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Young Henry: the Rise of Henry VIII
Set during the same years of Henry VIII's life as The Tudors, this book charts his rise as a magnificent and ruthless monarch
Immortalized as a domineering king, notorious philanderer, and the unlikely benefactor of a new church, Henry VIII became a legend during his own reign. Who, though, was the young royal who would grow up to become England's most infamous ruler? Robert Hutchinson's Young Henry examines Henry Tudor's childhood beginnings and subsequent rise to power in the most intimate retelling of his early life to date.
While Henry's elder brother Arthur was scrupulously groomed for the crown by their autocratic father, the ten-year-old "spare heir" enjoyed a more carefree childhood, given prestige and power without the looming pressures of the throne. Everything changed for the young prince, though, when his brother died. Henry was nine weeks shy of his eighteenth birthday when he inherited both his brother's widow and the crown.
As King, Henry preferred magnificence and merriment to his royal responsibilities, sweeping away the musty cobwebs of his father's court with feasting, dancing, and sport. Frustrated, too, by the seeming inability of his wife, Katherine of Aragon, to produce an heir, Henry turned his attention to a prospective second queen whose name would endure as long as his: Anne Boleyn. With the king still lacking a successor by the age of 35, however, the time for youthful frolic had come to an end.
Divorcing his wife and the Catholic Church, executing his lover and his violent will, Henry charged forward on a scandalous path of terrifying self-indulgence from which there was no turning back. Young Henry is an illuminating portrait of this tyrannical yet groundbreaking king—before he transformed his country, and the face of the monarchy, irrevocably.
Immortalized as a domineering king, notorious philanderer, and the unlikely benefactor of a new church, Henry VIII became a legend during his own reign. Who, though, was the young royal who would grow up to become England's most infamous ruler? Robert Hutchinson's Young Henry examines Henry Tudor's childhood beginnings and subsequent rise to power in the most intimate retelling of his early life to date.
While Henry's elder brother Arthur was scrupulously groomed for the crown by their autocratic father, the ten-year-old "spare heir" enjoyed a more carefree childhood, given prestige and power without the looming pressures of the throne. Everything changed for the young prince, though, when his brother died. Henry was nine weeks shy of his eighteenth birthday when he inherited both his brother's widow and the crown.
As King, Henry preferred magnificence and merriment to his royal responsibilities, sweeping away the musty cobwebs of his father's court with feasting, dancing, and sport. Frustrated, too, by the seeming inability of his wife, Katherine of Aragon, to produce an heir, Henry turned his attention to a prospective second queen whose name would endure as long as his: Anne Boleyn. With the king still lacking a successor by the age of 35, however, the time for youthful frolic had come to an end.
Divorcing his wife and the Catholic Church, executing his lover and his violent will, Henry charged forward on a scandalous path of terrifying self-indulgence from which there was no turning back. Young Henry is an illuminating portrait of this tyrannical yet groundbreaking king—before he transformed his country, and the face of the monarchy, irrevocably.
356 pages, Paperback
First published April 1, 2011
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
May 30, 2019
There are a myriad amount of primary and secondary source materials (documents, rolls, pamphlets, books, blogs, magazines, videos, and so forth) showcasing the reign of King Henry VIII – especially his divorce from Katherine of Aragon, his break from the Catholic Church, and his on multiple wives. However, other questions arise: what of his upbringing and the early years of his reign? What psychological effects did events and figures have on both his royal and private person? Robert Hutchinson attempts to tackle this topic in, “Young Henry”: The Rise of Henry VIII”.
Hutchinson’s approach in “Young Henry” is to eschew a straight-forward biography/retelling of Henry’s life and attempt (although, still chronologically) to highlight what made Henry become who he was as a person in an attempt to better understand his psyche and life choices. “Young Henry” opens with a background look at Henry’s birth and the political and monarchial state to which he was welcomed. Hutchinson doesn’t make any affirmative statements (although he does voice speculation and implications) asserting the academic history while leaving room for the reader to draw self-deductions/conclusions. In this way, “Young Henry” takes a different angle than usual Henry VIII texts.
