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Edward VI: The Last Boy King
The acclaimed Penguin Monarchs series: short, fresh, expert accounts of England's rulers - now in paperback
Edward VI, the only son of Henry VIII, became king at the age of nine and died wholly unexpectedly at the age of fifteen. All around him loomed powerful men who hoped to use the child to further their own ends, but who were also playing a long game - assuming that Edward would long outlive them and become as commanding a figure as his father had been.
Stephen Alford's wonderful book gives full play to the murky, sinister nature of Edward's reign, but is also a poignant account of a boy learning to rule, learning to enjoy his growing power and to come out of the shadows of the great aristocrats around him. England's last child monarch, Edward would have led his country in a quite different direction to the catastrophic one caused by his death.
Edward VI, the only son of Henry VIII, became king at the age of nine and died wholly unexpectedly at the age of fifteen. All around him loomed powerful men who hoped to use the child to further their own ends, but who were also playing a long game - assuming that Edward would long outlive them and become as commanding a figure as his father had been.
Stephen Alford's wonderful book gives full play to the murky, sinister nature of Edward's reign, but is also a poignant account of a boy learning to rule, learning to enjoy his growing power and to come out of the shadows of the great aristocrats around him. England's last child monarch, Edward would have led his country in a quite different direction to the catastrophic one caused by his death.
98 pages, Paperback
First published December 4, 2014
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About the author
Stephen Alford
11 books26 followersStephen Alford FRHistS (born 1970) is a British historian and academic. He has been professor of early modern British history at the University of Leeds since 2012. Educated at the University of St Andrews, he was formerly a British Academy Post-doctoral Research Fellow at the University of Cambridge (1997–99) and junior research fellow of Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge and, between 1999 and 2012, a fellow in history at King's College, Cambridge. He has been a fellow of the Royal Historical Society since 2000.
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
March 17, 2018
A forgotten king perhaps not but certainly one who is often mentioned and considered only briefly as the Tudor stage moves from Henry VIII to Mary and Elizabeth.
Stephen Alford's contribution to the Penguin Monarchs series is both welcome and very readable indeed providing both context and definition to this young prince and king.
For me the most interesting part in this book was the exploration of Edward's education and studies. There is detail in what he studied and why, but also how it shaped his relationships and thoughts and behaviours to be not just king but God's representative on Earth. Latin, Greek and French alongside mathematics, astronomy and law are all taught to the highest standards of the day.
The protectorate, the arguments and intrigues are covered in good detail, so we learn much including Edward's own recordings through his "Chronicle" that he kept writing in his own hand. This in itself gives glimpses of what the king was like and may have been had he lived to manhood.
A short book for a short life and we are left wondering what might have been for both Edward, his kingdom and of course the sisters who reigned after him.
As with all books in this series this volume is beautifully produced with black and gold lettering on a white cover with a 3/4 dust-jacket that features the young king's signature on the rear; a number of high quality colour plates are also included.
Strongly recommended to both scholars of or those starting out on England's monarchy and Tudor times.
Stephen Alford's contribution to the Penguin Monarchs series is both welcome and very readable indeed providing both context and definition to this young prince and king.
For me the most interesting part in this book was the exploration of Edward's education and studies. There is detail in what he studied and why, but also how it shaped his relationships and thoughts and behaviours to be not just king but God's representative on Earth. Latin, Greek and French alongside mathematics, astronomy and law are all taught to the highest standards of the day.
The protectorate, the arguments and intrigues are covered in good detail, so we learn much including Edward's own recordings through his "Chronicle" that he kept writing in his own hand. This in itself gives glimpses of what the king was like and may have been had he lived to manhood.
A short book for a short life and we are left wondering what might have been for both Edward, his kingdom and of course the sisters who reigned after him.
As with all books in this series this volume is beautifully produced with black and gold lettering on a white cover with a 3/4 dust-jacket that features the young king's signature on the rear; a number of high quality colour plates are also included.
Strongly recommended to both scholars of or those starting out on England's monarchy and Tudor times.
November 8, 2022
Not much to say and handled well
September 15, 2024
The Penguin Monarchs series is a ambitious attempt to explore all the kings and queens of England in books of 100 pages or less. They don't aim to be definitive accounts of their lives - nobody could fit the long reigns of Elizabeth I or Victoria into a book so thin - but they do offer new and interesting ways of thinking about them.
Stephen Alford was commissioned to write one of the trickier entries on Edward VI. As a boy who never saw his sixteenth birthday, Alford had the challenge of keeping it focused on him and not the regents who actually ran the show. He deals with this problem by focusing less on the revolts and religious revolutions of his reign and more on Edward's inner life. Great detail is placed on his education, interests, and the splendour and excitement of his bustling court.
