STATESMAN AND SAINT: Cardinal Wolsey, Sir Thomas More and the Politics of Henry VIII

by Jasper Ridley

LIke new/fine condition vintage hardcover book, no marks, just a bit of edge wear/rubbing to the illustrated jacket. .

Genres: History, Biography, Tudor Period, Nonfiction

338 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1982

About the author

Jasper Ridley was a British writer, known for historical biographies. He was educated at Magdalen College, Oxford, and the Sorbonne. He trained and practiced as a barrister, before starting to write. During World War II, he was a conscientious objector and was, by his own account, violently abused while in a detention camp. He served on St Pancras Borough Council from 1945 to 1949, and stood, unsuccessfully, as Labour Party candidate for Winchester in 1955 general election.

Reviews

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

Enjoyed this very much is the intertwined biographies of Cardinal Woolsey and Sir Thomas Moore, both were prime ministers for King Henry VIII. Got a clear insight into the times and people, King Henry VIII and all the important incidents as they dealt with King Henry, the Pope, Kings, involvement in the ongoing war, personality, things they actually said and did. Excellent research and organization. Didn't think I would like a double biography but it was written extremely well and was able to see both of them distinctly.

[David Elkin · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very different historical take on "The Man for All Seasons" view of Thomas Moore. Wolsey is portrayed as a much more man of our times, even if corrupt and greedy. I agree with Ridley that Thomas Moore is not quite the hero of the day, even if a Catholic Martyr. For my friends who have the hobby of wargaming, a must read for fans of Here I Stand game by GMT.

[Kathy · Rating 3 out of 5]

How involved church was with government. Gave up when author started talking about More's Utopia.