To Play the King by Michael Dobbs, 0006471641, Lowest Book Price Finder

Customer Reviews:

hard to take in spots

I would tend to agree with the preceding review. Ian Richardson is the person who gives life to the character of Francis Urquhart. On paper, without the winks and the malicious apostrophes (asides to the audience), it just doesn't appeal at all.

I also found the lengthy passages detailing one character's sordid personal life to be very distasteful and unnecessary.

Not nearly as good as the teleplay

The book suffers in comparison to the BBC television play. Ian Richardson, the actor playing Francis Urquhart, brought a wonderful comedic and sinister tilt to the character. On paper, it just doesn't come across.

Plus, the ... ending isn't as nearly as satisfying as the ending on tv.

Bottom line: "good" characters are common, well-drawn villains are far fewer.

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