Henry VIII

Routledge Historical Biographies

by Lucy Wooding

'The author does a wonderful job of telling a gripping story that also gives a sense of the complexity of the reign and the period ... Students who read this will be well instructed about a very significant period of English history – and they will be entertained as well.' – Anne McLaren, University of Liverpool, UK Henry VIII was one of England’s most unforgettable monarchs. He was at once inspiring, menacing and perplexing to his contemporaries, and his reputation remains both impressive and enigmatic. Lucy Wooding's timely study provides an insightful and original portrait of this larger-than-life figure, and of the many paradoxes of his character and reign. Building on significant advances in recent research to put forward a distinctive interpretation of Henry’s complex character and remarkable style of kingship, Wooding locates him firmly in the context of the English Renaissance and the fierce currents of religious change that characterized the early Reformation. Complete with colour illustrations, this compelling new biography gives a fresh portrayal of Henry VIII, cutting away the misleading mythology in order to provide a vivid account of this passionate, wilful, intelligent and destructive king.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, Tudor Period

360 pages, Paperback

First published September 1, 2008

Reviews

[Moon · Rating 3 out of 5]

Throughout this book, Lucy Wooding is in a sense offering a revision of the character of Henry VIII, because she is not only talking about him as a King, but also about how his knowledge and previous experiences are meaningful and crucial to understand how and why he behaves in such ways. Even though she doesn’t fully offer a ‘pure’ and perfect Henry VIII, she does offer the writer some keys in order for them to make their own idea of who Henry VIII was, and whether or not his behavior could be, if not pardoned, understood to a certain extent. She also helps acknowledging his actions, and doesn’t fall into the popular stereotype of Henry “as manipulated by his Council, by Wolsey, and by his wives”, but actually as someone who was clever and wise, an actual King, and not a puppet.

I still have mixed feelings about this reading though, in the sense that I feel like Wooding might have been too eager to give reasons and excuses for Henry's mistakes, when some are just not okay to justify in any way.

[Helene Harrison · Rating 4 out of 5]

I plucked this off the shelf at the university library where I work; I thought it could be interesting and helpful to read for the book I’ve just finished writing. The focus is very much on Henry VIII as a man, statesman, and politician, and how England developed during his reign. There is less emphasis on those around him like his wives and advisers, though they’re included as influences on the king.

It's an interesting book because traditional biographies of Henry VIII there is still usually a lot of focus on those around the king, naturally because we are all influenced by those around us. However, the focus is very much on the king here. Wooding almost seems to make excuses for Henry where some of his actions were inexcusable, even at the time.

It is a challenge to theories of Henry VIII as a pawn of others, and I think that’s a very positive challenge. It’s always good to re-examine what others have said. I certainly don’t believe Henry VIII was a pawn of his advisers, wives, and nobility – he was a competent statesman, a confident man, and knew exactly what he wanted. I think it does Henry a disservice to place him as a pawn in his own history.

There are some errors, such as that Prince Arthur got married before he went to Ludlow, but he had already been at Ludlow, returned to London to marry, and then went back to Ludlow. And an assertion that Anne and George Boleyn were condemned partly on the evidence of Jane Boleyn, Lady Rochford, but there is no contemporary evidence of that, so it shouldn’t be asserted as fact in my opinion.

Splitting the book into the different phases of Henry’s reign works well. It's an interesting take on Henry VIII and one that I think is a valuable addition to the history to focus specifically on the king, the things that shaped him, and the changes he implemented.

[Lisa Brantly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this biography. Penciled notes throughout. This is one textbook I intend to keep.

[Joe Baird · Rating 4 out of 5]

excellent, readable and an effective challenge to the idea of Henry as a pawn at any point. at times remarkably positive about his abilities and achievements but this is refreshing

[Nisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

a solid bio of Henry VIII that rejects factionalism and emphasizes Henry's centrality to the events of his reign. Well-researched but goes a bit too far sometimes in minimizing the influence of courtiers and statesmen such as Cromwell and Wolsey.

[Sue Batcheler · Rating 4 out of 5]

Actually fascinating - if you like that sort of thing which I do. Very accessible and will keep me busy for a while.

[Richard Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really smart and extensive analysis of the man's life.