What makes this book so impressive is that it got me to think deeply, for the first time, about what it actually might have felt like to be Edward. Overshadowed by his more dramatic and bombastic family, it's easy to only think of him in terms of what he meant to his father or his sisters. Alford reveals that Edward is quite interesting - even enigmatic - in his own right. I particularly enjoyed his speculation on Edward's diary or "chronicle". The boy king writes in spare, matter-of-factly terms about the execution of his uncles and various uprisings that posed a real threat to him. Is this a sign he's too traumatised and shell-shocked to talk about his feelings, even in his own diary? A sign of emerging coldness and callousness, the very same traits that characterised his father's tyrannical reign? Or is he simply trying to write an objective account for future historians (he did, after all, call it his "chronicle") and it had nothing to do with his personal feelings?
Stephen Alford was commissioned to write one of the trickier entries on Edward VI. As a boy who never saw his sixteenth birthday, Alford had the challenge of keeping it focused on him and not the regents who actually ran the show. He deals with this problem by focusing less on the revolts and religious revolutions of his reign and more on Edward's inner life. Great detail is placed on his education, interests, and the splendour and excitement of his bustling court.
What makes this book so impressive is that it got me to think deeply, for the first time, about what it actually might have felt like to be Edward. Overshadowed by his more dramatic and bombastic family, it's easy to only think of him in terms of what he meant to his father or his sisters. Alford reveals that Edward is quite interesting - even enigmatic - in his own right. I particularly enjoyed his speculation on Edward's diary or "chronicle". The boy king writes in spare, matter-of-factly terms about the execution of his uncles and various uprisings that posed a real threat to him. Is this a sign he's too traumatised and shell-shocked to talk about his feelings, even in his own diary? A sign of emerging coldness and callousness, the very same traits that characterised his father's tyrannical reign? Or is he simply trying to write an objective account for future historians (he did, after all, call it his "chronicle") and it had nothing to do with his personal feelings?
October 26, 2019
A good introduction to the life of Edward VI, very much focuses on his relation to Henry VIII and the expectation of him. This gives us the view of a king very much brought up with a heavy weight on his shoulders and great expectations of his reign. His education is talked about widely and you get a sense of the intellectual growth of Edward. However the political aspects of his reign, the influence of Somerset and Northumberland, is not elaborated as much as I would have expected considering they were protectors of the young King in his short reign. Somerset’s influence is mentioned over a few pages and Northumberland’s is mentioned very glancingly.
The succession crisis and Edward’s final couple years cover the last few pages and gives us a summary of probably the most interesting part of Edwards life. Looking forward to reading more on him.
I feel I’ve gained what I’ve gotten from the other Penguin Monarch books, and that is a basic introduction to an English monarch. I’ve got a copy of Chris Skidmore’s book on Edward VI and think this book is a good springboard into that. If you want to know of Edward’s education and the expectation on his shoulders then this book is good. If you want an insight into the court surrounding Edward and his policies, you get an introduction here and not much else.
The succession crisis and Edward’s final couple years cover the last few pages and gives us a summary of probably the most interesting part of Edwards life. Looking forward to reading more on him.
I feel I’ve gained what I’ve gotten from the other Penguin Monarch books, and that is a basic introduction to an English monarch. I’ve got a copy of Chris Skidmore’s book on Edward VI and think this book is a good springboard into that. If you want to know of Edward’s education and the expectation on his shoulders then this book is good. If you want an insight into the court surrounding Edward and his policies, you get an introduction here and not much else.
August 6, 2022
Review - I don't really know all that much about the reign of Edward VI, but this book is a handy little guide to the key people and events of the reign, and offers a broad overview of his education before he came to the throne as well. The two protectorships of Somerset and Northumberland are dealt with in detail, and there is a lovely chapter on the Device for the Succession, which passed the throne to the ill-fated Lady Jane Grey, discussing the validity or otherwise of the device. I suspect that Jane Grey will be dealt with in more detail in the Mary I book (Mary I (Penguin Monarchs): The Daughter of Time) and look forward to reading that one.
General Subject/s? - History / Biography / Edward VI / Tudors
Recommend? – Yes
Rating - 17/20
General Subject/s? - History / Biography / Edward VI / Tudors
Recommend? – Yes
Rating - 17/20
March 8, 2018
This short biography of King Edward VI provides a good overview of the child king's portraits, writings, interests, social circle and education but there are key themes from his reign that receive comparatively little attention. Aside from a final chapter about Edward VI's changes to the line of succession to favour his cousin, Lady Jane Grey, there is little analysis of Edward's strong Protestant beliefs and his interactions with his sisters. The Further Reading sections provides some suggestions that address these themes.
