I’m proud to announce that copies of my book – The Tudor Empire – are available to buy. Long-time readers of the blog may have read previous posts about the expected arrival of this book, and I’m so glad that we are now at the point that copies can be bought and read.

Just before Christmas the publisher Pen & Sword Books sent me the complimentary author copies, and it was exciting to open the box and hold the book in my hand. In some ways, this felt very strange, particularly because the book was researched and written throughout 2022 and had spent time going through revisions. Throughout this process, it almost felt as if the book was theoretical rather than real, so when I finally held in my hand it started to sink in.

I had mixed experiences whilst researching and writing the book. In the beginning I enjoyed delving into areas of research and of having the opportunity to write such an extended piece (my previously longest efforts were extended essays). However, I was also impacted with juggling my job as a teacher and other interests along with the time needed to research and write the book. By the time I submitted the final draft I was tired of the whole process and I didn’t think that I would attempt a second book! However, I am now fully into the research and writing of a brand new book on the life and legacy of Sir Walter Raleigh.

So, what is it all about, you may ask? Well, here is an overview:

The Tudors remain one of Britain’s most fascinating royal dynasties. Their thirst for control surged due to the family’s paranoid obsession about being interlopers who were never destined to be monarchs. Throughout the sixteenth century, the Tudors added more and more territories to their portfolio, but this growth came at a bloody cost. Each monarch attempted to expand their control of the kingdom: Henry VII consolidated his authority across the realm, Henry VIII had visions of a French empire, and Elizabeth I oversaw the travels and travails of the seadogs in the New World.

This book will delve into how the Tudors exerted their control over their empire and domains, stretching from the north of England, Wales, Ireland, Cornwall, all the way to European possessions, as well as fresh colonies in the New World. It utilises contemporary sources with further engagement in wider historical debate to provide an accessible introduction into this era for readers.

The book seems to have made a positive impression on readers who love the Tudor past and for those who wanted to understand more about England and Britain’s imperial development.

I will upload a couple of other associated posts, relating to reviews and a short Q&A, for those who are interested. In the meantime, you can find more information on the following link: The Tudor Empire at Pen & Sword Books