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Henry VIII
Henry VIII ruled England from 1509 to 1547. As a young man, he was fond of sports and hunting, and was said to be uncommonly handsome. Standing more than six feet tall, he loomed large in the lives and minds of his subjects as he navigated his country through the tricky diplomatic and military hazards of the sixteenth century. A man of enormous appetites, Henry conducted affairs with many women, married six, and executed two. His infatuation with Anne Boleyn set in motion a chain of events that reshaped the church in England and eroded the dominance of Rome. But the popular image of Henry as a crude tyrant, dispatching courtiers, enemies, and wives with gusto, obscures a more nuanced and fascinating character. He was a true Renaissance king who presided over one of Europe's greatest courts and nudged Western civilization onto a new course. Here, from Abigail Archer, author of The New York Times bestseller Elizabeth I, is the story of Henry VIII.
116 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 12, 2015
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171 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
November 1, 2021
2.5 stars rounded down.
This is very readable, light in tone and very short. The audiobook I borrowed from Hoopla was about 3 hrs at an increased speed.
The author repeatedly quoted Alison Weir and made several errors that are easily Google-able and may be simple printing/editing errors but just doesn't work for me.
So I'm now reading Alison Weir's Henry VIII the king and his court.🤷🏾♀️
This is very readable, light in tone and very short. The audiobook I borrowed from Hoopla was about 3 hrs at an increased speed.
The author repeatedly quoted Alison Weir and made several errors that are easily Google-able and may be simple printing/editing errors but just doesn't work for me.
So I'm now reading Alison Weir's Henry VIII the king and his court.🤷🏾♀️
November 2, 2021
An entertaining read, although from book reviews I have read, there are supposedly many factual errors. The book is mainly about King Henry VIII and his female relationships.
March 21, 2015
I paid $1.99 for this book which was $1.98 too much. Dry, nothing new
April 9, 2016
So many inaccuracies that I don't even know where to start.
Full review to come.
+++++++++++++
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I really should know better when it comes to very short volumes purporting to tell the story of a complex monarch. I have made this mistake in the past and am not sure what I was thinking when I grabbed this one after seeing it advertised on Book Bub. Luckily, I do not think it was more than ninety-nine cents, so that is some comfort.
The writing itself it not poor, and perhaps if the author had had a larger vision for the work, or more research, this could have been a much better book. Unfortunately there were simply so many inaccuracies, it can not be taken too seriously as a comprehensive and well-researched book.
Early on, it was easy to see how superficial the book was going to be. The reader is also confronted very early on with questionable research based on the information presented. When discussing the issue of Catherine potentially marrying Henry after Arthur's death, the author implies that Henry VII wanted the marriage to go forward. This is not actually true, as has been documented several times by several different historians. Catherine was effectively isolated for quite a long time after Arthur's death and was merely a pawn as her father Ferdinand and Henry VII argued over her dowry and payments, among other things. Most other accounts even state that Henry VII steered young Henry away from the marriage, and that is why it took place only after Henry VII died. That is not to say that Henry VIII was always in favor of the marriage himself either, but it is a bit of a stretch to say that he was the one who prevented it from taking place while his father was alive. Prince and princesses had little say in who they did or did not married while their parents lived.
The inaccuracies continue after Henry and Catherine wed. I am not sure if it is intentional, but either the author is sometimes-biased against Anne Boleyn, or she simply did not do the research to now the difference between Anne and her sister Mary. As a slight to Anne's character (please do not mistake this statement by me and being an Anne supporter in any way. I am certainly not and was not unhappy to see her replaced by Jane Seymour). the author indicates Anne being something of a girl with loose morals so to speak when she remained in France after Henry's sister Mary returned to England. yet most other accounts written about the time period indicates that these things were spoken about Anne's sister, also named Mary. I am not looking to make Anne look good by any means, but I read non-fiction for a reason: I like facts and the truth. This book plays fast and loose with both. If such things were even spoken about Anne, would Henry have pursued her for so long? He and Francis were frenemies, so I find it highly unlikely that a person of such ego as Henry VIII would pursue such drastic measures for a woman who could not say no to a king who most of the time Henry could not stand. Later she also makes claims that there are scholars who think it is likely that Anne had affairs while married to Henry. How would this have even been possible? Queens were always attended by their ladies-in-waiting, they were never alone. While Katherine Howard later did have affairs, it was with the help of some of her ladies. I find it hard to believe that once the idea was planted for Jane to take Anne's place as queen, Jane would not have come forward with some information of said affairs. Despite my disdain for Anne Boleyn, I think it is safe to say that the crimes she was accused off later, including an affair with her own brother, were pure rubbish concocted in order to make it easy to get rid of her. Any scholars who do believe she had any affairs is not one who is in the majority.
