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.
Susan Doran teaches early modern history at Christ Church College, Oxford. Her previous publications include Queen Elizabeth I and The Tudor Chronicles. David Starkey is a notable British academic, historian, writer, and broadcaster whose books have been made into acclaimed television series, including Henry VIII and Elizabeth I.
Product Details
Paperback: 288 pages
Publisher: British Library; 1 edition (July 15, 2009)
This review is from: Henry VIII: Man and Monarch (Paperback)
This book is a must have for the Tudor aficionado. The photos are wonderful and it gives a very thorough backround on both sides of his family including siblings and children that is not usually done to the degree that this book has accomplished. It of course discusses all of his accomplishments, weaknesses and historical changes that he is responsible for. The book is a delightful and interesting read thanks to the writing of Starkey and it highly recommended.
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This review is from: Henry VIII: Man and Monarch (Paperback)
I purchased this book as a trip to England to attend the actual British Library exhibition celebrating the 500th anniversary of Henry's accession to the throne was out of the question this year. I was not disappointed. The book contains copious illustrations of the items that made up the exhibition - which, as it was mounted by the British Library, focuses largely on literary items that were associated with Henry VIII and his circle. Well-written captions explain the significance of each item, and introductions to the different sections are written by experts on various aspects of Tudor history. All in all this is one purchase that was well worth the money.
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This review is from: Henry VIII: Man and Monarch (Paperback)
I could not go to England during the exhibition, but I was very pleased with this book. I was amazed at all the important documents that still exist from the times of Henry VIII. It just makes me appreciate the other nonfiction Henry VIII books that I read. I also appreciate the fact that the book references where the pictured documents are normally housed. How about an Elizabeth I book like this?
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