Young Henry: The Rise of Henry VIII

(Paperback)

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Description

Henry became the unexpected heir to the precarious Tudor throne in 1502, after his elder brother Arthur died. He also inherited both his brother's wardrobe and his wife, the Spanish princess Katherine of Aragon. He became king in April 1509 with many personality traits inherited from his father - the love of magnificence, the rituals of kingship, the excitement of hunting and gambling and the construction of grand new palaces.

After those early glory days of feasting, fun and frolic, the continuing lack of a male Tudor heir runs like a thin line of poison through Henry's reign. After he fell in love with Anne Boleyn, he gambled everything on her providing him with a son and heir. From that day forward everything changed.

Based on contemporary accounts, Young Henry provides a compelling vision of the splendours, intrigues and tragedies of the royal court, presided over by the ruthless and insecure Henry VIII. With his customary scholarship and narrative verve, Robert Hutchinson provides fresh insights into what drove England's most famous monarch and how this happy, playful Renaissance prince was transformed into the tyrant of his later years.

Reviews

Robert Hutchinson has produced a biography that shines a light on Henry's youth, and details the people and the events that drove him....it is good to be reminded of the evils of absolute monarchy. And this book does that in a highly readable way * TRIBUNE *
This is an enjoyable, unfussy history which explains a lot about the man who became Henry VIII...Robert Hutchinson vividly shows us the monster in the making and teaches us to feel a modicum of pity for his plight * DAILY MAIL *
Anyone who sees history as boring should be given Robert Hutchinson's book post haste. Without sacrificing facts and research, he has the ability to construct and absolutely compelling narrative and, though I never thought I'd say this of a book on Thomas Cromwell, one that is impossible to put down. He is one of the few authors who keep you up till 3am. His new book, covering the first 35 years of the life of Henry VIII, is a complementary volume to his splendid LAST DAYS OF HENRY VIII * THE BOOKSELLER *
Robert Hutchinson has gained a reputation for engaging and accessible prose based upon impressive scholarly research, and this latest book does not disappoint... it provides a compelling new analysis of the influences that shaped Henry VIII's childhood... Hutchinson adds a vital human dimension that is often lacking in the more conventional political histories... and brings the future king's personality vividly to life, with all of its brilliantly contrasting and capricious elements -- Tracy Borman * BBC HISTORY MAGAZINE *
Scrupulous and readable... [Henry VIII] was though, for good or ill, one of our most important rulers and this fine biography offers a lucid view of the forces that shaped his complex personality * MAIL ON SUNDAY *
The author, who makes good use of archival material as well as published sources, tries to be fair to Henry VIII and succeeds. This is never an easy task when it comes to this king * CONTEMPORARY REVIEW *
This revealing account, based on contemporary evidence, brings to life the splendour, intrigue and tragedies of the royal court... * HUDDERSFIELD DAILY EXAMINER *
This revealing account, based on contemporary evidence, brings to life the splendour, intrigue and tragedies of the royal court... * HUDDERSFIELD DAILY EXAMINER *
Based on contemporary accounts, Young Henry provides an interesting portrait of the culture that shaped one of the most fascinating Kings of England. -- Derrick Smith * South Wales Argus *
An extremely readable account of the making of Henry V111. * Good Book Guide *

Author Bio

Robert Hutchinson worked for the Press Association and is now a critically acclaimed historian whose published works have been singled out for their meticulous original research and gripping narrative style.