Henry VIII: A Reference Guide to His Life and Works

Henry VIII was a complex and dynamic monarch who demonstrated a range of qualities, including care, loyalty, compassion, and piety. This guide provides a chronology, introduction, bibliography, and dictionary section to explore his life and work.

Format: Hardback
Length: 286 pages
Publication date: 15 April 2022
Publisher: Rowman & Littlefield

Henry VIII, a prominent figure in English history, was renowned for his enigmatic and turbulent reign. Despite his infamous reputation for his explosive temper, domineering demeanor, and callous disregard for human life, he displayed moments of genuine compassion, loyalty, and leadership. Throughout his life, Henry VIII played various roles, showcasing his multifaceted personality. He was a devoted husband to his six wives, displaying deep affection and commitment to their well-being. He also maintained close friendships, relying on trusted confidants for support and guidance. As a ruler, Henry VIII exhibited a compassionate side, implementing policies that aimed to improve the lives of his subjects. He was known for his religious reforms, which aimed to strengthen the Church of England and bring it closer to the Pope's authority. However, his quest for divorce and annulment from his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, led to a series of tumultuous events that ultimately shaped English history. Henry VIII's legacy remains a subject of fascination and debate, with his actions and decisions shaping the course of English society for centuries to come.

This comprehensive reference guide, Henry VIII: A Reference Guide to His Life and Work, delves into the life and accomplishments of this remarkable monarch. It offers a chronological timeline that traces the key events and milestones of Henry's life, from his early years to his reign as King of England. An introductory section provides an overview of his reign, highlighting his achievements and controversies. The book also includes a comprehensive bibliography that provides valuable resources for further exploration of Henry's life and legacy. Additionally, the dictionary section offers entries on all the locales, events, and personalities associated with King Henry from the years before his birth, through the nearly 38 years of his reign, to the subsequent régimes of his three royal children and successors.

Henry VIII's reign was marked by significant political, religious, and social changes. He initiated the English Reformation, which led to the separation of the Church of England from the Roman Catholic Church and the establishment of the Church of England as a Protestant denomination. Henry also played a crucial role in the English colonization of North America, sending several expeditions to establish settlements and establish trade routes. However, his pursuit of divorce and annulment from his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, led to a series of conflicts and controversies that ultimately shaped his legacy.

Despite his tumultuous reign, Henry VIII remains a fascinating figure in English history. His life and works continue to be studied and debated by scholars and historians, and his legacy continues to influence contemporary society. Henry VIII: A Reference Guide to His Life and Work is an essential resource for anyone interested in learning more about this remarkable monarch and his impact on English history.

Weight: 812g
Dimension: 253 x 185 x 23 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781538122839