Interpreting the Death of Edward VI: The Brief Life and Mysterious Demise of the Last Tudor King

by Kyra Cornelius Kramer

King Edward VI tends to be glossed over in the historical narrative of the Tudor dynasty. His achievements during his brief time on the throne are eclipsed by the tumultuous and fascinating reigns of his grandfather, father and two half-sisters. This does a great disservice to the precocious and remarkable boy-king. Even with his early death, his effect on English history is undeniable - if he had lived, he would have almost certainly have been considered the greatest of the Tudor monarchs. What killed this impressive young man before he could deepen his mark on history? Moreover, is that medical mystery connected to the premature deaths of the other Tudor male heirs? Interpreting the Death of Edward VI is an exploration into the life, illness and unusually early death of Henry VIII's overshadowed son. The author uses her expertise in Tudor medical history to investigate and provide an in-depth analysis of the prevailing theories of what might have killed the otherwise healthy young Tudor before he reached adulthood.

Genres: History, Nonfiction

319 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 24, 2022

About the author

Kyra Kramer is a medical anthropologist, historian, and devoted bibliophile who lives just outside Cardiff, Wales with her handsome husband, two wonderful daughters, a magnificent son, and assorted very weird rescue dogs. Ms. Kramer has authored several history books and academic essays, and has recently begun writing fiction as well. You can visit her website at kyrackramer.com to learn more about her life and work.

Reviews

[historic_chronicles · Rating 4 out of 5]

King Edward VI has often paled in significance when compared to his legendary Tudor relatives. A boy-king whose short reign nestled between that of his infamous father Henry VIII and sisters Mary and Elizabeth, Edward has often slipped from memory or become known incorrectly as the sickly child who represented the hopes and dreams of the Tudor Dynasty.

In this well researched and balanced overview of the young King, Kramer explores the intimate life of Edward along with the turbulent times he lived with a thrilling narrative that is accessible yet comprehensive in its analysis.

Deeply thought-provoking, I found the author's study into the medical side to King Edward's story utterly fascinating and the parallels between himself and other "sickly" Tudors intriguing. Kramer's passion for the subject is contagious and I was eager to learn as much as I could from their research.

This is a book that will force you to rethink your opinions of a much disregarded figure from history, with an inevitable sense of "what-if".

Thank you so much to @penswordbooks and @what_rosie_read for sending me a copy of this incredibly fascinating book - this is one not to miss for those interested in the Tudor Era.

[Kara · Rating 5 out of 5]

While the title proclaims to be about Edward VI's death, the book actually covers his whole life in detail, arguing he was not the prudish puppet he is usually dismissed as, but someone who felt deeply but learned to hide his emotions for good reason, and that he made plenty of decisions on his own.

When it does get to his death, we get the new suggestion of a rare version of cystic fibrosis - a diagnosis that explains the speed and symptoms - and also makes sense when put into context of the Tudor medical history family tree. I was absolutely fascinated and will admit am sold on this theory.

Overall - both life and death of this king are remarkably well researched and told.

[Erin · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a really interesting book in that it taps into an often overlooked historical figure. I am definitely convinced the reign of Edward VI was significant despite his age and the length of his time as king. However, but I spotted several typos and factual errors that made me question the veracity of this book as a whole. (The author claims Henry VIII had at least five acknowledged sons which is questionable and then says Richard III was Lord Protector of "young king Henry VI.")