The author’s writing style is far from dry and flows smoothly in a rich, descriptive way (Hutchinson could pen a terrific historical-fiction piece, if he chose to do so). “Young Henry” is readable and entertaining but with a scholarly air as the pages overflow with primary document quotes, details, and fresh material that is new even to those familiar with the subject. There are quite a few tasty tidbits to be found within “Young Henry”.
That being said, Hutchinson missteps by claiming facts other historians have debunked or becoming too familiar and casual with the lesson (calling Katherine ‘dumpy’ multiple times, for instance, is not necessary). “Young Henry” also suffers from consistency issues – or more accurately: a lack thereof as the pace tends to slacken and quicken in large chunk intervals. On the positive end, with even with these flaws, Hutchinson doesn’t color the text with too much personal opinion or biases.
The obvious strong suit in Hutchinson’s writing is his ability to describe battles and/or military pursuits in-depth and with a vision bringing these events to life with no fear of ever causing boredom. Even military maneuvers are exciting which, generally, is not every reader’s cup of tea. Plus, “Young Henry” emphasizes battles or squirmishes that other texts gloss over making for a refreshing read.
This strength, however, spotlights the major flaw in “Young Henry” which is that Hutchinson doesn’t truly meet his thesis of explaining how the environment surrounding Henry’s younger self impacted his later nature. It can be argued that the piece is merely a history of Henry’s life up until Anne Boleyn’s demise.
The conclusion of “Young Henry” is rushed, thin, and quite flimsy lacking the beautiful intricacy of the lead-up resulting in a weak ending tampering any magnetic draw. Bluntly: it simply stinks and is not memorable. Perhaps Hutchinson had a dead line to meet or he simply didn’t know the best way to wrap the text but whatever the cause: it missed its mark.
Hutchinson attempts to remedy this with an inclusion of two sections of photo color plates, a timeline of Tudor events, mini-biography blurbs regarding important Tudor figures, and annotated notes. It should also be mentioned that history texts are often judged by the primary-to-secondary resource ratio and “Young Henry” is wonderfully high in the number of primary materials referenced.
Despite not meeting a thesis, some inconsistency issues, and a subpar ending; “Young Henry” still rises to the occasion with energetic storytelling, heavy detail, and new or lesser discussed facts resulting in a fresh read. “Young Henry” is suggested for those interested in Henry VII and/or the Tudors.
Hutchinson’s approach in “Young Henry” is to eschew a straight-forward biography/retelling of Henry’s life and attempt (although, still chronologically) to highlight what made Henry become who he was as a person in an attempt to better understand his psyche and life choices. “Young Henry” opens with a background look at Henry’s birth and the political and monarchial state to which he was welcomed. Hutchinson doesn’t make any affirmative statements (although he does voice speculation and implications) asserting the academic history while leaving room for the reader to draw self-deductions/conclusions. In this way, “Young Henry” takes a different angle than usual Henry VIII texts.
The author’s writing style is far from dry and flows smoothly in a rich, descriptive way (Hutchinson could pen a terrific historical-fiction piece, if he chose to do so). “Young Henry” is readable and entertaining but with a scholarly air as the pages overflow with primary document quotes, details, and fresh material that is new even to those familiar with the subject. There are quite a few tasty tidbits to be found within “Young Henry”.
That being said, Hutchinson missteps by claiming facts other historians have debunked or becoming too familiar and casual with the lesson (calling Katherine ‘dumpy’ multiple times, for instance, is not necessary). “Young Henry” also suffers from consistency issues – or more accurately: a lack thereof as the pace tends to slacken and quicken in large chunk intervals. On the positive end, with even with these flaws, Hutchinson doesn’t color the text with too much personal opinion or biases.
The obvious strong suit in Hutchinson’s writing is his ability to describe battles and/or military pursuits in-depth and with a vision bringing these events to life with no fear of ever causing boredom. Even military maneuvers are exciting which, generally, is not every reader’s cup of tea. Plus, “Young Henry” emphasizes battles or squirmishes that other texts gloss over making for a refreshing read.
