Can you recommend a book? - Henry VIII

mahoganygas

I read in the Guardian that Henry VIII has been voted the worst Monarch.
Other than watching the Tudors, I have little knowledge of Henry VIII but would love to read up on his life.

Can you recommend a book on Henry VIII and maybe your reason why?

Thanks a million.

Thinkingaboutit

His Dissolution of the Monasteries was resisted with the Pilgrimage of Grace and rebellions which continued to erupt under Edward VI resisting subsequent Reforms like the English prayerbook. However, worst? He was a fairly appalling human being, but as a king, I don't know about worst. King Stephen whose reign put God and his Saints asleep to adapt a comment of the time, might be a better fit for worst. King Stephen was a skilled soldier and tactician, but as a politician on the macro level he missed so many chances to overcome the Empress Matilda and alienate lords who were more inclined to be loyal.

Eamonn Duffy, Stripping of the Altars covers a key aspect of Henry's rule lucidly and is not expensive.

Manach

I'd also recommend Stripping of the Altars. As well the book "The Pilgrimage of Grace: The Rebellion That Shook Henry VIII's Throne" by Moorhouse.

HH Barbara Allen

A third vote for "Stripping of the Altars". Very interesting and useful.