The Man on a Donkey: Part 2: A Chronicle

by H.F.M. Prescott, James P. Campbell MA DMin (Introduction), Amy Welborn (Editor)

“The almost perfect historical novel.”
— The New York Times The Man on a Donkey is an enthralling, panoramic historical novel that brings to life one of the most tumultuous times in British history—the reign of King Henry VIII.
 In Part 1, readers are introduced to the world of the Tudors through the lives of five individuals. In Part 2—as King Henry VIII continues his arrogant rule, Thomas Cromwell closes the monasteries, and rebellion breaks out in the North of England—readers discover the destiny of these five people and, through their stories, learn that God’s love is felt only by those whose hearts are open to mystery and grace.

Genres: History

592 pages, Paperback

Published August 1, 2008

About the author

Hilda Francis Margaret Prescott, MA, MA, D.Litt, FRSL was born in Cheshire, the daughter of Rev. James Mulleneux Prescott and his wife Margaret (née Warburton).

She was educated at Wallasey High School and subsequently read Modern History at Lady Margaret Hall, University of Oxford where she received her first MA. Later, she studied Medieval and Modern History at Manchester University, from which she earned a second MA. She was awarded an honorary D.Litt. by the University of Durham. In 1958, she was elected Jubilee Research Fellow at Royal Holloway College in the University of London where she researched the life of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey.

She is perhaps best known for her historical novel 'The Man on a Donkey;' written in the form of a chronicle, it tells the story of the Pilgrimage of Grace, a popular rising in protest at the Dissolution of the Monasteries by King Henry VIII.

Her biography of Queen Mary I of England, 'Mary Tudor' (originally titled 'Spanish Tudor'), won the James Tait Black Prize in 1941 and remains a well-respected biography.

Prescott wrote one thriller, 'Dead and Not Buried,' and this was adapted in 1954 for CBS's Climax! television series under the title 'Bury Me Later.'

Her interests included travel and a love of the English countryside and she lived for many years in Charlbury, Oxfordshire.

Reviews

[booklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

All the while I was reading, The Man on the Donkey, Part 2, I kept thinking, ‘This is the book to read if you truly want to understand The Pilgrimage of Grace. What was the The Pilgrimage of Grace you may well ask. It usually rates a one-line mention in history books as the failed uprising in the North of England by commons and gentry alike against King Henry VIII's break with the Roman Catholic Church, the dissolution of the monasteries, and the policies of the King's chief minister, Thomas Cromwell, as well as other grievances.

It certainly was all that. It was also the most serious of all Tudor rebellions, an extremely popular and well-supported revolt in the North, whose citizenry remained Catholic for a long time after, and it was brutally punished by Henry. Those who call Queen Mary, ‘bloody’, should look to what her father did at this time. Punishments did not fit the crime, especially since the ‘traitors’ (as they were called) swore allegiance to their monarch as head of state, only wishing to retain allegiance to the pope as head of church and restore property stolen from monasteries. There was never any real hope, though they did not know it.

That is the background for this novel, but the person named in the title, ‘Man on the Donkey’ is also an interesting figure. He is of course, Jesus, marching in Jerusalem on Palm Sunday. In this case, He’s (figuratively) leading the Pilgrimage, which begins so triumphantly, full of hope and good intentions. We also catch glimpses of Him throughout the story in the various characters, through their words and allusions. As would be expected, He is omnipresent.

As for the other characters, there is the avaricious Prioress Christabel Cowper with an ever-ready eye for what will benefit her monastery and, oh yes, slip a little in her own pocket as well. And Lord Thomas Darcy watches the country he knows and loves going from bad to worse under King Henry, unsure where and when he will be called to step in and how. Gentlewomen Margaret and Julian Savage, bastard daughters of a Lord, who struggle to find their places in this rapidly deteriorating kingdom. The apostatized ‘priest’ Gilbert Dawe, who marries, has three children, two of which die, then his wife, returns to the priesthood for the living, hating everything the Catholic Church stands for and thrilled by everything he learns about ‘Lutheranism’, eager to see the changes which can’t happen fast enough for him, disgusted by everything, especially how slow change is happening, and hateful to his remaining mute son, himself and all.

Finally there is the one-eyed Squire Robert Aske who unwittingly becomes this story’s ‘man on the donkey’, who will ride into Jerusalem to become the innocent victim sacrificed for all. Even his tortuous manner of death hanging by a chain for days is eerily Christ-like.

EPIC story! Think Come Rack! Come Rope!, only much better because it is primarily focused on actual events, persons and places and is drawn from the extensive documentation left of the period. Also its greater length as a multi-character chronicle adds to your prolonged enjoyment.

Cannot recommend too highly.


July 4, 2019: If Part 2 is anything like Part 1, then I am in for a treat! This is one of those books which cannot be too long!

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was so long since I had read the first part that I was not really invested for much of this book and just didn't enjoy it that much. That's my fault but I think the publisher's choice to split it into two volumes made little sense. However, finale of the book (particularly Robert Aske's final passage and the epilogue) were deeply affecting and masterfully written.
The characters were great and the historical and theological drive of the book really picked up. I'm just really annoyed about it being split in two.
I also think it was an odd choice for Loyola Classics because although it did demonise Cromwell and Henry, generally it seemed to have a very un-Catholic message. What I got from the book was that God loves us all and cares for us all (not just those who pay for chantry chapels) but we determine how we live our lives and it is your actions and your attitudes rather than your learning (Gib Dawe) or your riches (Lord Darcy) which bring you into God's fold. The most admirable characters are those (like Aske or Malle or (at times) Julian) who suffer or who know little but still take a sympathetic and loving outlook towards others. Julian of Norwich is a Catholic saint but I think her work (presenting God as a maternal figure) does not align particularly with the Catholic church today. Julian of Norwich's work does however, align with me.

[Fides · Rating 1 out of 5]

I just can't get past all the blasphemies and taking the Lord's name or Holy Objects in vain. Are you seriously going to suggest pious Queen Katherine blasphemed so casually? Give me a break.

So-called Catholic publisher - I give up!