January 11, 2015
A very short biography of the life and reign of the only legitimate son of Henry VIII. For anybody wanting a brief introduction to the monarch, this is great. It seems to be a new series from Penguin that covers the rulers of England from pre-Norman invasion and, if they're all to this standard, then a very welcome addition to the history genre they are too.
March 13, 2020
A bit too much about his schooling in the classics and not enough about political and religious developments during his reign.
I found the final chapter of this brief history, 'my device for the succession', the most interesting
I found the final chapter of this brief history, 'my device for the succession', the most interesting
May 26, 2018
A short study ... skips over much of what would have been happening around Edward in the way of religious and political change.
January 12, 2025
Ok man
April 4, 2021
*read for revision
There were some aspects of this that I really enjoyed, and others that really bothered me (though I doubt they would have bothered me if I didn't have quite an in depth understanding of the reign of Edward VI already).
Alford does a really fantastic job of humanising Edward VI, and ensuring that the story of his reign is fundamentally about him. Having studied Edward VI, I've found that accounts of this period often focus excessively on the court politics of Somerset and Northumberland while allowing the juvenile Edward to fade into the background - which is entirely understandable, honestly, given his relative lack of involvement in the politics of his day. It's apparent here that however young and inexperienced Edward was, he was very much a boy in training to become a king, and Alford conveys his hopeful humanity, and the conflicted anticipation of his assumption of power, very well.
On the other hand, this excessive focus on the king himself means that this short book does lack reference to some of the more significant events that took place during his reign - though again this is understandable. To include such events would incur either sacrificing the focus on Edward VI (this is, after all, a book about him as a monarch, not a book about the history of this period more generally) or sacrificing the brevity that makes this book so accessible and digestible.
So, overall, not a particularly enlightening or fascinating book for me, having studied this period in some considerable depth, but I think that this would be a really fantastic introduction to the reign of Edward VI (which is, I think, its intention anyway) and would provide fantastic context within which to later learn about the historically significant moments of Edward's reign that took place alongside this more personal narrative.
There were some aspects of this that I really enjoyed, and others that really bothered me (though I doubt they would have bothered me if I didn't have quite an in depth understanding of the reign of Edward VI already).
Alford does a really fantastic job of humanising Edward VI, and ensuring that the story of his reign is fundamentally about him. Having studied Edward VI, I've found that accounts of this period often focus excessively on the court politics of Somerset and Northumberland while allowing the juvenile Edward to fade into the background - which is entirely understandable, honestly, given his relative lack of involvement in the politics of his day. It's apparent here that however young and inexperienced Edward was, he was very much a boy in training to become a king, and Alford conveys his hopeful humanity, and the conflicted anticipation of his assumption of power, very well.
On the other hand, this excessive focus on the king himself means that this short book does lack reference to some of the more significant events that took place during his reign - though again this is understandable. To include such events would incur either sacrificing the focus on Edward VI (this is, after all, a book about him as a monarch, not a book about the history of this period more generally) or sacrificing the brevity that makes this book so accessible and digestible.
So, overall, not a particularly enlightening or fascinating book for me, having studied this period in some considerable depth, but I think that this would be a really fantastic introduction to the reign of Edward VI (which is, I think, its intention anyway) and would provide fantastic context within which to later learn about the historically significant moments of Edward's reign that took place alongside this more personal narrative.
March 25, 2023
I have read a number of reviews for this book and many of them have mentioned how the book wasn't great as it talked too much about Edward's education and not enough about the policies and diplomacy that occurred in the short reign. While I agree to an extent that the book would have benefitted from more talk on these areas I also believe that it was very interesting to get an understanding of the actual person of King Edward through both his 'chronicle' and also by looking at his education and upbringing. In this regard I think the author does a great job in portraying the development of such a young king but also it helps to speculate as to how he would have ruled if he hadn't so tragically died prematurely. From the book we can assume that he would have been a strong and empowering ruler as he had began learning kingship very early (mainly because he had to) and his apparent renaissance King nature trained in both a modern and classical style by some of the greatest teachers of the time. Again, although I agree that this short biography would have benefited from more description of the context of the period on a wider scope than just the king (which would have made it a five star), to understand the king as a person, which cannot be done for many rulers, it is a truly interesting and fascinating read.
February 17, 2018
This volume in the Penguin Monarchs starts well but Stephen Alford does not sustain his lively opening and lapses into a text that aims primarily to focus on Edward at the expense of context and other personalities. John Dudley is barely mentioned and substantial religious changes skated over. Even in a short book format I might have expected a little more range and balance. Still, Alford makes the occasional telling point and maintains a narrative flow. The bibliography seems short missing texts that cover more thematic issues. Overall there is a real attempt to tell the story from Edwards point of view and this does provide some interesting perspectives. Well worth a look but only as a primer. Handsome volume as are all the books in this series but wanted a little more from the text.