Perhaps my biggest source of contention with this book, however, come in regards to Henry and Anne's reaction to the death of Catherine of Aragon. The author claims that the two were in mourning and wore yellow, as yellow was the color of mourning for royalty in Spain. This has been disproven. Even Alison Weir, who claimed this was once true in her book on the wives of Henry VIII, later recanted that fact in her book about Anne, 'The Lady in the Tower', saying that it was falsely concluded that yellow was the color of mourning. Not only is this just poor research and silly belief, but there is simply no way Henry and Anne would have mourned Catherine's death, considering all the "trouble" she gave them in fighting for her own marriage. The pair would have been joyous, relieved, even celebratory, that their foe was finally vanquished.
As I went on it seemed less and less likely that much research went into this book. At one point it was stated that in 1526, Cardinal Wolsey gave his beloved Hampton Court to Henry. really? REALLY? That is point blank not true. When Wolsey fell from favor, Henry TOOK Hampton Court and all of Wolsey's other property as well. It even says so on the palace's website. I mean, come on. Something so easily verifiable, yet totally wrong.
While there are many more inaccuracies that I could address, I think these major ones have served their purpose well. The Tudor Dynasty during Henry's reign was very complicated. This book, however, is very superficial at best. I would hate for someone with an interest in Tudor history to start with this book and think that the conclusions and facts are correct or legitimate, or that they are building a foundation of Tudor history. They will be sorely disappointed when moving on to better, more accurate, and more detailed books and realize this one was a waste of time. There are too many inaccuracies and I can whole-heartedly say I do not recommend it at all.
Full review to come.
+++++++++++++
http://allthebookblognamesaretaken.bl...
www.facebook.com/AllTheBookBlogNamesA...
www.twitter.com/SarahsBookNook
I really should know better when it comes to very short volumes purporting to tell the story of a complex monarch. I have made this mistake in the past and am not sure what I was thinking when I grabbed this one after seeing it advertised on Book Bub. Luckily, I do not think it was more than ninety-nine cents, so that is some comfort.
The writing itself it not poor, and perhaps if the author had had a larger vision for the work, or more research, this could have been a much better book. Unfortunately there were simply so many inaccuracies, it can not be taken too seriously as a comprehensive and well-researched book.
Early on, it was easy to see how superficial the book was going to be. The reader is also confronted very early on with questionable research based on the information presented. When discussing the issue of Catherine potentially marrying Henry after Arthur's death, the author implies that Henry VII wanted the marriage to go forward. This is not actually true, as has been documented several times by several different historians. Catherine was effectively isolated for quite a long time after Arthur's death and was merely a pawn as her father Ferdinand and Henry VII argued over her dowry and payments, among other things. Most other accounts even state that Henry VII steered young Henry away from the marriage, and that is why it took place only after Henry VII died. That is not to say that Henry VIII was always in favor of the marriage himself either, but it is a bit of a stretch to say that he was the one who prevented it from taking place while his father was alive. Prince and princesses had little say in who they did or did not married while their parents lived.
The inaccuracies continue after Henry and Catherine wed. I am not sure if it is intentional, but either the author is sometimes-biased against Anne Boleyn, or she simply did not do the research to now the difference between Anne and her sister Mary. As a slight to Anne's character (please do not mistake this statement by me and being an Anne supporter in any way. I am certainly not and was not unhappy to see her replaced by Jane Seymour). the author indicates Anne being something of a girl with loose morals so to speak when she remained in France after Henry's sister Mary returned to England. yet most other accounts written about the time period indicates that these things were spoken about Anne's sister, also named Mary. I am not looking to make Anne look good by any means, but I read non-fiction for a reason: I like facts and the truth. This book plays fast and loose with both. If such things were even spoken about Anne, would Henry have pursued her for so long? He and Francis were frenemies, so I find it highly unlikely that a person of such ego as Henry VIII would pursue such drastic measures for a woman who could not say no to a king who most of the time Henry could not stand. Later she also makes claims that there are scholars who think it is likely that Anne had affairs while married to Henry. How would this have even been possible? Queens were always attended by their ladies-in-waiting, they were never alone. While Katherine Howard later did have affairs, it was with the help of some of her ladies. I find it hard to believe that once the idea was planted for Jane to take Anne's place as queen, Jane would not have come forward with some information of said affairs. Despite my disdain for Anne Boleyn, I think it is safe to say that the crimes she was accused off later, including an affair with her own brother, were pure rubbish concocted in order to make it easy to get rid of her. Any scholars who do believe she had any affairs is not one who is in the majority.
