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From exile and war to love and loss—every dynasty has a beginning.
Henry Tudor was not born to the throne of England. Having come of age in a time of political turmoil and danger, the man who would become Henry VII spent fourteen years in exile in Brittany before returning triumphantly to the Dorset coast with a small army and decisively winning the Battle of Bosworth Field—ending the War of the Roses once and for all and launching the infamous Tudor dynasty.
As Henry’s claim to the throne was tenuous, his marriage to Elizabeth of York, daughter and direct heir of King Edward IV, not only served to unify the warring houses, it also helped Henry secure the throne for himself and for generations to come. And though their union was born from political necessity, it became a wonderful love story that led to seven children and twenty happy years together.
Sweeping and dramatic, To Hold the Crown brings readers inside the genesis of the great Tudor empire: through Henry and Elizabeth’s troubled ascensions to the throne, their marriage and rule, the heartbreak caused by the death of their son Arthur, and, ultimately, to the crowning of their younger son, King Henry VIII.
“Plaidy excels at blending history with romance and drama.”
—New York Times
Anonymous
Posted March 23, 2009
I was always curious about Henry VII and Elizabeth of York, I also love all things Plaidy so when I saw this book I was psyched! Although it's good, it gets more into Henry VII and young Henry VIII and their relationship and doesn't develope the relationship between the King and Queen, as I hoped. Still worth reading if you're a fan of this genre.
2 out of 2 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I have read many books by Jean Plaidy so I was eager to read To Hold The Crown. Her usual writing style is easy and insightful. I found this book, however, to be daunting and repeptative. Although I was able to glean facts from the text I found I had to force myself to finish the book. Jean Plaidy is an accomplished writer, to be sure, however, this is not my favorite of hers.
1 out of 1 people found this review helpful.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted June 30, 2012
Suprised when I read this, bought it since I am a fan of the
author but it didn't live up to my expectations- Queen Elizabeth was just background filler instead of a main character and the book has a tendency to repeat itself. Did enjoy it though.
Anonymous
Posted November 26, 2011
This book was good but the story was more about Henry VIII than Henry VII and Elizabeth of York. It held my interest and was well-written.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Lizzlett
Posted July 24, 2011
This first book in the 9 volume Tudor saga set the historical stage, but it was not as riveting as some of her other books. I would have enjoyed more insight into the relationship of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York. Still a worthwhile read. Am starting on Katharine of Aragon, which duplicates some of the info contained in Book 1.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Orla
Posted July 15, 2011
I love reading about the Tudors; so when I discovered that Jean Plaidy wrote a series on them, I was ecstatic! The storyline kept my interest and I was able to completely immerse myself into whatever situation arose before me on the page. I am so looking forward to reading the entire Tudor series and more from Jean Plaidy.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Outstanding read. Transports you right to the center of everything and keeps you there until the very end. You will laugh with the characters, cry with the characters, and regret the story is ending. So, now on with the next volume - Katharine of Aragon!
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.I loved this book. I enjoyed the Tudor children and reading how their childhood would create the character flaws that are now so well known. I great look into the life of Henry VII.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted June 18, 2009
This book in not really about Henry VII and Elizabeth of York. It mostly focuses on Henry VII trying to establish a solid foundation for the Tudor dynasty to build off of. In fact Elizabeth of York really only has a role in the beginning of the book. However, To Hold the Crown is interesting and gives insight into how the Tudor dynasty started. The story is told from multiple points of view which can get a little annoying at points. If you are a Tudor history buff or just want to learn a few facts about the Tudors this is a good book for you. It is a quick and easy read which can help pass the time.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Overall it is a decent book. Some of the characters are a bit flat. Follows history moderately well. Not a bad book by any means.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted September 22, 2008
Plaidy again excels at her talent. Weaving together the tramatic story of Henry the seventh and Elizabeth of York in outstanding detail.
Was this review helpful? Yes NoThank you for your feedback. Report this reviewThank you, this review has been flagged.Anonymous
Posted January 13, 2010
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Posted May 9, 2011
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Posted May 2, 2011
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Posted June 2, 2009
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Posted February 8, 2011
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Posted December 2, 2010
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Posted September 14, 2010
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Posted December 6, 2011
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Posted February 27, 2011
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Overview
From exile and war to love and loss—every dynasty has a beginning.
Henry Tudor was not born to the throne of England. Having come of age in a time of political turmoil and danger, the man who would become Henry VII spent fourteen years in exile in Brittany before returning triumphantly to the Dorset coast with a small army and decisively winning the Battle of Bosworth Field—ending the War of the Roses once and for all and launching the infamous...