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News, Sunday, 2nd July 2023:
"In the Shadow of the King" released by Club Lighthouse Publishing
In the Shadow of the
King by Deborah O'Toole was released by
Club Lighthouse Publishing
in July 2023. The paperback is available at
Amazon, while the e-book
can be obtained at both
Amazon and
Barnes & Noble.
In the Shadow of the King by Deborah O'Toole is a semi-fictional
account of the dramatic life of Sir Francis Bryan, confidant to King
Henry VIII.
Sir Francis Bryan was a man of letters who distinguished himself as
a cipher, diplomat, poet, sailor and soldier. He was also knight
bannerette, chevalier, chief gentleman of the privy chamber, Lord
Chief Justice of Ireland and a gifted sportsman. He lost an eye
during a jousting tournament and forever after wore a rakish eye
patch, which merely added to his allure.
During his time in Henry VIII's court and one of the few who escaped
the King's wrath, Bryan was dubbed the "one-eyed Vicar of Hell" by
the King's chief minister, Thomas Cromwell, because of his apparent
lack of scruples and legendary sexual exploits. Bryan had a
well-earned reputation as a self-indulgent libertine, and was said
to have been a willing accomplice in the King's tangled love
affairs.
Bryan's irresistible charm masked an inveterate intriguer full of
barely-contained energy. He could be duplicitous, manipulative and
promiscuous as well as highly articulate, ferociously witty and
generous when the mood struck him. In videlicet, he was the perfect
courtier. Many observers were astounded by the familiarity he used
towards Henry VIII, especially in speaking his mind. However, Bryan
was no creature of principle. By bending his opinions to fit the
King's policy, he managed to remain in favor throughout Henry VIII's
reign.
In the Shadow of the King brings to life the story of Sir Francis
Bryan, as told by one of his descendants in the twenty-first
century.
"In
the Shadow of the King" also has a page at Facebook >
Check Deborah O'Toole's
Twitter
page for ongoing updates.
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