Reign Of Henry VIII: The Personalities and Politics Paperback – 3 Oct. 2002

This is Starkey’s first book, and it shows. The field of study has made leaps and bounds since this book was first published in 1985. This makes some of the details contestable with me interpretations and research. Also, Starkey burdens himself with covering Henry’s entire 38 year reign. This is an undertaking difficult within itself, this then further exacerbated by the book being only around 200 pages. The level of nuance and detail required just can’t be covered in this length. Historians tend to focus on aspect of a reign rather than covering all of it sine the limited possibility of this result wouldn’t likely produce a satisfactory outcome. But if anyone could do this it would be David Starkey. This being said, this book isn’t it because as discussed before this is Starkey’s first outing. There are element in this that are in his masterworks such as Elizabeth but this book leaves the reader feeling that it isn’t all there. This is understandable because covering 38 years in 200 pages is jarring. This book can’t be recommended to beginners of the Henrician period, rather they would benefit from reading Alison Weir’s King and Court, Tracy Borman’s Henry VIII and his men or even Henry: Virtuous Prince by David Starkey. This book I would recommend to fans of Starkey to see how he started out or people more familiar with the field. Despite the reasons for criticism, this book is special as it clues us in to the growth of Starkey into a masterful scholar that he is today and for that reason this book is worth reading.

If you only read history books for the romance and dresses, this book isn't for you. But if you are really interested in understanding how people - including the King - wielded power in the early-mid Tudor period, this is essential reading.Despite the weight of the topic, it is easy to read and consistently engaging. It's a quick read, but well worth reading twice to fully digest.

This book gives a unique and fascinating insight into the inter-action between high politics and meeting basic human needs that surrounded the king's person. The research seems impeccable and the writing is stylish. It will be essential reading for serious students of Tudor history.The theme is not dissimilar to that covered in "The Court of the Red Tsar" by Simon Sebag Montefiore which gave us astonishing new insights into daily life in Stalin's Kremlin. This similarity is fitting because Henry VIII's methods of governing had quite a lot in common with those used by Stalin.

I enjoy the author's TV programs about the lives of the English Kings and Queens. I thought I would give his books a try as there would be more information in them than can be put onto a short program. I was right. There is much information about the King from birth to death and all written in the same manner you can hear him speaking as he does on TV. A little strange at first to read and hear his voice in your mind but then he is very listenable on TV, very easy to read his written word.It seems to be well reasearched, logically presented yet with an ease to allow the ordinary man to read it and enjoy it. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys his TV programs or who would like to read a history which is both fun to read and full of little facts to brighten the day. All the drama of his life is captured. It is hard to think how much his life has affected everything we do and believe in today and yet it is all there to see. David Starkey has also included a number of photos to enhance the book. I would recommend this to anyone with any interest in the subject and would recommend the author as I have read his much longer work on Elizabeth.

Bought as a present, so cannot comment personally as to the content, but my wife is delighted with it. David Starky is well known for correct detail.

This is an essential absolutely must have addition to your book-list on Tudor history and it is just a dream to read. Dr Starkey makes history pleasurable! It's got everything you need to know to create a working model of Henry VIII's court in your head. It's that good!Do get a copy and enjoy! You will.

This is a slender book bought to understand more about the men and the politics of the 16th century. I can give it three stars for excellent price and relatively good delivery time. If Dr Starkey's other work is anything to go by it will deserve more starts when I finish it.

A truly gripping book that brings to life a vital period of our history. David Starkey is skilled and knowledgeable historian who has the ability to write in a manner never dull and often full of imagery that brings the Tudor Age to life.

I had just finished reading Henry, the virtuous prince by David Starkey and it ends at Cardinal Wolsey. Just ends . Fortunately, I had also purchased this book written in 1985 also by David Starkey and it definitely continues where the later book leaves off. Do you wanna know why Henry the eighth one who he was and did what he did this book is IT! definitely don’t judge this book by its cover. It is not a kids book. It is well written, well researched well executed no pun intended.

A+

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Like all of David Starkey books, this one is excellent. It is so refreshing to read a book on history actually written by an historian, and not some malarkey of half truths and embellishments often seen in the books churned out by female writers posing as academics.

A great insight into Tudor History ,well researched and is brought alive by David Starkey ;its as if you are at the Tudor Court looking on .I recommend it to any one who is interested into the the mind of Henry VIII.