This strength, however, spotlights the major flaw in “Young Henry” which is that Hutchinson doesn’t truly meet his thesis of explaining how the environment surrounding Henry’s younger self impacted his later nature. It can be argued that the piece is merely a history of Henry’s life up until Anne Boleyn’s demise.
The conclusion of “Young Henry” is rushed, thin, and quite flimsy lacking the beautiful intricacy of the lead-up resulting in a weak ending tampering any magnetic draw. Bluntly: it simply stinks and is not memorable. Perhaps Hutchinson had a dead line to meet or he simply didn’t know the best way to wrap the text but whatever the cause: it missed its mark.
Hutchinson attempts to remedy this with an inclusion of two sections of photo color plates, a timeline of Tudor events, mini-biography blurbs regarding important Tudor figures, and annotated notes. It should also be mentioned that history texts are often judged by the primary-to-secondary resource ratio and “Young Henry” is wonderfully high in the number of primary materials referenced.
Despite not meeting a thesis, some inconsistency issues, and a subpar ending; “Young Henry” still rises to the occasion with energetic storytelling, heavy detail, and new or lesser discussed facts resulting in a fresh read. “Young Henry” is suggested for those interested in Henry VII and/or the Tudors.
January 1, 2025
Really enjoyed this book.
I liked all of the book, and probably my least favourite bit was the death of Fisher, a decrepit man.
Hutchinson emphasised the death of Margaret Beaufort in shaping Henry VIII.
I liked the description of Henry VII, Elizabeth of York, Henry VIII and his sister Mary and Katherine of Aragon.
At the end of the book there were very long sources which were transcribed into modern English- the book still flowed really well.
I learned quite a lot from this broad scoped account.
I liked all of the book, and probably my least favourite bit was the death of Fisher, a decrepit man.
Hutchinson emphasised the death of Margaret Beaufort in shaping Henry VIII.
I liked the description of Henry VII, Elizabeth of York, Henry VIII and his sister Mary and Katherine of Aragon.
At the end of the book there were very long sources which were transcribed into modern English- the book still flowed really well.
I learned quite a lot from this broad scoped account.
October 31, 2012
“Young Henry The Rise of Henry VIII” by Robert Hutchinson, published by Thomas Dunne Books.
Category – Biography
Most of us view Henry VIII as an obese English King who is known for beheading wives and forming the Church of England.
Robert Hutchinson gives us a view of Henry VIII as a young man. Few know that he was known as the “spare heir” due to his older brother Arthur who was to become King. When Arthur died, Henry became the next in line to succeed Henry VII.
Henry grew up footloose and fancy free and he took those attributes into his kingship. He was frivolous with his money and his father was miserly. There was no end to the jousting, feasting, and pageantry of his reign.
Henry’s major concern was the continuation of the Tudor succession to the English Throne, and for this he needed a male heir. His marriage to Katherine of Aragon seemed to be a perfect marriage and would have been had she been able to produce a male heir.
Henry petitioned the Catholic Church to annul the marriage so he could remarry. The Church refused the annulment and Henry left the Church and instituted the Church of England.
This book is for those interested in history, those interested in the Kings of England and their lives, and those who would like to know more about Henry VIII and the impact, which was substantial, in changing the course of history.
Category – Biography
Most of us view Henry VIII as an obese English King who is known for beheading wives and forming the Church of England.
Robert Hutchinson gives us a view of Henry VIII as a young man. Few know that he was known as the “spare heir” due to his older brother Arthur who was to become King. When Arthur died, Henry became the next in line to succeed Henry VII.
Henry grew up footloose and fancy free and he took those attributes into his kingship. He was frivolous with his money and his father was miserly. There was no end to the jousting, feasting, and pageantry of his reign.
Henry’s major concern was the continuation of the Tudor succession to the English Throne, and for this he needed a male heir. His marriage to Katherine of Aragon seemed to be a perfect marriage and would have been had she been able to produce a male heir.
Henry petitioned the Catholic Church to annul the marriage so he could remarry. The Church refused the annulment and Henry left the Church and instituted the Church of England.
This book is for those interested in history, those interested in the Kings of England and their lives, and those who would like to know more about Henry VIII and the impact, which was substantial, in changing the course of history.
