Henry VIII: King and Court

This magnificent biography of Henry VIII is set against the cultural, social and political background of his court - the most spectacular court ever seen in England - and the splendour of his many sumptuous palaces.

An entertaining narrative packed with colourful description and a wealth of anecdotal evidence but also a comprehensive analytical study of the development of both monarch and court during a crucial period in English history.

As well as challenging some recent theories, it offers controversial new conclusions based on contemporary evidence that has until now been overlooked. This is a triumph of historical writing which will appeal equally to the general listener and the serious historian.

©2001 Alison Weir (P)2017 Audible, Ltd

Casual overview of courtly life under Henry VIII

The first 2/3 of this book give extraordinary detail of the structure, architecture and material elements of King Henry’s court. At about the halfway point I hoped those details would cede to more delving into the details and relationships to the key players. There is little in the way of analysis of Henry and Wolsey- and Cromwell- and Cranmer. Some interesting passages regarding the dynamic with the wives but very little depth and analysis you would hope for in a biography of this length.
Don’t get me wrong, Weir is a fabulous writer and has researched her topics extensively, but personally I feel the minutia of dinnerware and real estate holdings at the expense of historical and political analysis.

Complete and satisfactory

I love the collection of facts and history. The complexity of it all and the turns and twists of the courtiers are mesmerizing. Its a bigger picture of Henry VIII life and the tranformation of the English culture and society. Love it! Well read and very engaging.

wonderful

I love most books in this genre. this was no exception. well written and accurate. I thoroughly enjoyed it

Fantastic!

I loved this book! I have read/listened to many books on Tudor history - and especially those by Alison Weir, but this one stands out.

If you feel you are already very familiar with the life of Henry and the story of his wives this is a must. It gives a detailed glimpse into the life of his court and his private life. It’s a fascinating journey through his castles, his world and the people who surrounded him.

It’s one of those books that I wish would never end. And here it was brought to life by Phyllida Nash with her soothing voice and wonderful British accent.

Fascinating

A fabulous history of Henry VIII. So much detail - the amount of research this must have taken must have been a real labor of love.