagine that, since the Beaufort name and house ended with the last male descendant, the book had to stop there and Margaret's life is another story on its own.
All in all, I enjoyed this book immensely, delving into its history and emerging with a lot of new facts and a more extensive knowledge on the subject of the Beauforts. I highly recommend it to anyone who wishes to expand their awareness of English history and, especially, the Beaufort family and how their role in the Wars of the Roses shaped the country's fate.
In the book, the Beauforts are, finally, in the spotlight. It all starts from the beginning, giving the reader a clear understanding of how they managed to reach the top and of their subsequent fall from grace. It was actually sad to read about their great beginnings knowing that they were doomed all along. While reading historical books, I always have the question of "what if" in my mind, imagining what could have happened if things had been different. Of course, the Beauforts were somewhat vindicated by the success of Henry VII in claiming the throne, but so many of his ancestors died defending it, through physical and political battles. Who among them could have imagined that their wars would have led to this outcome, one of their own Beaufort kin sitting on the throne? Is it possible that they could have thought that all this fighting would result in one of their relatives as King, not a member of the "pure" Lancastrian family that they never stopped defending after all?
These questions will probably never be answered, but I like to think that the Beauforts thought of themselves as a family destined for greatness, for a place on the throne of England. This book was a trully fascinating read and succeeds in giving the reader great insight into the story of one of the most historically obscure medieval families. Nevertheless, I think I would have liked more details on Margaret Beaufort who was, after all, significantly instrumental in the events that unfolded, leading towards the accession of her son. I imagine that, since the Beaufort name and house ended with the last male descendant, the book had to stop there and Margaret's life is another story on its own.
All in all, I enjoyed this book immensely, delving into its history and emerging with a lot of new facts and a more extensive knowledge on the subject of the Beauforts. I highly recommend it to anyone who wishes to expand their awareness of English history and, especially, the Beaufort family and how their role in the Wars of the Roses shaped the country's fate.
bristoni74's review
3.0
3.5 stars. This period of history is not my strongest although I knew the Beauforts were John of Gaunt’s illegitimate children with Katherine Swynford, who he later married and therefore legitimised them. Other than that, I really only knew Margaret Beaufort was the matriarch of the Tudors as Henry VII’s mother and Henry VIII’s grandmother.
It was interesting to know more about the three or so generations of Beauforts and how they were such an integral part of politics and the War of the Roses. I particularly found the life of Cardinal Henry Beaufort’s life fascinating, and his involvement with the trail and execution of Joan of Arc.
However, the 100 year’s war with France was exhausting to read! There were times where I found it hard going – a lot of information that it took me a almost two months to get through this book. And at times I was confused by the number of Beauforts who were named the same (yes, I know it was common at the time) and also the titles that I would have to check who was who. I thought the author could have perhaps been clearer for readers without having to refer to a family tree.
Not so entertaining but glad I read it for the information was insightful and I’m keen to read more about the 14th and 15th centuries.
It was interesting to know more about the three or so generations of Beauforts and how they were such an integral part of politics and the War of the Roses. I particularly found the life of Cardinal Henry Beaufort’s life fascinating, and his involvement with the trail and execution of Joan of Arc.
However, the 100 year’s war with France was exhausting to read! There were times where I found it hard going – a lot of information that it took me a almost two months to get through this book. And at times I was confused by the number of Beauforts who were named the same (yes, I know it was common at the time) and also the titles that I would have to check who was who. I thought the author could have perhaps been clearer for readers without having to refer to a family tree.
Not so entertaining but glad I read it for the information was insightful and I’m keen to read more about the 14th and 15th centuries.
pinars's review
5.0
Excellent
Wonderful book about the Beauforts and great insight into the Wars of the Roses from a Beaufort/Lancastrian perspective. Highly recommended.
Wonderful book about the Beauforts and great insight into the Wars of the Roses from a Beaufort/Lancastrian perspective. Highly recommended.
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