Fools and Mortals
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Fools and Mortals
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Narrated by:
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Thomas Judd
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By:
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Bernard Cornwell
About this listen
A dramatic new departure for international bestselling author Bernard Cornwell, FOOLS AND MORTALS takes us into the heart of the Elizabethan era, long one of his favourite periods of British history.
‘With all the vivid history that is his trademark, Bernard Cornwell transports the readers to the playhouses, backstreets and palaces of Shakespeare's London with added depth and compassion’ Philippa Gregory
In the heart of Elizabethan England, young Richard Shakespeare dreams of a glittering career in the London playhouses, dominated by his older brother, William. But as a penniless actor with a silver tongue, Richard’s onetime gratitude begins to sour, as does his family loyalty.
So it is that Richard falls under suspicion when a priceless manuscript goes missing, forcing him into a high-stakes game of duplicity and betrayal, and through the darkest alleyways of the city.
In this richly portrayed tour de force, Fools and Mortals takes you among the streets and palaces, scandals and rivalries, and lets you stand side-by-side with the men and women of Bernard Cornwell’s masterful Elizabethan London.
©2017 Bernard Cornwell (P)2017 HarperCollins PublishersListeners also enjoyed...
Critic reviews
‘Sharp and funny … His combination of wit, adventure and deft characterisation succeeds triumphantly’ THE TIMES
‘Fools and Mortals is a delight. Witty and knowledgeable in its evocation of Shakespearean London … highly enjoyable’ BBC HISTORY MAGAZINE
‘Cornwell not only succeeds in creating an engaging story, but also in celebrating the difficulties and delights, at any time in history, of putting on a show’ THE SUNDAY TIMES
‘Cornwell leads us effortlessly through palaces and playhouses with the skill of a master storyteller who loves this period of history’ DAILY EXPRESS
‘With all the vivid history that is his trademark, Bernard Cornwell transports the readers to the playhouses, backstreets and palaces of Shakespeare's London with added depth and compassion, and a likeable hero’ Philippa Gregory
‘A cracking novel … the atmosphere and intrigues of this dangerous time are vividly realised. A smash hit’ THE TIMES
‘Story and characters crackle off the page as do the stink and violence of Elizabethan London. The author of the Sharpe and Last Kingdom bestsellers has pulled off a surprise for his readers — and a terrific one at that’ Elizabeth Buchan, DAILY MAIL
The Times Saturday Review Book of the Month
‘Cornwell is an enthusiastic amateur dramatist. His portrayal of the actors’ rivalries and superstitions is sharp and often funny. His combination of wit, adventure and deft characterisation is a triumphant departure from his usual territory’ THE TIMES
‘Cornwell mixes the dark realities of history with pacy dialogue … vividly entertaining’ DAILY EXPRESS
What listeners say about Fools and Mortals
Average customer ratingsReviews - Please select the tabs below to change the source of reviews.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Mr. H.
- 28-06-23
Cornwell delivers as always
Bought it purely in my trust in the author, wasn’t disappointed. A gem of a story from one of the best historical authors I’ve had the privilege of reading.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Tim
- 26-01-18
Excellent!
I bought this book purely because it was Cornwell however the description did not inspire me. Once I began to listen it was a different matter. I loved it! Good story with great characters. Well recommended.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Carabarker
- 30-06-18
rip roaring adventure with a twist
An excellent book weaving history with imagination. I loved it as you are transferred back to Elizabethan London
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- annette apostolakis
- 28-10-17
Refreshingly different!
Loved this from Cornwell. Such a brave shift from the conventional battlefield to the theatrical one! Such characters and characterisation from the narrator really give life to the world of the Elizabethan theatre. Absolute brilliance!
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4 people found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance4 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Stitcher
- 05-12-17
Surprised.
Why surprised? It's definitely different from the other books I've read by Bernard Cornwell.
The reader really brought this to life. I warmed to the story gradually but ended up being sorry when it ended. I liked the amount of historical detail included quite naturally as the story unfolded. Only a really skilful writer can pull this off.
I really enjoyed it.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- R J
- 28-03-18
A wonderful story!
Quite simply a dramatic tale, rich with character and very surprising plot developments. you can almost smell the smoke and see you through the warm lighting of the flames of London. full of danger, sorrow, happiness, tragedy and mischief. Excellent Reading by Thomas Judd.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Kindle Customer
- 07-06-24
Great characters. Great story. Wonderful narration.
I thought this was a really clever storyline and I fell in love with the characters. I’ve read so many of Bernard Cornell’s historical novels and this was different…but it really works. Thoroughly enjoyable from start to end.
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Dr
- 28-08-18
Outstanding
This is a delight, Shakespeare in love but told by a younger brother
It’s genius
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1 person found this helpful
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Overall5 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story5 out of 5 stars
- Rusmat Ahmed
- 15-03-18
Masterful and so well crafted!
A truly imaginative idea for a story (a tale from the perspective of William Shakespeare's brother Richard), masterfully fleshed out into a hugely entertaining plot, and written with such great craft.
Just as in his other books, Cornwell's own terrific imagination opens up our own as the listener gets immersed into the intrigue and spirit of Elizabethan London.
Central to the plot is the first performance of a Midsummer Night's Dream. (You may not be surprised that Fools and Mortals has inspired me to re-read this play, and I have only paused that to write this review.)
The restrained narrative performance by Thomas Judd brought all this to life in the perfect way for Richard Shakespeare. I also really enjoyed the 'voices' of the different characters, which were all really well done and individual in their own right. (Quite a skill!!!)
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Overall4 out of 5 stars
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Performance5 out of 5 stars
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Story4 out of 5 stars
- Phil S-T
- 17-01-18
Different from usual Subject
Not his usual topic
But still an enjoyable listen
Would recommend if you like dramas in a historical setting
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