Henry VIII: The King and His Court

I always enjoy Alison Weir's biographies; they are scrupulously researched, her arguments are based on that research and her conclusions are carefully drawn and fair. She is sure of her stance, but is flexible enough admit doubts. In "Henry VIII: The King and His Court," Weir has dug even deeper into a subject about which she has written many times -- the brilliant Tudors who reigned over Britain's flowering rennaissance. Here she offers up an amazing amount of detail on not only the King and his six wives, but also on the astonishing array of people who made up his court, conselors and companions. Among other things, Weir credits Henry with introducing humanist teachings and philosophy to England, limning him as a great scholar, musician, athlete, scientist, author and patron of the arts. And yes, she does point out that he aged into a splendid and cruel tyrant, bankrupting the country with needless wars and very conscipuous consumption most often meant to impress royal rulers across Europe with lavish gestures and costly entertainments. All this glory and grandure was for a tiny elite; Henry most often ignoredthe growing restlessness of his mostly impoverished subjects, as he revolutionized religion in his realm to suit his dynastic needs. "The King and His Court" shines a bright light on the details on every aspect of the lives of the great and noble (and the occasional confection creator, armorer, or gifted craftsman). We learn what they wore, how they amused themselves, what and how they ate, who slept with whom, their innovations in architecture, art, dance, religion practices, how much this all cost (the sums are staggering) and much more. While all of this gossipy detail is delicious, and Henry's story of marital woes and his quest for an heir always makes a good read, what this book is outstanding in Weir's fully realized portraits of the remarkable denizens of Henry's court, from the humanist scholar Erasmus, to the martyred Thomas Moore, to the genius of the artist Holbein, to that cunning intriguer, Cardinal Wolsey. The richness of character, the fullsomeness and variety of information, the unstinting portrait of the complex Henry all add up to an enormously rewarding book. To read this book is to gain a whole new understanding of one of the most important chapters in Britain's royal history. Read this wonderful book to learn that Henry made it fashionable to sleep in a nightshirt, liked to concoct his own tonics and nostrums, was one of Europe's greatest dancers, was a talented composer and player of many instruments, and was a recognized and dedicated fashionista with a daring color sense...and, yes, how he dealt with those six wives, good, bad, sad and tragic.

5 starsThis comprehensive covers just about everything you’ve ever wanted to know about Henry VIII. From his undergarments, weapons, food, servants and so on, it is a complete picture of a day in the life of this King. The book is far more detailed than any prospective reader can imagine.Ms. Weir briefly discusses the six wives, but this is primarily a book about Henry, not his wives. It speaks of the separate chambers and the servants both Henry and his wives had, and the rooms and rooms in which they had to live.The book discusses the changes in the Privy Council and the various political machinations that occurred during Henry’s reign. The political infighting was very bad and the backstabbing and maneuvering for position went on constantly.It also covers the seven year journey to the break with the Catholic Church and the reasons behind it. Those who disagreed with the creation of the Church of England such as Sir Thomas More and Cardinal Fisher, among many others, were put to death. (Sir Thomas More was later declared a saint by the Catholic Church.)Ms. Weir’s writing is easily accessible to all readers. The book is brilliantly written and plotted. It moves linearly from one part of Henry’s life to another. It includes where one can see the surviving homes and castles, as well as papers, texts and other artifacts of Henry’s household and tells of those that did not survive. The book also includes quotes from people who lived with Henry, as much as could be found.I really enjoy reading Alison Weir’s books. I have read several now, and will continue to do so for as long as she writes.

Pretty well written. Henry actually turned out to be a very strong King as he grew older, but also opinionated and stubborn. Once he made up his mind, that was it. Eventually he hardly trusted any of his "advisors" and was just determined to get his way. He broke with the Church and formed the Church of England (mainly so he could get rid of another wife). Gives you a good feeling of England and the plagues that affected the country as many as 3 times a year. The King also collected properties like crazy and the Royal Family wasn't really in touch with how much money they spent as opposed to the financial well being of the whole country. They lived in the clouds, mentally and morally. The corruption in the huge court was rampant. Very interesting. Does, of course, touch on wives, but if you want more on that, get a book just on the wives.

I liked it.

Molto dettagliato.... Forse troppo! Sapere quanti piatti possiede Enrico VIII non è indispensabile. Un libro denso sulla vita a corte che aiuta a capire il periodo Tudor.

Excellent book.It vividly details the way the King and the aristocracy lived in those days and the kind of taste they had in matter of architecture

I cannot help but wonder what on earth the author's intention was when she sat down to write that book. Did she intend to write a popular bestseller? Then why did she attempt to drown the reader in facts? Was it just to impress the reader with her vast knowledge?Or did she attempt to write a scientific essay? Then what, pray, was the conclusion of her research? Which new and novel insights does she have to offer to historians all over the world?Unfortuntately she failed in both attempts. The book is in fact rather dull. The exciting story is lost in detail and the reader is left wishing for a 200 page "Short Version of Henry VIII King and Court" - that book would indeed be immensely entertaining.As for "A Treaty on the History of Henry VIII" - well, well, well. As I said before, the amount of fact given is indeed impressive, but, alas, that dish is just presented as it is without flavour, spice or ornament. Mere facts, no historical insights. Not at all the taste the average reader would enjoy.By the way I've taught history at schools for many a year. My pupils would have gone to sleep within less than five minutes if I had presented my subject in such a boring way. Still three stars for the impressive mass of factual details the author collected.

Very good read she is a good author