Henry VIII: The Politics of Tyranny

by Jasper Ridley

Traces the life and thirty-seven-year reign of Henry VIII, reassesses his complex personality, and examines his influence on the course of British history

Genres: History, Nonfiction, Biography, Tudor Period, British Literature, Historical, Politics

473 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 1984

About the author

Jasper Ridley was a British writer, known for historical biographies. He was educated at Magdalen College, Oxford, and the Sorbonne. He trained and practiced as a barrister, before starting to write. During World War II, he was a conscientious objector and was, by his own account, violently abused while in a detention camp. He served on St Pancras Borough Council from 1945 to 1949, and stood, unsuccessfully, as Labour Party candidate for Winchester in 1955 general election.

Reviews

[Aurele · Rating 3 out of 5]

The repeated mention of Henry's "cruel, piggy eyes" really put me off this book. So did the frequent comparisons to Stalin? Came off as an overreach.

However, that being said, the author really has a great understanding of the political backdrop to the significant events of Henry VIII's reign, and explains them really well.

A long read, but almost better for the overview and analysis of the political dynamics between the 'Four Princes' of the time than of Henry VIII himself.

[Kyus Beaufort · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good biography. There were some interesting tidbits in there that aren't usually covered in more modern biographies, such as international politics in the early part of his reign. However more attention could have been paid to the actions of the women in his life; his Queens did some interesting things, such as Katherine of Aragon being Captain-General whilst he was fighting in France the first time and Kateryn Parr being Regent-General during his second absence fighting in France and initially tipped to lead the Regency council after Henry's death. These things are kind of skated over, and would have provided interesting colour to the rest of his goings on.

But this is a very small fault. Overall an engaging and accessible biography.

[Phillip · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 / 5.0

Not a flattering portrayal. Author states bias obliquely with loaded words. Minimal attention to Queens but intense focus on religious matters. Finishes kind of weak. Interesting well organized

[Duncan Cameron · Rating 5 out of 5]

First of all I have to say how readable this version of Henry VIIIs life is.
From start to finish I was never bored. Mr Ridley has managed to strike the right balance of telling a great story and informing us of the facts.
It's hard to say how much of a tyrant Henry was without living in his time and was he simply evil or did he purge his kingdom to protect it from potential evils?
These are questions put to us as readers to decide by ourselves.
The author discusses academic views and also adds his own but overall
I was left with the feeling that he was a bit of both, tyrant and protector.
Finally at only 416 pages this is only an introduction to the subject
and of the main characters involved ( Thomas Cromwell, Cardinal Wolsey, his 6 wives etc.), only scant background is offered.
However I can't wait to read more about these compelling characters now after reading this excellent account.

[Sarah W. · Rating 4 out of 5]

A good biography of an infamous English king. Jasper Ridley provides a study of Henry VIII's life, without focusing overly much on the various personalities of his six wives - a mistake many biographers make. In addition, Ridley also refuses to blame Henry's councilors and advisers for the policies enacted during his reign. Instead, Ridley focuses on Henry, who emerges not as a spoiled child led by those around him but as a pseudo-politician able to sacrifice those closest to him for political whims. Highly recommended for those interested in this English sovereign.

[Hallee · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my very first Tudor works that I read a couple of years ago and Ridley did not fail. It was a fascinating read and it caught my attention. I say it is a good read for newcomers into the realm of the Tudor Era.

[Bianca · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ein wirklich sehr informatives Buch! Mit einigen Ausnahmen, in denen es sich etwas zog, war es wirklich gut zu lesen.

[Michael · Rating 5 out of 5]

One of my two favorite books on Henry!

[Kathleen · Rating 1 out of 5]

dry and poorly written: I actually quit reading early on.

[Janine · Rating 3 out of 5]

<3 Henry VIII