Henry VIII: The Decline and Fall of a Tyrant

by Robert Hutchinson

'Hutchinson brilliantly conveys the atmosphere of terror...a gripping narrative' DAILY MAIL'A brilliantly readable account of Henry's last years' SUNDAY TIMES'Vivid and shocking' BOOKSELLERThe Tudors retained only a precarious grip on the crown of England, founded on a title that was both tenuous and legally flimsy. This left them preoccupied by two major the necessity for a crop of lusty male heirs to continue the bloodline, and the elimination of threats from dynastic rivals. None was cursed more by this rampant insecurity than Henry VIII, who embodied not only the power and imperial majesty of the monarchy, but also England's military might. His health always had huge political consequences at home and overseas - hence his unbridled hypochondria.Drawing on the latest historical and medical research, Robert Hutchinson reveals the extent to which the king also grappled with accelerating geriatric decay in his last six years, made more acute by medical conditions that were not only painful but transformed the monarch into a 28-stone psychotic monster, suspicious of everyone around him, including those most dear to him.

Genres: History, Biography, Tudor Period, Nonfiction

569 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 4, 2019

Reviews

[Jacob Stelling · Rating 3 out of 5]

If the author’s stated aim was to make me feel sympathy for Henry VIII by the close of his biography, then he failed. That being said, this was an interesting account of the final years of an increasingly paranoid and failed monarch, in contrast to the king of popular memory.

A good biography which accurately captures the fear and suspicion which was sure to have permeated all facets of the English court during Henry’s final years.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

A extremely interesting account of the final decade of King Henry VIII's life. It covers many different topics including Henry's last desperate attempts at marriage and fathering another heir, as well as the complicated political situation of the time. The most interesting part of the book for me was the analysis of the King's deteriorating health, both mental and physical, and what led to his death.

Would recommend to anyone interested in the latter life of Henry VIII, but one would need some background knowledge before reading this book.

[Louise Fry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Found this interesting enjoyable and learned a valuable amount about the Tudor court and the goings on in the final years of Henry VIII’s reign - much was what I knew however the newer research into this topic was highly insightful and well worth the knowledge. Also a very good author who Didn’t enforce opinions on you compared to some around.

Overall read if you enjoy the tudors and want to know more modern and enjoyable conspiracies proven and unproven - and more theory based compared to older books

[GBL · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the Introduction to this new exploration (2019) of the last years of Henry VIII, the historian Robert Hutchinson makes clear his purpose;

“This is an account of the epic tragedy of Henry’s last seven turbulent years, as the vultures of disease roosted around him and he fought and lost his final frustrating battle against geriatric decay, becoming ever more irrational, mercurial and unpredictable.” (Page 3)

Hutchinson’s use of new evidence and expert knowledge on the reign of Henry is evident on every page of this book, as he explores the last years of Henry’s life. He shows in great detail how the physical and mental decline of the king affected the ‘body politic’ and created an atmosphere of fear and terror around the monarch and more widely in the country. Hutchinson writes well and has an eye for the telling detail or aside that bring to life this dark period in English history.

[Luke Nichol · Rating 5 out of 5]

Can a diagnosis of Cushing's syndrome explain Henry's increasing paranoia surrounding his obsession concerning the Supremacy and his line of succession? Did Henry plan for wife no.7? Why didn't Henry march on Paris after his Boulogne campaign? Hutchison delivers a much needed in-depth study of Henry's final years with new explanation for his illnesses and his family relations.

[Heather C Gibbs · Rating 3 out of 5]

Very detailed account of Henry VIII and his Tudor reign. It felt very much an academic historical text, rather than a story of the period. It was an interesting book, though I felt it was slightly too overwhelmed with factual ‘data’ to be an easy read.

[George Foord · Rating 2 out of 5]

I usually love Robert Hutchinson's books but this was boring and added no new aspects to Henry's life

[Orlando · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 rounded down.

[Lorena! · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good tells his history well