I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook. What a great information book! Highly recommend if you are into Tudor history.

Five hundred years on, the tale of Henry VIII never ceases to be fascinating and this thorough and decent 1970s account of the life and reign of England's second Tudor king tells the story as well as anyone. Even ignoring he compelling 'divorced/beheaded/survived' narrative of the King's six wives (which author, John Bowle most assuredly doesn't), there's the rise and fall of Wolsey and Cromwell, the Field of the Cloth of Gold, the dissolution of the monasteries, the first stirrings of the British Empire not to mention the volatile personality of an all-powerful figure who could be a hugely accomplished renaissance man one second and a spoilt, bloodthirsty tyrant the next. Great stuff.

A well researched book very historically accurate A good read.Many interesting side facts on Henry’s personality and drive.I would thoroughly recommend. this book to anyone who wants a good read.

This novelistic portrayal of Henry and his era provides a complete picture of the cruel, bad-tempered king, dispels myths, and looks at his good points as well as the terror of his rule. Always interesting and well-researched, this book by John Bowle really covers almost everything - Henry's wars in Europe and Scotland, his attempts to dominate Ireland, Scotland and Wales, the Dissolution of the monasteries, the importance of culture at his court, and his horrific treatment of most of his wives. Henry was, arguably, a great King in some ways - he built up the navy, for example. Bowle provides good evidence for this argument.

Actual dialogue from the time and colourful extracts from letters help to make this a vivid portrayal. This book is a must for lovers of the Tudor era, or British history. I hope to read most of Bowle's books!

I received this free ebook from NetGalley in return for an honest review.

A modern presentation of a classic history book which has informed generations to date. Henry is one of the most written about monarchs in English history and this is one of the better accounts of his life, going beyond the more salacious aspects of his life to give a full picture of him.

Sapere Books has reprinted John Bowle's 1964 political biography from 1964. Bowle reevaluates the image of Henry VIII from one of a fat wasteful king to a politically dynamic one fully engaged and competent in politics. The issues of the Reformation and the break away from the Catholic Church, combined with the invasions of France, the widening influence in Ireland as well as his six wives he is well worth understanding.

It's John Bowle and it was the year 1964 when he wrote this incredible and insightful study of an fascinating period of English history...And you know what, it still stands today....

It's bold, compelling and it gives you (if your are game for it) a sweeping look at a controversial monarch and his highly controversial moves to establish the very controversial Tudor trademark on an English throne that had been a very very ridiculous and wobbly joke since 1377.....

Controversial it was but I just loved it. Just go for it if you want to feed your love for English history....👍👍

Many thanks to Netgalley and Sapere Books for this terrific ARC

392 pages

3 and 1 / 2 stars

This book is intelligently written. It shows that Mr. Bowle did thorough research.

He paints a complete and unbiased portrait of Henry VIII and his reign aside from the issue of his six wives. How he was as a King, as a statesman and day-to-day ruler is more at issue than his dalliances or marriages. This is refreshing to read; a departure from scandal and notoriety.

While his personality was explosive at times, he and his administrators, especially Thomas Cromwell, instituted the beginnings of modern statecraft. He could be cruel and unpredictable, but also cunning and decisive. He loved art and music; he added much to court life that was good.

I want to thank NetGalley and Sapere Books for forwarding to me a copy of this book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed here are my own.