Ordeal by Ambition: An English family in the shadow of the Tudors

The flame of the Tudor monarchy blazed bright. It attracted, but it also burned. To be near the throne was to live excitingly and dangerously. The most appropriate symbol for the Tudors was not their rose but their axe.This is the story of a Tudor queen and two of her brothers, all of whom paid the price of their close involvement with the throne. Jane Seymour became Queen of England, the successor of Anne Boleyn. She died after giving birth to Henry's son. Edward Seymour became Protector of the Realm, and Thomas Seymour, Lord High Admiral. Both ended their careers on the block.In their heyday the Seymours were England's first family. Their story spans two reigns, Henry VIII's and their nephew Edward VI's. Both brothers fought in the Tudor wars and became embroiled in Tudor politics. Edward became the most powerful man in England; Thomas one of the most notorious.The author, William Seymour, is a direct descendant of the family. His extensive researches into the lives of his ancestors have resulted in a gripping story and a vivid evocation of the atmosphere of Tudor England.