Henry VIII

Very Interesting People #14

by Eric Ives

Definitive, concise, and very interesting... From William Shakespeare to Winston Churchill, the Very Interesting People series provides authoritative bite-sized biographies of Britain's most fascinating historical figures - people whose influence and importance have stood the test of time. Each book in the series is based upon the biographical entry from the world-famous Oxford Dictionary of National Biography. The Very Interesting People series includes the following 1.William Shakespeare by Peter Holland 2. George Eliot by Rosemary Ashton 3. Charles Dickens by Michael Slater 4. Charles Darwin by Adrian Desmond, James Moore, and Janet Browne 5. Isaac Newton by Richard S.Westfall 6. Elizabeth I by Patrick Collinson 7. George III by John Cannon 8. Benjamin Disraeli by Jonathan Parry 9. Christopher Wren by Kerry Downes 10. John Ruskin by Robert Hewison 11. James Joyce by Bruce Stewart 12. John Milton by Gordon Campbell 13. Jane Austen by Marilyn Butler 14. Henry VIII by Eric Ives 15. Queen Victoria by K. D. Reynolds and H. C. G. Matthew 16. Winston Churchill by Paul Addison 17. Oliver Cromwell by John Morrill 18. Thomas Paine by Mark Philp 19. J. M. W. Turner by Luke Herrmann 20. William and Mary by Tony Claydon and W. A. Speck

Genres: History, Nonfiction

Paperback

First published August 1, 2007

About the author

Historian of Tudor England. Studied under S. T. Bindoff. He taught at the universities of Liverpool and Birmingham and wrote on faction at the Tudor court, Anne Boleyn and Lady Jane Grey.

Reviews

[Dnim · Rating 2 out of 5]

Straightforward and short history of Henry converning political, governance and personality issues. There are just quick mentions of wives, so if you like that aspect and want to get to know about his 6 marriages, this short book is not for you. I am obsessed by Tudors but I like the 360 view and loge details of his 6 marriagens. This read, with aforementioned topics, was thus not that entertaining.

[Mike · Rating 4 out of 5]

A balanced, interesting view into the life of one of England's most well-known monarchs. I like that it doesn't just focus on the his search for an heir, but also focuses on the reformation of church and state, and his interests in Europe.

Definitely worth a read!

[Dale · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good account of the politics of the day and Henry VIII place in history. Recommended as part of an ongoing understanding of his reign.

[Michael · Rating 3 out of 5]

This small book deals primarily with the king's function as a ruler, conflict with the Church of Rome over his divorce, legislation, court advisers, and military actions in France, Scotland & Ireland. It is compact, thus not a simple read, but nevertheless provides an excellent over sight of the man and his times. Historically he is a very important person representing the power of a sovereign king at its peak. As a person he too is interesting, however, one that I would avoid like a plague. I don't believe I was ever aware of his better than competent musical skills.

[Amy Elliot · Rating 4 out of 5]

It isn't a terribly entertaining read, but if you need a quick and authoritative source on Henry, this is the book. Ives is a well-respected historian and provides a thorough picture of Henry.

[J. Wootton · Rating 3 out of 5]

A quick-yet-thorough little biography of one of England's most historically significant monarchs. Readable and interesting.