William Paulet was the ultimate courtier. For an astonishing 46 years he served at the courts of Henry VIII Edward VI Mary & Elizabeth & was one of the men responsible for introducing the changes in religious economic & social issues which shaped England as we know it today. He was a judge at the trials of Fisher More & the alleged accomplices of Anne Boleyn & though born a commoner by his death he was the senior peer in England & as Lord High Treasurer he held one of the most influential positions at court. With his long & varied career within the royal household & in government a study of Paulet presents an excellent opportunity to look in more detail at courtly life allowing the reader an understanding of how he spent his working day. Tudor Survivor" is the biography of the man who defined the role of courtier but also gives valuable insight into everyday life from etiquette & bathing to court politics & the monarchs themselves. When asked how he had managed to survive so long Paulet replied By being a willow not an oak. The authors research shows that this remarkable man was steelier than he admitted."