Customer Reviews

The Tudor Monarchy (Arnold Readers in History)

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This collection of readings brings together fifteen "benchmark" essays -- those that have been formative in recent Tudor scholarship -- by a number of key authors in the field. The three sections consider the nature of monarchy in the Renaissance, the role of personality in royal politics, and the exercise of power outside the immediate court. Of particular interest to us are David Starkey's "Representation through Intimacy: A Study in the Symbolism of Monarchy. . . ," Steven Gunn's "The Courtiers of Henry VII," Simon Adams's "Favourites and Factions at the Elizabeth Court," and Margaret Condon's "Ruling Elites in the Reign of Henry VII." The style varies from merely academic to densely so, but they should accessible to upper-division students.

This book, edited by the great giant of early modern history, John Guy, provides an accessible collection of various essays by respected historians which have recently appeared in more obscure parts of the academic press.

These essays demonstrate the extent to which this period of history is still dominated by Geoffery Elton, who was tutor to two contributors, Guy and David Starkey, at Cambridge. Both historians' currnet writings are a reaction against the ideas of their former tutor, although both also acknowledge their great debt to and respect for him. Starkey is the more populist historian, with his stories about the activities of Henry VIII's bedchamber, but his, to say the least, unique insight is also valuable in that it makes one consider again the function of the early modern court. In his mind these historical figures are very real people, and this is communicated through his writing. John Guy, if less flamboyant, is also fascinating.

I found this ! ! book especially enlightening on the importance of Tudor iconography, especially Elizabeth's use of Yorkist symbols.

As an economic way of reading various opinions on various subjects, this is an invaluable resource for any serious student.

Incidentally, I was not paid or asked by anyone to write this-it is true!