The Six Wives of Henry VIII
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- ISBN13: 9780802136831
- Condition: NEW
- Notes: Brand New from Publisher. No Remainder Mark.
Product Description
The tempestuous, bloody, and splendid reign of Henry VIII of England (1509-1547) is one of the most fascinating in all history, not least for his marriage to six extraordinary women. In this accessible work of brilliant erudition, Alison Weir draws on early biographies, letters, life tale, account books, and diplomatic reports to bring these women to life. Catherine of Aragon emerges as a staunch though misguided woman of principle; Anne Boleyn, an ambitious adventuress with a penchant for vengeance; Jane Seymour, a strong-minded matriarch in the building; Anne of Cleves, a excellent-natured and innocent woman naively unaware of the court intrigues that determined her fate; Catherine Howard, an empty-headed wanton; and Catherine Parr, a warm-blooded bluestocking who survived King Henry to marry a fourth time.
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If you are a fan of Philippa Gregory, like myself, and you relish in the scandals and song and dance of King Henry VIII’s Court, this may not be the book for you. This reads a lot more like a history textbook. Not exactly salacious or trashy. Just provides a lot of background and facts about this period of time. I just couldn’t stay engrossed. I guess I need the fictionalized version, no matter how accurate it may be. Not exactly a fleeting casual read by any means.
Reader’s Rating: 3 / 5
When I bought this book, I was skeptical because I thought it might be another dull book about English history. I was absolutely incorrect – this is a fantastic book! Weir does a fantastic job of telling this tale. It is not six separate biographies. As a replacement for, Weir weaves the tale of each wife around the life of Henry VIII. Ann of Cleves is a particulary sad tale, and she comes across as the most likable of Henry’s wives. On the additional hand, Ann Boleyn is described as a scheming, ill-tempered snob who constantly meddles in the affairs of state, which ultimately leads to her unfortunate death. Henry is accurately described as a controlling and sometimes distant spouse and father. You won’t be disappointed in this book – it’s one of Weir’s best works.
Reader’s Rating: 2 / 5
This is one of the more entertaining histories that I have read for some time. It is able to provide an insight into the mechanics of history.
Henry the eight was the younger brother of Arthur Tudor. It had been expected that Arthur would rule England, and a marriage had been arranged by Arthur’s father to Catherine the daughter of the Spanish King. Arthur went through the ceremony of marriage but died probably before consummating he marriage. Catherine was a gorgeous woman and she had a sound knowledge of religious literature. Henry fell in like with her and his father arranged a dispensation which allowed him to marry her. Henry the seventh was notoriously stingy and some say it was to avoid him returning the dowry. Henry’s father died soon after and Henry now ascended the throne as Henry the VIII. A number of histories have painted Henry in an unfavorable light. Yet he was a person who was clearly intelligent he wrote a book which defended the faith and he wrote composition. One of his songs “Green sleeves” is still played today.
Catherine was unable to give birth to a male heir. Henry also had some setbacks as a King. His vision of kingship was to be successful in war. France and Austria were antagonists at this time and Henry tried to ally with Austria to sieve French territory. He failed in his enterprises.
It would seem clear that he ongoing to judge that God was punishing him for his marriage. He believed that it may have breached the biblical injunction which precludes the marriage of a wife of a brother. These beliefs occurred at the same time he met Ann Bolyn a gorgeous and intelligent woman. Ann was woman who also had the might of character not to become the kings mistress. Henry requested a divorce from Rome so that he could be free of his sin and at the same time marry his beloved. The Pope refused to grant him a divorce.
This book illustrates how Henry at this time ongoing to offspring and to lose faith in the power of the Pope. How could the vicar of God force him to continue in a marriage that was an offence to God. Thomas Cromwell the person reliable for Henry’s break from Rome clearly used the situation to suggest that Henry should place himself at the head of the English Church. He further suggested the confiscation and sale of the monasteries land. By selling the land of the monasteries revenue would be raised for the crown but also the nobles which bought the land would be implicated in Henry’s choice. They would thus support him against the attempts of the Pope to remove him. Thus was born the English reformation.
This book is appealing as it combines the human drama with a realistic examination of the political and religious issues around the break with Rome.
After the break Ann Bolyn did not last long. Henry had her executed and his life then started to decline. He only achieved a measure of happiness with two more of his wives, with two more of his wives, one who died and the additional who outlived him. He died a stout overweight and embittered man.
Reader’s Rating: 4 / 5
Read this book and absolutely loved it. Never knew there was so much going on in the Tudor Family tree.
Reader’s Rating: 5 / 5
I could not place this book down. This book provides a thorough history of not only each wife of King Henry, but also a history of Henry and England itself during the period. The book is simple to follow, laid out in chronological order. The book also addresses the issues from the wive’s point of view. Very engrossing, an incredible read that made history very vibrant and alive.
Reader’s Rating: 5 / 5