King's Fool

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

Country-lad-turned-jester Will Somers tells the behind-the-scenes story of King Henry VIII and his six wives. Told by the man who saw the triumphs and tragedies, weddings, divorces, and dramatic pageantry that was 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.

At court Will witnesses firsthand the dizzying power struggles and sly scheming that marked the reign of the fiery Tudor king.  A confidante of all six wives of Henry VIII including the tragic Katherine of Aragon, the doomed Anne Boleyn, and the charming princess Mary Tudor, Will's tale casts a new light on England's most infamous king.

This intimate peek into the royal chambers gives readers a unique perspective on the capricious King Henry, told from the point of view of a sympathetic friend whose loyalty never wavered.

A unique tale of tumultuous Tudor England, fans of Philippa Gregory, Anya Seton and Sharon Kay Penman will delight in this new look at a well-known dynasty from world-renowned historical novelist Margaret Campbell Barnes.

Other books about the six wives of Henry VIII and the Tudors by Margaret Campbell Barnes:
Brief Gaudy Hour – a refreshing novel of Anne Boleyn, cast in a new light
My Lady of Cleves – a fresh story of Anne of Cleves, the bride who survived Henry VIII
The Tudor Rose – the richly drawn story of Elizabeth of York who united a kingdom and birthed a dynasty

What readers are saying about The King's Fool:

"a remarkable insider tale of the Tudor court"

"I loved this REFRESHING perspective"

"What a great way to look at King Henry VIII. Henry was a very difficult King to feel compassion for. Yet, after reading this book, one is reminded that things aren't always as the world views it."

"But THIS book revealed sides to all characters in depths I've never seen."

"a deftly written, well-researched, absorbing story"

"If you liked The Other Boleyn Girl, here's another prospective of Henry 8th court."

"Absolutely loved this book~ Must read for any TUDOR fan."

What reviewers are saying about The King's Fool:

"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

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

What everyone is saying about Margaret Campbell Barnes:

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

"Immensely entertaining and absorbing." - Chicago Tribune

"Turns A BRILLIANT LIGHT on one of the lustiest and one of the most dramatic periods of English history." - Philadelphia Inquirer