This family reigned for only 117 years (1485–1603), but the contribution of the Tudors to world history cannot be overestimated. This dynasty turned England into the “Mistress of the Seas” and the leader of Europe. These monarchs led their country through the most dangerous reefs and shoals, turning it into the “unsinkable” flagship of European civilization, leaving behind the world’s first Parliament, a national Church and great literature, giving the world a whole constellation of geniuses - from Thomas More to Francis Bacon and William Shakespeare. And the history of the Tudors itself reads like an amazing tragedy of Shakespearean proportions - what fates! what passions! what characters! what stories! Henry VIII and his six wives! Bloody Mary! Defeat of the Great Armada! The "Golden Age" of the Virgin Queen! – it’s not for nothing that so many famous films (“Elizabeth,” “The Other Boleyn Girl,” “Henry VIII,” “Anonymous”) and one of the most popular television series (“The Tudors”) are dedicated to them. A new book from the author of the bestseller “The Great Churchill” pays tribute to the legendary royal dynasty that not only left its mark on history, but changed the world forever - and changed it for the better.