#268 A Brief History of the English Reformation (2012)

Author: Derek Wilson
Title: A Brief History of the English Reformation
Genre: History
Year: 2012
Pages: 440
Origin: bought from the Works for £3.99
Nod Rating: 3 nods out of 5

 

This title is somewhat misleading. After all, what is “brief” in more than four-hundred pages of reading? Derek Wilson’s history of the English Reformation is incredibly detailed and well-researched, leaving the Worm satisfied of this choice of book from the discount store The Works.

However, the book does not fit the entirety of the English Reformation, tending to a particular focus on the Tudor monarchs of the sixteenth century. The Stuart monarchs and their equally immense problems (Civil War, religious upheaval, monarchs on the run!) are ignored, although Wilson addresses this issue in the book’s epilogue. Wilson’s key focus is in an attempt to show how England was transformed by the whims and tastes of the Tudor dynasty, by Henry VIII and his daughter by Anne Boleyn, Elizabeth.

The historian does an admirable job of putting in the essential events – along with analysis and historical assessment – alongside some interesting minor detail. He has a clear understanding of the major players and their motivations. A narrative is held onto, but it lacks greater depth. Yes, you declare aloud right now, but remember Mr. Worm, this is a “brief” history. Perhaps the remit was never there to dig deeper, but also recall yourselves that in four-hundred pages ample space was provided.

For anyone wanting to know more about the English Reformation in the Tudor period, Derek Wilson’s book is warmly recommended. Get down to the Works now, there might still be a cheap copy going!

Find out more about the historian here

#265 Fifty Shades of Lady Catherine Grey (2013)

Author: T.S. Wiseman
Title: Fifty Shades of Lady Catherine Grey: The sex scandals that shook the Tudor court
Genre: History(ish!)
Year: 2013
Pages: 40
Origin: read on the Kindle
Nod Rating: 1 nod out of 5

 

As can be instantly deduced from the title of this book, Wiseman's book is a shameless cash-in on a current “literary” fad that isn’t about much at all. The Worm spent ninety-nine pence in the hope that it would add a few interesting perspectives into the scandals that troubled the Tudor court in the sixteenth century. However, all he got in return was a dull read that added nothing new to his own knowledge.

This is all with great regret, because Catherine Grey – as do her two sisters – has a fascinating history that provides a deeply rich subplot to the main Tudor queens, Mary and Elizabeth. However, it appears that T.S. Wiseman saw fit to gloss over most of the good stuff. It is with further regret that this author has put out more material on this period of his history. If the Kindle brought about a revolution in the publication of ideas from authors all over the world, this kind of book is the shoddy distaste that we have to accept along with the good.

Yes, and the Worm is still bitter about his ninety-nine pence. Wasted! Squandered! Never to be seen again!

#254 Elizabeth's Spy Master (2006)

Author: Robert Hutchinson
Title: Elizabeth’s Spy Master
Genre: History/Biography
Year: 2006
Pages: 350
Origin: bought from the Works for £2.99
Nod Rating: 3 nods out of 5

 

A few weeks previously the Worm read another Tudor based book written by Robert Hutchinson (Young Henry). The Worm was slightly unflattering with his review, concluding it with the words: ‘there is little need in anyone picking up a copy of Hutchinson’s book in a hurry’. In fact, the Worm was reluctant to return to any Hutchinson book anytime soon, however, both Young Henry and this book, Elizabeth’s Spy Master, were bought together. It tugged at the Worm’s heartstrings to leave the latter book on the shelves, consigned to the forgotten corners and untouched for many book reading years to come. So, guilt won out. But the Worm is thankful for this. Hutchinson’s Elizabeth’s Spy Master is a far superior book on many levels. Allow him to explain in greater detail.

The book is centred on the life and times of Sir Francis Walsingham. He is noted as one of the great statesmen of his age; alongside William Cecil and the Earl of Leicester he formed the bedrock on which the success of the Elizabethan state was built. He graduated up the slippery slope of politics until he became indispensable throughout the 1570s and 1580s, particularly in the administration of the country. However, it is within his role as “spy master” and thrawting Catholic plots in which he is popularly known. Hutchinson argues the case that Walsingham is ‘one of the great unknown heroes of English history. By right, he should rank with Horatio Nelson, the Duke of Wellington and even Sir Winston Churchill as one of the great patriotic defenders, against all-comers, of this island state.’

However, Walsingham appears not to have obtained his due by the public (although this is a different matter with historians and academics). Hutchinson believes this is due to him being ‘a man very much of the shadows’, and his book is an account of his shadowing doings and dealings.

The experience of reading the book is slightly jarring: it knows not if it is a biography or a history book analysing the period under question. Of course, Walsingham himself was tightly woven into the nation’s fortunes; as such, as with any political history, the reader must follow the great events. Hutchinson uses the Catholic plots against the country as a rough framework, building up a traditional biographical narrative as we reach the 1580s and the strife and drama of the Babington Plot. This in turn witnesses the trail and execution of Mary Queen of Scots, perhaps Walsingham’s greatest success. The defeat of the Spanish Armada in 1588 serves as a climax, all before the death of the great man having tasted victory.

