Henry VIII: Study of Power

by John Bowle

Book by Bowle, John

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

316 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1965

Reviews

[Joyce · Rating 3 out of 5]

392 pages

3 and 1 / 2 stars

This book is intelligently written. It shows that Mr. Bowle did thorough research.

He paints a complete and unbiased portrait of Henry VIII and his reign aside from the issue of his six wives. How he was as a King, as a statesman and day-to-day ruler is more at issue than his dalliances or marriages. This is refreshing to read; a departure from scandal and notoriety.

While his personality was explosive at times, he and his administrators, especially Thomas Cromwell, instituted the beginnings of modern statecraft. He could be cruel and unpredictable, but also cunning and decisive. He loved art and music; he added much to court life that was good.

I want to thank NetGalley and Sapere Books for forwarding to me a copy of this book for me to read, enjoy and review. The opinions expressed here are my own.

[CASPER HILEMAN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sapere Books has reprinted John Bowle's 1964 political biography from 1964. Bowle reevaluates the image of Henry VIII from one of a fat wasteful king to a politically dynamic one fully engaged and competent in politics. The issues of the Reformation and the break away from the Catholic Church, combined with the invasions of France, the widening influence in Ireland as well as his six wives he is well worth understanding.

[Richard Marshall · Rating 4 out of 5]

A scholarly and readable account of the famous king. It is often the case that historical biographies get sidetracked by a superfluity of detail that may be appropriate for the pedant but confound the ordinary reader. Bowles however keeps his history concise without compromising or omitting important detail. A terrific book.

[Phil Doherty · Rating 5 out of 5]

If you are interested in learning about Henry VIII the man, rather than the axe wielding, almost cartoon character that he is glibly portrayed as in modern culture, then I could offer no higher recommendation than to read this book.
While the life and times of his wives is still discussed, they don’t dominate this rich story. From the moment Martin Luther nailed his 95 theses against the sale of Papal indulgences, to the door of the Castle Church in Wittenberg, the Reformation raged across Europe. When it was convenient, Henry was ready to introduce his own brand of Protestanism into England, Ireland and Scotland. This is an integral part of this story as are the ongoing shifting alliances between France, Spain and Germany.
This is history and Reformation on a grand scale, skilfully told by a brilliant academic with a fine gift for prose.
John Bowle has packed so much amazing history into this book that you will be using it as a reference book for much of Sixteenth Century History, and as a record of the beginnings of the Anglican Church.