Thomas Wolsey, late Cardinal,: His life and death

by George Cavendish

Fine Hardcover Folio Press; [Distributed by] J. M. Dent, 1973. Book. Fine. Hardcover. Unopened, clean copy in excellent bright navy covers. Gilt design and titling to covers looking new. With 12 illustrations. Name neatly penned to endpage. No jacket. .

Genres: Nonfiction, Tudor Period, History, Historical, Biography

242 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1890

About the author

1500-1562

English biographer

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/George_...

Reviews

[Vicky · Rating 5 out of 5]

A contemporary account of Cardinal Wolsey's last years by his servant,George Cavendish, which- it is instantly clear- has been quoted from in nearly every film and play about the time of King Henry VIII that I have personally seen.I also suspect that many of the historical details of Hilary Mantel's Wolf Hall were also discovered,here.Indeed, that author added Cavendish,himself,to her story, as a loyal servitor of the Cardinal's household.
George Cavendish includes some inevitable moral guidance to accompany his details of Wolsey's rise from a brilliant student (known as the "Boy Bachelor"because he graduated at such a young age)through the ranks of the church to become the kings Chancellor and keeper of the great Seal of England.He points out that Wolsey lived in great wealth and opulence and that Anne Boleyn and her family deprived him of all of it in just one year.Exactly what her grievance was I will leave for future readers to find out!There is much to know.This audible recording had a reader with a slight 'whistle' in his speech but, so interested in what he had to say, I scarcely noticed!
One matter that remains unsolved is whether Cardinal Wolsey was poisoned or,when arrested for High Treason, took his own life.This account provides some tantalizing clues but leaves the question open.It is also evident that ministers tried to eradicate Wolsey's last words which Cavendish and others-while not speaking against their late Master-let them do.Henry paid him well-through Boleyn's uncle,the Duke of Norfolk.He is offered a position in the King's household.I have found out since that he didn't take it.Perhaps he got wind of what was to come...!

[Kilian Metcalf · Rating 3 out of 5]

I loved Wolf Hall so much that when I read that Mantel's book was inspired in part by this contemporary account of the last days of Cardinal Wolsey, written by the man who would become the third husband of Bess of Hardwick, I couldn't resist. The 16th-century language is a challenge, and the baldness of the account makes the reader do the heavy lifting of finding the romance and emotion buried underneath the plain statement of the facts. That being said, I was riveted by the undeniable affection Cavendish felt for his master and his grief at his fall from power. Wolsey himself summed up his whole life when he said "But if I had served God as diligently as I have done the King, He would not have given me over in my grey hairs." The Cardinal was a great man and earned the love and respect of Cavendish and Cromwell.

Another thing that was a revelation to me was the need underlying the accusation of "greed" that has been flung at this prince of the church. He was expected to be ready to entertain the king at a moment's notice, to travel to France with a huge entourage, to maintain a household of 800+ and to feed them, clothe them, house them, equip & supply them, all at his own expense. His only source of income was his possession of lands and benefices. I had the distinct impression that he cared nothing for his personal luxury, but that the burden of his duties and required lifestyle required him to think much of the getting and spending of money.

Once I visited the office of a doctor in private practice. He had thirty employees. They all depended on him for their living. I thought to myself, "This man walks around every day carrying thirty people on his back." If he were to quit, or die, or be unable to work, they would all be thrown out of a job. I could not stand the pressure. Wolsey had 800 dependents to think about. No wonder he was "greedy" for income.

[Kelley · Rating 3 out of 5]

After reading Wolf Hall, I had to know if this picture of Cromwell was drawn from reality or a lively imagination. I didn't slog through the whole thing - apologies, Mr. Secretary - but I found and read every passage I could about Cromwell. And ... there he was, recorded by a contemporary, just as Mantel drew him. She just colored in the lines. I am happy.

[Veronica · Rating 4 out of 5]

Oh, to feed your dying lordship a baked pear as his final meal! In a completely platonic, heterosexual way — of course!

[Kirk Smith · Rating 3 out of 5]

I haven't got the mind of a Tudor, but this book is supposed to give you the vital insights. So I purchased an original copy from an online auction site, prior to reading Wolf Hall, which helps to some extent, I would say best read upon a cold wet Sunday, to get yourself in the correct mood. Trouble is, you read too many books like this they become a habit and so I've re-read George Cavendish, in preparation for my next book; The Lake Counties 1500 - 1830 A Social and Economic History. Happy Days.

[Ezra]

I didn't get through it. Too much dancing around the subject. You've got to be in an affairs-of-court mood.

[Randal Pendleton · Rating 4 out of 5]

Referred to by Hilary Mantel.

[Eric · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story by a contemporary of the life of Wolsey. Well done, even if you struggle to keep up with anachronistic turn of phrase in perfectly good English.