May 2, 2012
The stories goes like this when Henry became the unexpected heir to the precarious Tudor throne 1502, after his elder brother Arthur died. He also inherited his brother's wardrobe and his wife, the Spanish princess Katherine of Aragon. He bacame king in 1509.
It's ironic and unfussy history ...
It's ironic and unfussy history ...
September 18, 2024
Excellent!!!!
Showcases what kind of athlete and artisan the young King Henry VIII truly was!
"Henry jousted 28 passes breaking 12 laces with a total of 9 hits."
An expert jouster, hunter, and musician people often forget what a true Renissance man Henry really was!
This book is a must for any fan of Henry VIII or fan of the Tudors TV series!
Showcases what kind of athlete and artisan the young King Henry VIII truly was!
"Henry jousted 28 passes breaking 12 laces with a total of 9 hits."
An expert jouster, hunter, and musician people often forget what a true Renissance man Henry really was!
This book is a must for any fan of Henry VIII or fan of the Tudors TV series!
Want to read
March 6, 2014description: Immortalized as a domineering king, notorious philanderer, and the unlikely benefactor of a new church, Henry VIII became a legend during his own reign. Who, though, was the young royal who would grow up to become EnglandΓÇÖs most infamous ruler? Robert HutchinsonΓÇÖs Young Henry examines Henry TudorΓÇÖs childhood beginnings and subsequent rise to power in the most intimate retelling of his early life to date.
While HenryΓÇÖs elder brother Arthur was scrupulously groomed for the crown by their autocratic father, the ten-year-old ΓÇ£spare heirΓÇ¥ enjoyed a more carefree childhood, given prestige and power without the looming pressures of the throne. Everything changed for the young prince, though, when his brother died. Henry was nine weeks shy of his eighteenth birthday when he inherited both his brotherΓÇÖs widow and the crown.
As King, Henry preferred magnificence and merriment to his royal responsibilities, sweeping away the musty cobwebs of his father's court with feasting, dancing, and sport. Frustrated, too, by the seeming inability of his wife, Katherine of Aragon, to produce an heir, Henry turned his attention to a prospective second queen whose name would endure as long as his: Anne Boleyn. With the king still lacking a successor by the age of 35, however, the time for youthful frolic had come to an end.
Divorcing his wife and the Catholic Church, executing his lover and his violent will, Henry charged forward on a scandalous path of terrifying self-indulgence from which there was no turning back. Young Henry is an illuminating portrait of this tyrannical yet groundbreaking kingΓÇöbefore he transformed his country, and the face of the monarchy, irrevocably.
While HenryΓÇÖs elder brother Arthur was scrupulously groomed for the crown by their autocratic father, the ten-year-old ΓÇ£spare heirΓÇ¥ enjoyed a more carefree childhood, given prestige and power without the looming pressures of the throne. Everything changed for the young prince, though, when his brother died. Henry was nine weeks shy of his eighteenth birthday when he inherited both his brotherΓÇÖs widow and the crown.
As King, Henry preferred magnificence and merriment to his royal responsibilities, sweeping away the musty cobwebs of his father's court with feasting, dancing, and sport. Frustrated, too, by the seeming inability of his wife, Katherine of Aragon, to produce an heir, Henry turned his attention to a prospective second queen whose name would endure as long as his: Anne Boleyn. With the king still lacking a successor by the age of 35, however, the time for youthful frolic had come to an end.
Divorcing his wife and the Catholic Church, executing his lover and his violent will, Henry charged forward on a scandalous path of terrifying self-indulgence from which there was no turning back. Young Henry is an illuminating portrait of this tyrannical yet groundbreaking kingΓÇöbefore he transformed his country, and the face of the monarchy, irrevocably.
December 12, 2014
This guy thinks very little of women - and, indeed, knows nothing of them. Kudos for both championing Katherine of Aragon and blaming her for her husband's infidelities - after all, it was her fault for choosing* immoral** maids of honour, and how could the poor, poor woobie victim Henry control himself around them? I also loved how Bessie Blount was forced to leave the court on October 3 due to the "evidence" of her pregnancy with Henry Fitzroy, born June 15. (For the record, a child born June 15 would likely be conceived in late September or early October. She couldn't even have known she was pregnant when she left - which brings up interesting possibilities that this writer hasn't even noticed.)
Also excellent to read an interpretation of Anne Boleyn that makes Eustace Chapuys look like an impartial observer. At least Chapuys had a valid reason to hate Anne; what's this writer's malfunction?
Feh. Feh feh feh. Back to Starkey and Ives...
* In reality, Henry chose them.
** In reality, you weren't allowed to say no to the King - although you were blamed when you didn't. And you thought Heller invented Catch-22?
Also excellent to read an interpretation of Anne Boleyn that makes Eustace Chapuys look like an impartial observer. At least Chapuys had a valid reason to hate Anne; what's this writer's malfunction?
Feh. Feh feh feh. Back to Starkey and Ives...
* In reality, Henry chose them.
** In reality, you weren't allowed to say no to the King - although you were blamed when you didn't. And you thought Heller invented Catch-22?
September 7, 2016
A solid biography about a young Henry VIII. The book covers the period from Henry's birth to roughly the end of his fight for the divorce to Katherine of Aragon (including of course some family history). Since the author only had to cover a very short period of Henry's life he had the luxury of including details that would otherwise have to be excluded for times sake. Especially about Henry's childhood which is always a little bit left out in his biographies. Still, the author didn't bringt a lot of news to the already brimming Tudor nonfiction (and fiction) book market. The main story will always be the same but in terms of conclusions & opinions every author draws a very personalised picture of the past events. From this point of view the "Young Henry" is probably not worth reading for someone who already read a lot of Tudor literature although it is still enjoyable.
August 16, 2018
It’s an interesting concept to examine Henry VIII’s beginnings, but Hutchinson doesn’t quite pull it off – the chronology was muddled and Hutchinson blurs the line between fact and speculation too often, assigning thoughts and actions and feelings concerning Henry and those around him that the author has no way of knowing.
Hutchinson also seems to have realized he didn’t have enough material for a full book, (Henry is king before page 100), so he pads things out with other people and events, plus too much irreverent commentary, and stretches things out all the way to when Henry was 42 – hardly still young or just on the rise.
I liked the idea, but the whole book needed tightening to sharpen the focus and better prove his theories.
February 8, 2013
I was expecting it to be less of a day by day biography and more of a novel about his life. For instance, what is the point of knowing the exact length of cloth that was bought for each royal occasion?
I did learn a lot about the life and society of the time when Henry the IV was growing up, and how it may have shaped his later years of eccentricity. However, I was sad that the author only went into depth about his first two wives and had a epilogue chapter to briefly name his other wives.
I think I would have appreciated a more consistent understanding of his life and less oddly specific details.
I did learn a lot about the life and society of the time when Henry the IV was growing up, and how it may have shaped his later years of eccentricity. However, I was sad that the author only went into depth about his first two wives and had a epilogue chapter to briefly name his other wives.
I think I would have appreciated a more consistent understanding of his life and less oddly specific details.
September 11, 2013
Just OK. Maybe I'm jaded because I've read so much about the Tudors already, but this didn't capture my attention in the way that I had hoped. Definitely a worthwhile read about Henry VIII's younger years, but I had hoped for more about his years as Duke of York and then Prince of Wales, rather than of the earlier years of his reign.
Read
May 7, 2011Entertaining, well-written account of Henry's youth. I can't say I found any new insights in it, but it was a good read.
April 26, 2016
Excellent and fresh account of the early years of Henry VIII. I have read a lot on the subject but.....I learned a lot, came up with a new theory of my own and am generally impressed!
August 16, 2020
As a former defence correspondent the author's life of young Henry VIII shows a spark of liveliness when it comes to Henry's campaigns against France. The battlefield and wartime diplomacy are his forte. The rest of the time there are a lot of references to the amounts paid for items at court, usually followed by an explanation of how much that would be in today's money, and an unusual fixation with dimensions, given in both imperial and metric terms – it might have been tidier to choose one and stick to it. An occasional flourish of journalese creeps in, as in the description of the relations between Henry and Emperor Maximilian after the proposed marriage between Henry's sister Mary and the Charles, Duke of Burgundy: “After the lavish nuptial celebrations, emperor and king would don their armour, collect their fearsome trappings of war and again strike boldly at perfidious Gaul.” Well, OK, they planned battle tactics together.
