⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Previous academic study has dismissed the presence of Africans and Asians in the daily life of Tudor England as unlikely; Kaufmann intends in her book to turn that on its head. Using 10 examples from the - granted, occasionally scant - records available, each chapter explores the life of a Black Tudor, from court musicians and silk weavers, to sailors and prostitutes.
Some of Kaufmann's chosen subjects rub shoulders with both the notable names of the period, such as Henry VIII and Sir Francis Drake; others are present for sea battles and famous court tournaments, or involved in the darker parts of London life. Others are simply looking after their homesteads in the countryside.
Whilst the writing itself can be a little dry, the subject matter makes this book worth the effort. It's fascinating and a timely reminder that history, even that of the Early Modern British Isles, should not be allowed to be whitewashed simply for lack of research.
Disclaimer: This review contained affiliate links.
Comments