Perhaps my biggest source of contention with this book, however, come in regards to Henry and Anne's reaction to the death of Catherine of Aragon. The author claims that the two were in mourning and wore yellow, as yellow was the color of mourning for royalty in Spain. This has been disproven. Even Alison Weir, who claimed this was once true in her book on the wives of Henry VIII, later recanted that fact in her book about Anne, 'The Lady in the Tower', saying that it was falsely concluded that yellow was the color of mourning. Not only is this just poor research and silly belief, but there is simply no way Henry and Anne would have mourned Catherine's death, considering all the "trouble" she gave them in fighting for her own marriage. The pair would have been joyous, relieved, even celebratory, that their foe was finally vanquished.
As I went on it seemed less and less likely that much research went into this book. At one point it was stated that in 1526, Cardinal Wolsey gave his beloved Hampton Court to Henry. really? REALLY? That is point blank not true. When Wolsey fell from favor, Henry TOOK Hampton Court and all of Wolsey's other property as well. It even says so on the palace's website. I mean, come on. Something so easily verifiable, yet totally wrong.
While there are many more inaccuracies that I could address, I think these major ones have served their purpose well. The Tudor Dynasty during Henry's reign was very complicated. This book, however, is very superficial at best. I would hate for someone with an interest in Tudor history to start with this book and think that the conclusions and facts are correct or legitimate, or that they are building a foundation of Tudor history. They will be sorely disappointed when moving on to better, more accurate, and more detailed books and realize this one was a waste of time. There are too many inaccuracies and I can whole-heartedly say I do not recommend it at all.
Read
March 20, 2023Wanted to read about Henry VIII ever since I learnt he spoke 8 languages and was very handsome as a young man. Still very hard to fathom why he changed so much (apart from political turmoil and the need to produce heirs). Well written, pacy biography that covers all salient points.
March 12, 2021
Some parts are good, like Archer acknowledging Henry having a tendency for judicial murder right at the start with Empson and Dudley, as well as bringing up the new theories about Henry possibly being Kell Positive and having McLeod disease.
But for the most part, there were so many little inaccuracies slipped in here, there, everywhere, that it made me cringe and really want to break out the red pen.
June 1, 2022
The most entertaining version of Henry VIII story, I'd read or heard so far
November 20, 2021
Nothing in here is factually incorrect, though it is all entirely cursory knowledge. In a few instances the author recognizes historical disputes (Henry’s theoretical suffering from McLouds to Kell’s) but in other instances states things as fact that are up for debate (the birth of Mary Boleyn). Not terrible, but not informative for those already familiar with the history. Very little time is spent on wives 3-6; though very little of Henry’s life was spent on them. At 3 hours for the audiobook, it was still worth my time.
For context, I have a BA in European History and have focused on English/Tudor history. If you don’t have a familiarity with the topic, this seems like a beautiful overview/introduction. But in some cases you might get more out of the TV show.
Also, Allison Weir is not a recognized historian in this field. She writes historical fiction. I am not reviewing her novels here, but it is disconcerting that the only name I recognized was one of fiction and not of academia.
For context, I have a BA in European History and have focused on English/Tudor history. If you don’t have a familiarity with the topic, this seems like a beautiful overview/introduction. But in some cases you might get more out of the TV show.
Also, Allison Weir is not a recognized historian in this field. She writes historical fiction. I am not reviewing her novels here, but it is disconcerting that the only name I recognized was one of fiction and not of academia.
Read
May 28, 2022This is a popular history book in tone and content. More emphasis on drama, less concern with details, historical context, or accuracy. Sadly, this is the case for a lot of popular history books.
I listened to it as an audio book, and it was an easy way to kill a few hours, so I guess it works on that level. If you want something that is historically sound, I personally recommend actual scholars on the subject who are acquainted with the historical period, documentation, and current historiography. Or conversely, if you are looking for something fun about early modern England, I always recommend the Wolf Hall series.
