Review Praise for FOUR PRINCES “In prolific historian Norwich’s well-articulated appraisal, these four giant figures can, and should be, perceived as a ‘single phenomenon’ that deeply imprinted sixteenth-century Europe. Through Norwich’s perceptive eyes, we see that the four monarchs certainly did not exist in a vacuum, that each one was not a completely separate entity . . . A superb group portrait.” ―Booklist “Norwich’s long career as a historian has given him a definite assurance of style, which allows him to present historical detail in a thoroughly engaging manner without sacrificing clarity. An entertaining history covering the highlights of four of the most significant rulers of the 16th century.” ―Library Journal “A fascinating quadruple biography of four of the greatest monarchs of the Renaissance by this true master of narrative history.” ―Simon Sebag Montefiore, author of The Romanovs and Jerusalem: The Biography “As we have come to expect from John Julius Norwich, Four Princes is filled with surprising details about these familiar figures, as well as revealing insights into the seminal events of this rich period. But the great value of the book is putting Suleiman the Magnificent on an equal plain with Henry VIII, Francis I, and Charles V, and thereby, providing an expanded view of Europe during this turbulent era, a better understanding of the clashes between their empires, and the personal aspirations and foibles of these giants that shaped the continent’s history.” ―James Reston, Jr., author of Defenders of the Faith: Charles V, Suleiman the Magnificent, and the Battle for Europe, 1520-1536 “With characteristic deftness of touch, Norwich brings each character vividly to life and skillfully weaves their stories together . . . a genuinely inspired idea for a book, and Norwich executes it with typical aplomb.” ―Tracy Borman, BBC History Magazine “Wonderful . . . This was indeed a glorious age and Norwich has made a brilliant decision to study four idiosyncratic rulers as an interacting quartet . . . A lively and charming book.” ―Times (UK) Read more About the Author John Julius Norwich is the author of many publications, including A History of Venice and Byzantium, as well as the New York Times bestseller Absolute Monarchs: A History of the Papacy and most recently, Sicily: An Island at the Crossroads of History. Read more
S**C
An excellent book
Being of Turkish origin and knowing Ottoman history I found the way the author describes the characteristics of Suleyman the Magnificent, not only his warfare, but his personality, his dedication to arts, his beautiful divan and other poetry very clearly described. At the time the Ottoman Empire was the greatest state that existed. The war scenes in the European continent, The siege of Vienna, the Mohacs battle, the occupation of Belgrade, the great siege of Malta are clearly explained. Certainly they forged and altered Europe. Regarding the other three princes -- Francis I, Henry VIII, Charles V-- the explanation of their characteristics, personalities, dealings with one another were fascinating to me. It may not have been so to the professor who reviewed the book in May 7 Book Review section of the New York Times. But I am sure many people interested in other aspects of history will find the book very good.
D**R
Ties it all together in a rich history that reads like a novel
Finally, a book that ties the Happenings of Europe with England. All too often, Henry the VIII's accomplishments are overshadowed by his many wives and affairs. We all know those stories, but, there was so much more going on in Europe.Nowich, Ties it all together in a rich history that reads like a novel. Richly detailed, he takes these four Princes and talks about how their politics, polices and interactions shaped Europe.
A**R
Norwich at his best
the usual Norwich, well written and entertaining. This time, he took 4 princes of the XV century, Charles V, Francis I, Henry WIII and Suleiman (who lived approximately the same times) and wove them together' I suspect his sympathies go to Francis, but he respects all 4 of them. An entertaining book (la plus savante de belle, et la plus belle des savants) and no, this is not a book for the feminists, Charles V being one of t he few acceptable one.
J**E
Easy Interesting read.
The author weaves the stories of the Princes and their time lines seamlessly. Easy to follow even for non-historians.Interesting how they enter-acted and the cause/effect. I had not known about the severe religious persecution of Protestants and how corrupt the Popes were at that time.Two Kings, an Emperor and a Sultan. What a mix!
J**R
A different approach to 16th century European history
John Julius Norwich is an incredibly entertaining and informative historian. Even if you are familiar with these four monarchs, this book weaves their stories together to show the impact they had on western civilization.
M**L
Zard review of Four Princes
What a great book. I did not know that these four individuals lived and ruled at the same time. The book broke things into: The beginning, Middle and the End of their lives. Lots of interesting tidbits and how their lives intertwined with each others. I will not go into details but this book gives a good broad brushstroke of the times and the four rulers and how they affected each other. It was like studying a living painting. Really enjoyed it and NOT A TEDIOUS READ.
J**S
Like an old book of photographies
Four princes deploys a XVI Centurty with a human face that make the reader understands the intricacies and anticipate attitudes and actions of the key kings pictured. It is a pleasure to read even for those who know well the history.
T**L
Enjoyable history reading
It is a real talent to be able to write about a segment of history and make it truly enjoyable to the reader. Norwich accomplishes this with pieces of humor and an excellent writing style. He has taken very complicated lives and times and made them understandable, although it does help to have a list of the participants nearby.
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