In lively, absorbing prose that rivals the finest literary fiction, prize-winning historian Carolly Erickson recreates the life of the notorious Tudor king, Henry VIII. In his youth as a charming national hero, his reign as a monstrous king, and his final days as a tottering old man, Erickson draws a thoroughly convincing portrait of one of English history's most notorious characters.
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"Carolly Erickson stands among the best and most accessible of the Tudor biographers, with Antonia Fraser and Allison Wier. She presents the chronology in such a way that the human characters shine through. This book is no exception. "
— Karen (4 out of 5 stars)
" What truly motivated this man? He is an enigma composed of selfishness, lust, duty, and greatness. We will never really know what he was thinking, but it is fun to puzzle over it. "
— Kate, 9/29/2013" Carolly Erickson stands among the best and most accessible of the Tudor biographers, with Antonia Fraser and Allison Wier. She presents the chronology in such a way that the human characters shine through. This book is no exception. "
— Karen, 8/6/2013" A well written biography (at least to a lay person). The author's style makes it easy to follow and remember described dates and events. "
— Katarzyna, 8/2/2013" I wanted some hard history on the reign of Henry VIII after greatly enjoying "The Other Boleyn Girl." This history fits the bill. It's balanced and well researched. "
— Paul, 5/28/2013" Classic biography of one of England's greatest and more controversial kings. Erikson is a skilled royal biographer, especially for the Tudor era, and this work is a well balanced account. "
— William, 4/20/2013" A very well written biography of that larger than life king, Henry the 8th. "
— Kathy, 2/3/2013" Gave the facts in a different way "
— Karen, 1/31/2013" Henry VIII is one of my favourite historical figures, love to read stories about his life "
— Anna, 8/14/2012" A very nice book on Henry VIII. "
— Taylor, 4/27/2012" Easy reading, pop history, Not for the serious scholar "
— Michael, 4/1/2012" An interesting biography but it doesn't seem to have the depth of analysis you could hope for. "
— David, 10/7/2011" It gave this book two stars instead of three because Erickson is a bit too worshipful of Henry, who, in my opinion, was not one of England's better kings (to say the least). "
— Michael, 9/17/2011" Henry VIII is one of my favourite historical figures, love to read stories about his life "
— Anna, 9/5/2011" Classic biography of one of England's greatest and more controversial kings. Erikson is a skilled royal biographer, especially for the Tudor era, and this work is a well balanced account. "
— Shep, 1/10/2009" A very well written biography of that larger than life king, Henry the 8th. "
— Kathy, 10/16/2008" What truly motivated this man? He is an enigma composed of selfishness, lust, duty, and greatness. We will never really know what he was thinking, but it is fun to puzzle over it. "
— Kate, 11/8/2007Carolly Erickson is the bestselling author of many distinguished works of nonfiction and a series of historical entertainments, blending fact and invention. Her historical biographies include The Hidden Diary of Marie Antoinette, The First Elizabeth, Her Little Majesty, and Alexandra. She lives in Hawaii.
Nelson Runger’s voice has been recorded in dozens of audio productions and won him two AudioFile Earphones Awards. His ability to convey difficult, scholarly material with eloquence and ease has earned him critical acclaim, including an AudioFile Best Voice in Biography & History for his reading of Nixon and Kissinger.