I listened to it as an audio book, and it was an easy way to kill a few hours, so I guess it works on that level. If you want something that is historically sound, I personally recommend actual scholars on the subject who are acquainted with the historical period, documentation, and current historiography. Or conversely, if you are looking for something fun about early modern England, I always recommend the Wolf Hall series.
October 17, 2022
This is comparatively brief look at the life and reign of Henry VIII. The focus seemed to be on his six marriages. I learned many interesting tibits from this book, including the long marriage of Henry and Catherine of Aragon (over 20 years!) and the part her father's failure played in their marriage troubles. As the book went along, the details became fewer and fewer about the last three wives (covered with the last two chapters). Having been a middle school teacher, I would say that this book was written for a middle or high school student audience. Still I enjoyed it very much.
September 30, 2020
There are so many historical inaccuracies in here. It can be irritating enough to see those in a longer biography, but this one was short enough that I'd hoped the only problem would be oversimplification of a complex individual. But there were just a lot of things stated in here that were flat out untrue and signs of sloppy research. For example, the statement that Henry and Anne put on mourning after Catherine's death.
April 7, 2021
Audience: History buffs; Anglophiles (especially those interested in the English monarchy and the Tudors); Students; Theologians.
The Good: The author's ability to balance facts with characterisation to make you care about the historical figures even though the book is so short.
The Bad: I have seen a few reviews bringing the accuracy of the facts into question.
The Ugly: None
Verdict: A concise history of England's most notorious monarch.
The Good: The author's ability to balance facts with characterisation to make you care about the historical figures even though the book is so short.
The Bad: I have seen a few reviews bringing the accuracy of the facts into question.
The Ugly: None
Verdict: A concise history of England's most notorious monarch.
August 8, 2018
A short but efficient examination of Henry VIII from birth to death. Henry has fascinated most of us brits from schooldays for his six wives. As a king, statesman and supreme politician he left something to be desired. He was self centred, a bully and in his personal life a glutton and a man solely responsible for the murder on common and noblemen alike.
October 4, 2021
It’s a brief outline. Read this if you’re looking for the drive-by version of his life and are fine with a blend of folklore, basic knowledge, and possible some common misconceptions. Don’t read this if you’ve done a deep dive of H8 elsewhere or are looking for detailed knowledge beyond Wikipedia style stuff.
July 19, 2022
I got the audiobook for free and enjoyed the short, fast overview of King Henry VIII's life. I don't want to read a long detailed biography, so this is just what I wanted. He had an outsized effect on his country and Christianity in English-speaking countries in an effort to have a legitimate male heir for the throne.
January 9, 2019
Life lived to the fullest.
Henry VIII lived a long tumultuous life. His quest for adventure, love and legacy resulted in many futile quests. He sought happiness and fulfillment. However he reeked havoc on many men and women of his time.
Henry VIII lived a long tumultuous life. His quest for adventure, love and legacy resulted in many futile quests. He sought happiness and fulfillment. However he reeked havoc on many men and women of his time.
December 17, 2019
Henry VIII had tremendous appetites, and this book, while brief, gives a comprehensive accounting of his many wives and assignations. He was diligent with writing love letters to his ladies, and apparently most of them are publicly available now.
June 1, 2022
Great overview of Henry VIII's reign and a good starting place for general knowledge, but it does not go in depth into any particular part of his life. It is well-written and accurate; however, if you're looking for more detailed accounts, this will not suffice.
August 13, 2018
Meh, very shallow. Mostly about his wives and not the political atmosphere
March 19, 2020
A short read, but I enjoyed it very much. Just watched the “Tudors”, and the book recaps everything.
October 11, 2020
Short and sweet. Covered all the main points wish it had been more in depth.
January 19, 2021
Good short read/listen.
March 31, 2021
For an audiobook it was a very dry performance, which made the material very dry.
May 5, 2021
If your looking for a quick easy biography of King Henry VIII this is it. Does a good job of presenting facts & focus more on early life & his reasons for marrying.
July 2, 2021
Felt like going home for me to read about the life of this man again. Great way to learn a lot fast. I’ll be reading more from this author.
September 29, 2021
There are some inaccuracies 8n the story.
January 28, 2022
Really enjoy these. No matter how many of these type of books I really enjoy them
August 8, 2022
Returned by library. Did not read enough to give a proper review.
January 29, 2024
Excellent book for anyone wanting to acquire historical context for the Broadway Play "Six." Brief and salient.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews