Henry VIII: Man and Monarch

by Susan Doran (Editor)

The year 2009 marks the 500th anniversary of Henry VIII’s accession to the throne, and to celebrate this momentous occasion, leading Tudor scholars David Starkey and Susan Doran examine the extraordinary transformations—personal and political, intellectual and religious, literary, aesthetic, and linguistic—that took place during Henry’s reign. Drawing on the British Library’s unparalleled collections, Henry VIII explores the motives and beliefs that spurred Henry’s actions, masterfully telling the story of his reign. This refreshing approach reaches beyond the myths and stereotypes surrounding this monumental historical figure and encourages readers to reassess their perceptions of the great Tudor monarch who still manages to cast a spell over our imaginations. Richly illustrated with color images from the accompanying exhibition at the British Library—including many of Henry’s own annotated volumes—and including contributions from notable scholars such as Eamon Duffy and James Carley, this volume presents an unsurpassed firsthand outline of the revolutionary changes in ideas that took place during Henry’s reign—and above all, in his own mind.

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, Tudor Period, Historical, Religion, Royalty

288 pages, Hardcover

First published April 22, 2009

About the author

Dr Susan Doran is a British historian whose primary studies surround the reign of Elizabeth I, in particular the theme of marriage and succession. She has published and edited sixteen books, most notably Elizabeth I and Religion, 1558-1603, Monarchy and Matrimony and Queen Elizabeth I, part of the British Library's Historic Lives series.

She is currently a tutor and member of the history faculty at Christ Church, Oxford University where her specific area of interest is stated as being Early Modern British and European history. Previously, Doran was a reader in history, Senior Lecturer in History and Teaching Studies and Director of the History Programme at St Mary's College, Strawberry Hill, part of the University of Surrey.

She is also a Director of Studies for history at Regent's Park College and Senior Research Fellow for History at Jesus College

Reviews

[Nancy Oakes · Rating 5 out of 5]

For what this book is, it's really unrateable, (is that a word?) but it's a beautiful book, one anyone who's a Tudor history person would be pleased to have as part of his or her library. This is a catalog of an exhibition at the British Library to commemorate 500 years since Henry VIII took the throne.

The book is structured in ten parts -- Nine about distinct periods during about the life of the king, and then there is a section about Henry the bibliophile.

1. Young Henry 1491-1509 : about his birth, his lineages and his childhood

2. Venus and Mars 1509-1513 : Henry VII dies and Henry VIII marries Katherine of Aragon

3. Triumph of Peace 1514-1527: Henry VIII brings peace with France; Wolsey is powerful; Charles of Burgundy becomes Emperor Charles V;

4. The Turning Point 1527-29 - In these years Henry begins the long process of his annulment to his marriage with Katherine, begins to question the pope's authority and secures a promise from Anne Boleyn for marriage -- three events, which the author notes, whose repercussions would be felt until the end of the century.

5. The Royal Supremacy (1529-35): Henry makes it mandatory that he be recognized as head of the Church of England; annulment, Anne Boleyn's first pregnancy and birth of Elizabeth

6. The Crisis of 1536: Dissolution of monasteries begins; Henry is attracted to Jane Seymour, Anne Boleyn is arrested & beheaded; the Pilgrimage of Grace begins

7. The Making of a New Church (1536-40): Marriage to Jane Seymour; birth of male heir & death of Jane Seymour;

8. The Last Years (1539-47):
Integration of Wales and England; marriage to the last 3 wives; execution of Cromwell

9. Death, Will and Succession (1546-47): Death of Henry VIII; Edward Seymour becomes Lord Protector of King Edward

In each section, there is an article about what's going on in each period, as well as paintings, pictures of original documents and artifacts of the period.

This book is very well done, and if you're interested in Henry VIII, you'll probably enjoy it a great deal.

[Thalia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is flippin' fantastic! You see so much more to Henry's reign and his legacy than just his marriages. Lovely addition to a Tudorphiles library!

[Oxana Dodon · Rating 4 out of 5]

COMMENT

[Redsteve · Rating 3 out of 5]

Awesome collection of documents, paintings, letters, books, maps and charts, plans, letters and sketches from the length of Henry VIII's reign.

[Patricia Dietz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Outstanding photo plates and a text that is based on solid deductions based on physical evidence, this is an excellent informative source.

[Leonora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved this book and also enjoyed the many images.

[Kim]

Review to follow