Description
Uncover the captivating story of William Somer, the fool of Henry VIII, in the first comprehensive biography, *Fool*. This remarkable account details the life of one of the most mysterious figures of the Tudor era, shedding light on the fascinating role of court jesters in royal history. Starting from his background as either an 'artificial fool' or a 'natural fool', the narrative dives into how Somer, with his sharp wit and charm, had the unique ability to uplift the spirits of even the most formidable monarch. Journey through the turbulent times of the Tudor court as Peter K. Andersson meticulously reconstructs Somer's life, offering rare insights into the dynamics between courtiers, commoners, and those with disabilities. Learn how a man without property or formal education became an indispensable figure at the court, deeply entwined in the political and social fabric from the 1530s to the reign of Elizabeth I. This biography not only reveals the true essence of a Renaissance fool but also questions the enduring legacy of humor and wit in contemporary comedy. Don’t miss out on this essential addition to your historical library, perfect for enthusiasts of Tudor history and biography alike.
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled. Condition: BRAND NEW. ISBN: 9780691250168. Format: Trade binding. Year: 2024. Publisher: Princeton University Press.
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780691250168
Format: Trade binding
Year: 2024
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Description:
The first biography of Henry VIII’s court fool William Somer, a legendary entertainer and one of the most intriguing figures of the Tudor age.
In some portraits of Henry VIII there appears another, striking figure — a gaunt and morose-looking man with a shaved head and, in one case, a monkey on his shoulder. This is William or 'Will' Somer, the king’s fool, a celebrated wit who reportedly could raise Henry’s spirits and spent many hours with him, often alone. Was Somer an 'artificial fool', a cunning comic who could speak freely in front of the king, or a 'natural fool', someone with intellectual disabilities, like many other members of the profession? And what role did he play in the tumultuous and violent Tudor era? Fool is the first biography of Somer — and perhaps the first of a Renaissance fool.
After his death, Somer disappeared behind his legend, and historians struggled to separate myth from reality. Unearthing as many facts as possible, Peter K. Andersson pieces together the fullest picture yet of an enigmatic and unusual man with a very strange job. Somer’s story provides new insights into how fools lived and what exactly they did for a living, how monarchs and courtiers related to commoners and people with disabilities, and whether aspects of the Renaissance fool live on in the modern comedian. But most of all, we learn how a commoner without property or education managed to become the court’s chief mascot and a continuous presence at the centre of Tudor power from the 1530s to the reign of Elizabeth I.
Looking beyond stereotypes of the man in motley, Fool reveals a little-known world
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled. Condition: BRAND NEW. ISBN: 9780691250168. Format: Trade binding. Year: 2024. Publisher: Princeton University Press.
Note: Shipping for this item is free. Please allow up to 6 weeks for delivery. Once your order is placed, it cannot be cancelled.
Condition: BRAND NEW
ISBN: 9780691250168
Format: Trade binding
Year: 2024
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Description:
The first biography of Henry VIII’s court fool William Somer, a legendary entertainer and one of the most intriguing figures of the Tudor age.
In some portraits of Henry VIII there appears another, striking figure — a gaunt and morose-looking man with a shaved head and, in one case, a monkey on his shoulder. This is William or 'Will' Somer, the king’s fool, a celebrated wit who reportedly could raise Henry’s spirits and spent many hours with him, often alone. Was Somer an 'artificial fool', a cunning comic who could speak freely in front of the king, or a 'natural fool', someone with intellectual disabilities, like many other members of the profession? And what role did he play in the tumultuous and violent Tudor era? Fool is the first biography of Somer — and perhaps the first of a Renaissance fool.
After his death, Somer disappeared behind his legend, and historians struggled to separate myth from reality. Unearthing as many facts as possible, Peter K. Andersson pieces together the fullest picture yet of an enigmatic and unusual man with a very strange job. Somer’s story provides new insights into how fools lived and what exactly they did for a living, how monarchs and courtiers related to commoners and people with disabilities, and whether aspects of the Renaissance fool live on in the modern comedian. But most of all, we learn how a commoner without property or education managed to become the court’s chief mascot and a continuous presence at the centre of Tudor power from the 1530s to the reign of Elizabeth I.
Looking beyond stereotypes of the man in motley, Fool reveals a little-known world