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Albert Frederick Pollard was born in Ryde on the Isle of Wight. He was educated at Felsted School and Jesus College, Oxford where he achieved a first class honours in Modern History in 1891. He became Assistant Editor of and a contributor to the Dictionary of National Biography in 1893. He was Professor of Constitutional History at University College London from 1903 to 1931. He was a member of the Royal Commission on Historical Manuscripts, and founder of the Historical Association, 1906. He was Editor of History, 1916-1922, and of the Bulletin of the Institute of Historical Research, 1923-1939. He published 500 articles in the Dictionary of National Biography, and many other books and papers concerning history. Later in his career, he was a major force in establishing history as an academic subject in Britain. One of his most influential textbooks became The Evolution of Parliament published in 1920.
Good coverage on the movers and shakers. I would have liked more analysis of the theological issues and especially on how the shutting down of the monasteries was accomplished and the fallout.
This book is beautifully written in an older style (written in 1906). It takes a somewhat adoring stance towards Henry, in contrast to newer books in possession of more recent findings from that era. I found the discussion of his prowess at most everything to be admired in a man of that day (jousting, archery, music, theology, good looks, etc) gave me more insight into how and why he was so admired. The presentation of the intrigue and schemes with the other key monarchs was fascinating. All in all, dated, but interesting.
Henry VIII by Albert Frederick Pollard is a fascinating book. If you love history, it is important to read this book. Henry VIII totally changed England. I highly recommend this book.
The author has done extensive research on Henry and his times, including his relationships with his peers (the Kings of Spain and France, especially). Only downside: no illustrations.