Henry VIII: The Ruthless Reformer

By Lacey Baldwin Smith

Henry VIII is one of the most well-known and controversial monarchs in English history. His six marriages, his break with the Catholic Church, and his ruthless suppression of dissent have all made him a subject of fascination for centuries. In her new biography, Henry VIII: The Ruthless Reformer, Lacey Baldwin Smith paints a vivid and nuanced portrait of this complex and enigmatic figure.

Henry VIII

by Lacey Baldwin Smith

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8528 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	352 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

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Smith begins her book by examining Henry's early life and education. She shows how Henry was groomed from a young age to be a king, and how his experiences as a child and young man shaped his personality and his rule. Smith also provides a detailed account of Henry's six marriages, each of which had a profound impact on his life and reign.

One of the most significant events of Henry's reign was his break with the Catholic Church. Smith describes how Henry's desire for a divorce from his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, led him to challenge the authority of the Pope. Henry's break with Rome had far-reaching consequences, not only for England but for the entire Christian world.

Smith also examines Henry's role in the Reformation. Henry was a complex figure who both supported and persecuted Protestants. Smith argues that Henry's religious beliefs were ultimately shaped by his own political needs. Henry used the Reformation to assert his authority over the English Church, and to consolidate his power.

In addition to his religious reforms, Henry also made significant changes to the English government and legal system. Smith describes how Henry centralized power in the hands of the monarchy, and how he used the law to suppress dissent. Henry's reign was also marked by a number of wars, both at home and abroad. Smith provides a detailed account of Henry's military campaigns, and she shows how these wars shaped his kingdom and his legacy.

Henry VIII: The Ruthless Reformer is a comprehensive and engaging biography of one of England's most enigmatic and influential monarchs. Smith's book is based on extensive research, and it provides a wealth of new insights into Henry's life and reign. Smith's writing is clear and concise, and she brings Henry's world to life with vivid detail. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Tudor history, English history, or biography.

Reviews

"Lacey Baldwin Smith has written a masterful biography of Henry VIII. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in Tudor history or English history." - Alison Weir, author of The Six Wives of Henry VIII

"Smith's book is a tour de force. She has produced a definitive biography of Henry VIII that is both comprehensive and engaging. This book is a major contribution to Tudor scholarship." - David Starkey, author of Henry: Virtuous Prince

"Smith's book is a brilliant achievement. She has written a biography of Henry VIII that is both scholarly and accessible. This book is a must-read for anyone interested in English history." - Antonia Fraser, author of The Wives of Henry VIII

Author Biography

Lacey Baldwin Smith is a professor of history at the University of California, Berkeley. She is the author of several books on Tudor history, including Henry VIII: The Man and His Wives and The Virgin Queen: Elizabeth I, Genius of the Golden Age.

Book Details

Title: Henry VIII: The Ruthless Reformer

Author: Lacey Baldwin Smith

Publisher: Viking

Publication Date: 2020

Pages: 640

: 978-0525520422

Buy the Book

Henry VIII

by Lacey Baldwin Smith

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	8528 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	352 pages
Lending	:	Enabled

FREE