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Henry VIII cover art

Henry VIII

By: Abigail Archer
Narrated by: Sarah Nichols
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Summary

Henry VIII ruled England from 1509 to 1547. As a young man, he was fond of sports and hunting and was said to be uncommonly handsome. Standing more than six feet tall, he loomed large in the lives and minds of his subjects as he navigated his country through the tricky diplomatic and military hazards of the 16th century.

A man of enormous appetites, Henry conducted affairs with many women, married six, and executed two. His infatuation with Anne Boleyn set in motion a chain of events that reshaped the church in England and eroded the dominance of Rome. But the popular image of Henry as a crude tyrant, dispatching courtiers, enemies, and wives with gusto, obscures a more nuanced and fascinating character. He was a true Renaissance king who presided over one of Europe's greatest courts and nudged Western civilization onto a new course.

Here, from Abigail Archer, author of the New York Times best seller Elizabeth I, is the story of Henry VIII.

©2015 Abigail Archer (P)2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc.

What listeners say about Henry VIII

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  • 14-10-21

Rushed, ended abruptly, recycled basics.

Feels rushed and ends extremely abruptly.
There is a vast amount of Henry's life missing, almost like the author grabbed the very basics that have been told time and time again, then turned it into a book.

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2 people found this helpful

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Full of Inaccuracies

The Writer quotes Alison Weir often (who is a current author) in this book rather than doing her own research.

That said, there are many inaccuracies in the book such as Henry and Anne going into mourning when Catherine died. They were overjoyed and wore yellow to signify this.

Jane DID indeed did challenge Henry on occasion, most notably over the abolition of the monasteries. He reminded her of Anne’s fate in reply.

Henry did not yearn for a new wife after Jane died and it took Cranmer much persuasion.

Catherine Howard is quoted as being aged 17. There is no evidence of her birth. From recorded conversations she is though to have been between 15-18.

My point is, if you’re using this book to write an essay or give a lecture…. don’t.

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1 person found this helpful

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    5 out of 5 stars
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Great Book

Henry VIII and the Tudor era is one of things I love reading about. The narrator did a great job.

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Good content but rushed

Good content but the speed in which the book was read made me feel like it was very rushed and had to pause the book at moments to allow the information sink in, before moving on.
Apart from that quite enjoyable.

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Compelling

Concise and informative, read impassionately which keeps you riveted. Will look for other titles by this author.

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  • Overall
    4 out of 5 stars
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Loved this

I’m very interested in the king and queens Britain and this version is very good but not the best tale.

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loved it

really loved listening to this , massive fan of the tudor era , knew a bit about it already but I like how this expanded my knowledge on the subject a great listen for anyone who likes tudor England.

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  • Overall
    5 out of 5 stars
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Great story well told.

Thoroughly enjoyed listening to this account of a fascinating person and period of national history known for its corrupt intrigue in high places.

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Well paced

Apart from the details we are all familiar with, the story branched occasionally to cover details beyond Henry and his wives. Narrated at a crisp pace which helps when familiar with the plot.

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5 *****

This title came up in my recommendations, well chuffed it did. As a lover of British history i thoroughly enjoyed it. great listen.

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