Increasingly towards the end, both of the book and Henry's marriage to Katherine, I began to feel that Henry was being portrayed as a bit of a lad rather than a Tudor king fearful of the consequences of failing to produce a male heir. After all, his father had gained the crown through battle not succession – that's an awkward precedent to set. Henry did his best to continue his father's elimination of rival claimants, and I sense that he was not a youngish man out to enjoy himself with the other lads, leaving government in the hands of Wolsey and Cromwell - until it came to a bit of judicial bloodshed - but a worried monarch who might ultimately fail his father's ambition. The cast are medieval people with medieval sensibilities and medieval minds. However, in this book Ann Boleyn and Henry almost behave as Sharon and Harry from Essex with Harry dumping his old flame Kath in favour of a good time.
Despite quotations and statistics this is history without a real sense of historicity.
Increasingly towards the end, both of the book and Henry's marriage to Katherine, I began to feel that Henry was being portrayed as a bit of a lad rather than a Tudor king fearful of the consequences of failing to produce a male heir. After all, his father had gained the crown through battle not succession – that's an awkward precedent to set. Henry did his best to continue his father's elimination of rival claimants, and I sense that he was not a youngish man out to enjoy himself with the other lads, leaving government in the hands of Wolsey and Cromwell - until it came to a bit of judicial bloodshed - but a worried monarch who might ultimately fail his father's ambition. The cast are medieval people with medieval sensibilities and medieval minds. However, in this book Ann Boleyn and Henry almost behave as Sharon and Harry from Essex with Harry dumping his old flame Kath in favour of a good time.
Despite quotations and statistics this is history without a real sense of historicity.
May 5, 2018
Most books on King Henry 8th focus on the later dramatic years of his reign, when he takes over the Church of England, marries again and again, executing 2 wives along the way, and becomes a despotic tyrant. This book, Young Henry, focuses instead on his early years, as a prince, then through his early reign to the time he begins to seek divorce from Catherine of Aragon and is pursing Ann Boylen. The book is informative on this period in Henry's life and the narrative is lively and flows well, not bogged down in scholastic details. His early reign, often skimmed over in other works, is well presented. I've read many books on Henry, and yet I still learned quite a bit from this one. Additionally, there are a number of fine color pictures that add to the narrative. For a shorter, non-scholarly work, this book is likely the best recent book there is out there on Henry 8th's early reign. A quick and useful read for those who want a fuller picture of Henry's life and reign.
August 9, 2024
Considering he is probable the most famous King that there has ever been there are very few recent books on him.
I have read both this authors books on Henry and both are incredibly well researched. As an aside i grew up in mid Bedfordshire where he once owned a castle, Ampthill (there is not a brick left now), many many times as a youngster me and my mates found ourselves in that park at night camping and night fishing and i can say it is a spooky place to find yourself at night just the cracking of twiggs caused by deer and the shrill of birds on the lake, there is nothing around for miles and when i consider what happened here it would have sent a chill up my spine if i'd have known, you would not want to find yourself alone up there at night. Trust me, the ghost of Henry and Katherine are still there.
I have read both this authors books on Henry and both are incredibly well researched. As an aside i grew up in mid Bedfordshire where he once owned a castle, Ampthill (there is not a brick left now), many many times as a youngster me and my mates found ourselves in that park at night camping and night fishing and i can say it is a spooky place to find yourself at night just the cracking of twiggs caused by deer and the shrill of birds on the lake, there is nothing around for miles and when i consider what happened here it would have sent a chill up my spine if i'd have known, you would not want to find yourself alone up there at night. Trust me, the ghost of Henry and Katherine are still there.
Read
July 17, 2022I love all things Tudor and I wanted so desperately to like this book, but I couldn't get through it. I struggled with the style of prose. I would've dealt with that if the story grabbed me, but in this case, it didn't. I think I gave up after about 50 pages.
