Four Princes: Henry VIII, Francis I, Charles V, Suleiman the Magnificent and the Obsessions that Forged Modern Europe

“A fascinating quadruple biography of four of the greatest monarchs of the Renaissance by this true master of narrative history.” —Simon Sebag Montefiore, New York Times bestselling author

“Julian Elfer’s melodic voice is perfect as narrator of this sweeping history of sixteenth-century Europe. Elfer’s unemotional narration flows steadily through political intrigue and religious changes and conflicts, dynastic marriages, military campaigns, and international explorations that bring Europe into the early modern period. He shifts accents effortlessly between English, French, German, and Turkish. Footnotes are read sotto voce, never breaking the steady narrative. Back and forth across Europe, the Mediterranean Sea, and the western realms of the Ottoman Empire, this history sheds light on a familiar yet complex period.” —AudioFile

British polymath, TV personality, and historian Norwich delivers lively biographies of all four characters. . . . Bad behavior makes for entertaining history, and age has not diminished Norwich's skills. —Kirkus