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Loading... Letters of Henry Viii, 1526--29: Extracts from the Calendar of State Papers of Henry VIII (Uncovered Editions) (edition 2001)by Tim Coates
Work InformationLetters of Henry VIII, 1526--29: Extracts from the Calendar of State Papers of Henry VIII by Tim Coates
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In 1527 to 1530 Henry VIII's control of English affairs forged the most fundamental changes in the history of the country. His relationship with Anne Boleyn; the powerful interplay of the kings in Europe, the holy Roman Emperor, in Spain and the Pope in Rome; his campaign to divorce Katherine, his wife of 20 years; the belittling of Cardinal Wolsey and eventually his break from the Church of Rome, are all the subject of this collection of letters. No library descriptions found. |
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Google Books — Loading... GenresMelvil Decimal System (DDC)942.052092History and Geography Europe England and Wales England 1485-1603, Tudors Henry VIII 1509-47LC ClassificationRatingAverage:
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I'm a great believer in going to original source material, and this book shows that it's well worth the effort.
The machinations and manœuverings are fascinating, as Henry and the Emperor each seeks to engage the Pope in his own interests. When a rumor spreads that the Pope has died, letters are sent calling for threats and bribery to install a Pope favorable to the King's cause. But he's not dead, after all.
The Papacy and the Church are clearly shown as weak and vacillating, ( not to mention corrupt, as the Pope rewards those who contribute to his wars with cardinal's robes). The King doesn't exactly come off well, either, as one has a hard time believing that he really believed the dispensation invalid. His behavior towards Wolsey, whose strenuous efforts in his monarch's behalf were a failure, was, to put it mildly, ungrateful.
A most interesting collection.