April 2, 2021
I think the book left a lot out as it only briefly mentioned the 1549 rebellions and nothing at all on religious policy, or Northumberland - perhaps due to the brevity of the book and the author attempting to comment on the ‘personality’ of the king. It was sad to hear of his demise and burial but again the brevity of it reflects the king died as a child not yet reaching full potential. It would have been nice to see the book end on a what could have been / what if more. It’s an interesting read but as a teacher of the Tudors I don’t think this would offer my students much knowledge needed for their A Level exams (but I appreciate it’s not meant to be a textbook).
February 26, 2023
Edward VI by Stephen Alford tells the tale of the last “Boy King” of England, King Edward VI.
It details the small and emotional reign of King Edward VI, named after Edward the Confessor, he died at the age of 15 on the 06th July 1553.
Edward didn’t personally reign, instead he had two advisors. First there was his uncle, Thomas Seymour, Earl of Somerset / Hereford. Then when he fell, John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland, a title not used since 1486.
Alford details the history and life of the young king, citing his “Chronicle” and records of the time.
A very interesting book which has had time and effort put into it which certainly fills in the gaps about Edward.
It details the small and emotional reign of King Edward VI, named after Edward the Confessor, he died at the age of 15 on the 06th July 1553.
Edward didn’t personally reign, instead he had two advisors. First there was his uncle, Thomas Seymour, Earl of Somerset / Hereford. Then when he fell, John Dudley, Duke of Northumberland, a title not used since 1486.
Alford details the history and life of the young king, citing his “Chronicle” and records of the time.
A very interesting book which has had time and effort put into it which certainly fills in the gaps about Edward.
February 26, 2022
A look at the brief (and often forgotten) reign of Henry VIII’s only surviving legitimate son, Edward VI.
An interesting and condensed overview of the life of Edward, who was crowned king at the tender age of 9 and is often not spoken about due to his short reign.
Nice little overview and an easy read, although parts are a little dry.
If you’re interested, this is part of a series by Penguin Books called Penguin Monarchs, if you’d like to read about another monarch that interests you.
An interesting and condensed overview of the life of Edward, who was crowned king at the tender age of 9 and is often not spoken about due to his short reign.
Nice little overview and an easy read, although parts are a little dry.
If you’re interested, this is part of a series by Penguin Books called Penguin Monarchs, if you’d like to read about another monarch that interests you.
January 18, 2021
I've read a lot about Edward VI and this book is a good summary of his reign. Keep in mind that this is a really short book and it's meant to be that way, so if you're interested about knowing more about the boy king of England and don't have a lot of spare time, this is your book.
October 1, 2022
Did a very good job of trying to get behind the traditional cipher to see the real Edward VI. However, Edward’s early death means that there is so much left unknown that the task was probably impossible. I really enjoyed the sections on his education and the Device for the Succession.
February 25, 2023
Great insight
Enjoyed reading about this short-lived King.
I was intregued by all of the skullduggery around him...for even his own family trying to get on in life due to being related to Edward.
Enjoyed reading about this short-lived King.
I was intregued by all of the skullduggery around him...for even his own family trying to get on in life due to being related to Edward.
May 4, 2020
I have a presumption that I'm gonna give every book in this series three stars lol.
May 23, 2020
Great introduction to a very unusual and short lived king.
November 17, 2020
Nothing to exceptional but was easy to read and entertaining. I find English history interesting, especially the monarchs, royalty and aristocracy.
March 1, 2023
great series, but not enough to write about!
June 10, 2024
Alford Sedans #1
Biography of the young king has some interest, it is quite brief though.
Biography of the young king has some interest, it is quite brief though.
February 8, 2015
A short but informative book about the boy who was king for a short time. I've always read books about his reign that were full of politics, but Alford's book introduces the boy himself. I was surprised to learn that he wasn't a sickly boy as I had always thought. He was hale and hearty, very much his father's (Henry VIII) son, until the last 6 months of his life and his advisers assumed he would gain his majority and rule for many years. What a shock when a seeming trivial cold developed into a fatal condition.
February 29, 2016
Very little is know about famous Queen Elizabeth's little brother, but Stephen Alford manages to pull together a lot of interesting detail from what seems to be exhaustive research. He speculates a fair amount, but it is based on his research and his knowledge of the times. In the end he paints an interesting picture of a Prince and then King who died very young.
September 1, 2015
A functional, concise biography of a rather mysterious boy-king. Nothing earth-shattering about this slim volume, but it's a valuable historical refresher & student research tool. Functional but valuable.
April 21, 2025
EDWARD VI MY GOAT. ROBERT KETT MY GOAT. SOMERSET GOATED!
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews