King’s Fool: A Notorious King, His Six Wives, and the One Man Who Knew All Their Secrets

Margaret Campbell Barnes

Eph 2009 · Sourcebooks, Inc.

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A Remarkably Intimate Tale of the Intrigue, Ruthlessness, and Majesty of Henry VIII's Court

When country lad Will Somers lands himself the plum position of jester to the mercurial King Henry VIII, he has no idea that he's just been handed a front-row seat to history.

With a seat near the throne and an ear to the floor, Somers witnesses firsthand the dizzying power struggles and sly scheming that marked the reign of the fiery Tudor king. Somers watches the rise and fall of some of the most enigmatic women in history, including the tragic Katherine of Aragon, the doomed Anne Boleyn, and Mary Tudor, who confided in the jester as she made the best of the fragile life of a princess whom everyone wished was a prince.

Based on the life of the real Will Somers, King's Fool is infused with Margaret Campbell Barnes' trademark rich detail and historical accuracy. This intimate peek into the royal chambers gives readers a unique view on one of the most tumultuous periods in English history.

First published in 1959 by world-renowned historical novelist Margaret Campbell Barnes, King's Fool is a remarkable insider tale of the intrigue, ruthlessness, and majesty of the Tudor court. When country lad Will Somers lands himself the plum position of jester to the mercurial King Henry VIII, he has no idea that he';s just been handed a front-row seat to history.

Includes a bonus reading group guide written by the author's great granddaughter.

"A moving and lifelike portrait... a thoroughly delightful novel."
New York Times

"Immensely entertaining and absorbing."
Chicago Tribune

"A dramatic story, full of color and good characters, great people made more human."
Book of the Month Club

"Memorable scenes... a real achievement."
Saturday Review

"All should be warned that, despite the title, they will not encounter the traditional fool."
Chicago Tribune

"Margaret Campbell Barnes has added brilliant hues to a picture which never lacked in color."
Vancouver (BC) Daily Province

"…Watch the king's cruel vanities through the eyes of a friend whose love and sympathy never waver."
News Chronicle

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The late Margaret Campbell Barnes grew up in London. Her historical novels include Brief Gaudy Hour, My Lady of Cleves, With All My Heart, Isabel the Fair, and The King's Bed.