August 12, 2018
a treat for any tudor fan, this book is written really well and has so much information in it
March 16, 2019
Not an academic work, lacks detail, but it's a good leisure read.
November 22, 2021
I could not put it down!
Read
November 17, 2023There were things that I disagreed with vehemently and also things I agreed with. Good starter for someone looking.
September 16, 2024
Well written and an easy introduction to this most infamous English King. Lots of good information here and it's not overly long as some other works are but still has extensive notes.
June 7, 2025
not great. shares some untruths as well.
July 1, 2025
Enjoyed this book good insight into the life of a young Henry VIII
August 19, 2013
A fairly quick read about the early to middle years of King Henry VIII. A fair amount of unusual information on Henry's youth and the early part of his marriage to Katherine of Aragon. There are some really nice color plates, including some fairly rare art (a beautiful bust of Henry as a child is especially nice) and the notes and historical references at the end of the book are excellent. I can't say it changed any opinions I may have held about Henry (he's a big jerk--pretty much from childhood on). My biggest complaint is the repeating of some pretty commonly debunked myths as well as some assumptive conclusions on the author's part--mostly regarding the deaths of some of the many people at the Tudor court. It's one thing to have an opinion on whether someone was poisoned or died of cancer but to state it as fact without backing is really not what I look for in historical writings. This also applies to stating that the "King could more than likely no longer procreate" while married to Katherine Parr-- it is commonly stated that he was very physically enamored of her, so that's making a bit of an assumption. I also took umbrage at some of the author's language towards Anne Boleyn--it was a bit "drinking the Kool-Aid" in that manner for me--it is possible to have sympathy for Queen Katherine without hating Anne Boleyn and I found that a bit distracting. Overall, interesting and decently written and minus the opinions and assumptions would have been much better.
January 24, 2015
Hutchinson has managed once again to write in a concise manner which is engaging and very factual. The book was well sourced and easy to follow with a much appreciated chronology in the back of the book and detail of key figures that the reader can use for reference, something that I feel all historical books would benefit from. His arguments are both compelling and well referenced. I very much enjoyed the earlier chapters which provided lots of detail on the reign of Henry VII, a very interesting, not sufficiently written about figure. Overall, an enjoyable read which I think anyone interested in the subject would be able to enjoy and follow, I look forward to now reading his 'The Last Days of Henry VIII'.
January 31, 2015
Nicely written work about the early years of Henry VIII. Sadly he comes off as a total loser as far as leaders go (though Ferdinand is a piece of work as well; in contrast, I didn't realize what a war hero Norfolk was - enjoyed that bit in particular). There is not much romanticizing of Henry in this book.
However, his passion for learning, arts, and sport make him somewhat endearing. Interesting information about the 'pretenders' -- didn't realize there were so many. Some nice extras too -- timeline, who's who and colored plates of Henry and family. Good read.
However, his passion for learning, arts, and sport make him somewhat endearing. Interesting information about the 'pretenders' -- didn't realize there were so many. Some nice extras too -- timeline, who's who and colored plates of Henry and family. Good read.
November 21, 2014
This was a very straightforward, chronological recounting of what happened during the early part of Henry VIII's life, from before his birth through to the end of his marriage with Katherine of Aragon. It focused more on the early part of his life - his childhood and adolescence.
Nothing new here, really. This would be a good introduction to the period and the characters.
Nothing new here, really. This would be a good introduction to the period and the characters.
June 20, 2014
This is the second book I have read by this author. I enjoyed the book and I now know more about Henry VIII and found it very interesting. I was on about 54% into the book and it finished going into epilogue, notes and index. This was the same when I read the Spanish Armada. Why I do not no, but I felt cheated because I still wanted to read on.
June 22, 2015
Henry VIII's biography tends to be inextricably linked with his six wives and his break from Rome, so it's refreshing to read a book that concentrates on his formative early days. The court life of royal father Henry VII, Henry's nursery life, and his own early days as king, finally get the airing they deserve, in concise, informative, and forthright fashion.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews