It is a dual main selection of BOMC, as well as a selection of the Literary Guild, the History Book Club and QPB. Her choice of subject here may make this the one. (May 1)įorecast: Weir always gets excellent reviews, and Ballantine says there are 500,000 copies of her books in print, and yet she hasn't broken out big-time. Still, Weir's nose for detail, her sharpness of eye and her sympathetic touch make this a feast for the senses. Other problematic characters, like Thomas More ('calm, kind, witty and wise'), are also let off lightly. Given to romantic hyperbole, she concludes with the largely unsupported sentiment that Henry 'excelled all who ever wore a crown' chalk up another victory for his propagandists. Henry VIII by Alison Weir Publication date 2001 Topics Henry VIII, King of England, 1491-1547., Henry VIII, King of England, 1491-1547 - Relations with courts and courtiers., Great Britain - Court and courtiers - History - 16th century., Great Britain - History - Henry VIII, 1509-1547., Great Britain - Kings and rulers - Biography. While admitting that the king proved to be 'an imperious and dangerous autocrat who became mesmerised by his own legend,' she too is seduced by the myth. Weir's fondness for her character has its difficulties. Henry's passions were many and charming: his beloved dogs Cut and Ball were evidently so prone to getting lost that he would pay some £225 to their finder.

She revels in the Field of Cloth of Gold, an elaborate showpiece where Henry met his French counterpart in the zesty supporting cast and even in the less appetizing duties of the Groom of the Stool. Henry VIII: The King and His Court Henry VIII: The King and His Court: Weir, Alison: 9780345436597: : Books Skip to main content. In the age's luxurious ceremony, Weir is thoroughly in her element. Henry VIII: The King and His Court Weir, Alison on. She now turns to the colossal figure of Henry VIII, aspiring chivalric hero and accidental spearhead of the Reformation.

(which will be reissued in paperback to tie in with this publication), she brushed aside a forest of scholarly debate in favor of fully rounded human portraits. In a succession of books on medieval and early modern monarchs, Weir has established her credentials as one of the most evocative of popular historians.