Due to much of the information on Walsingham’s personality and own thoughts are now seemingly lost to history, Hutchinson attempts to compensate by dragging the reader – kicking and screaming – into the dirty underworld of the age. This includes the torture exacted on Catholic missionary priests and the ghastly deaths and confessions extracted. Hutchinson is keen to highlight Walsingham’s role as the Tudor age’s answer to James Bond by concentrating on his spy network (devoting a section at the book’s conclusion to various people connected to this).

Elizabeth’s Spy Master is an engaging read. It shines the light on a man unknown to most, whose deeds were of high importance to an Elizabethan state that was delicately placed in a hostile world. You may not be in a hurry to buy a copy, but if anyone is browsing the titles available in a well-stocked Works they could do little better than pick up this book.

Buy it here

#251 Young Henry (2011)

Author: Robert Hutchinson
Title: Young Henry
Genre: History
Year: 2011
Pages: 330
Origin: bought from the Works
Nod Rating: 2 nods out of 5

 

Henry VIII remains a popular figure, both for historians and readers of history and fiction. It is easy to see why: a large man in both stature and life, full of drama and explosive events that include death and intrigue. Few English monarchs can rival him in terms of theatrics. Therefore, he is a figure – alongside his daughter, Elizabeth – in which historians can find a warm home. Robert Hutchinson is another one who has followed a well worn road.

The book’s intention is to chart an outline to the rise of power of the young Henry. Much information is given on Henry’s childhood: living with his mother and sisters, the death of his older brother, and then the coming to the throne on the death of his father in 1509 when in his eighteenth year. As a fully paid up member of the Tudor Enthusiasts, Hutchinson does an adequate job of painting a picture of those times in the early years of the sixteenth century.

However, there is little in terms of a clear structure. The reader is invited to ramble through Henry’s childhood, ambling through various areas of early Tudor life with no real force; all before being bolted headlong into the political intrigue of Henry’s early years as king. The concluding chapters do not feel like any real conclusion at all, with various characters foisted on the reader with no end goal in sight. Perhaps the reason for this lies in the intention of the book: where does the historian cut the dividing line between Henry’s younger years and those of his elder self? Furthermore, for the reader, the drama comes in full force in those latter years, particularly from 1530 onwards.

Young Henry is a book that strives to bring the younger prince to life. But the truth is that this period has been done to death by many historians; in many cases, it has been achieved with greater success. Therefore, there is little need in anyone picking up a copy of Hutchinson’s book in a hurry.

#246 The Elizabethans (2011)

Author: A.N. Wilson
Title: The Elizabethans
Genre: History
Year: 2011
Pages: 370
Origin: bought brand spanking new
Nod Rating: 3 nods out of 5

 
For centuries, the Elizabethan age has been hailed as a Golden one. It was the time of glory, the Armada, Drake and Raleigh; it was the time of religious turmoil and upheaval, of massacres and great changes; it was the time that England composed itself and set the foundations of a world empire and greater successes. Therefore it is little wonder why time and again historians return to the Tudor period as one in which exciting and engaging writing is born. Furthermore, for conservative-hearted historians such as A.N. Wilson, it harks back to a time when England was “great” and a match for anyone.

Rather than take a narrative route throughout the Elizabethan period, Wilson has taken various events and characters in order to provide snapshots into the past. The book is divided into four parts: the beginning of the reign, the 1570s, the 1580s, and ‘the close of the reign’. Throughout all of this Wilson jots about the Elizabethan political map, discussing the Elizabethan religious settlement, Sir Francis Drake, the Armada and the folly of the Earl of Essex. During this the author treads familiar ground, re-wording familiar stories and conclusions. Of greater interest is Wilson’s turns down odd avenues and forgotten corners. This includes a chapter on ‘Elizabethan women’, Sir Philip Sidney, and the likes of Hakluyt and the Marprelate tracts.

Interestingly – and rather confusingly – Wilson kicks off his book not on the upbringing of Elizabeth and the poker hot political situation she found herself in, but instead with a chapter entitled ‘The Difficulty’ that concentrates on Ireland. Yes, Ireland was forever an issue during this period (similar to many others), what with it contributing to the general malaise of Elizabeth’s final years. But to kick-start his portrait of the age with Ireland is an odd choice. What with the second chapter dedicated to the colonising adventures (or is that misadventures?) of the New World, Wilson clearly sets the tone of imperialism and military at the heart of his study.

Such choices frustrate the reader who yearns to stride within Elizabethan England. The lack of any clear narrative bewilders, with Wilson keen to emphasise the impact of moderate contemporary thinkers rather than tackle the key events of the period. Due to this, The Elizabethans feels more akin to a companion-piece alongside other historical works that attempt to not only bring alive the age but also connect the dots that clearly need connecting if anyone is to have a true understanding of the late sixteenth-century.

Angering the Worm was Wilson’s continuing need to digress from the meat of the past, adding paragraphs (that needed stunting) of opinion rather than true debate. Having done a bit of research whilst typing up this review (yes, dear readers, the Worm goes full-hog) the Worm was assured to find that he was not alone in waving fist at Wilson’s written detours. In 2012 Richard J. Evans responded to a piece about Wilson’s short Hitler biography; Evans attacked the lack of original research, clear analysis and the use of personal biases. All of which makes an interesting read, if not a great historian.

Since the birth of this blog the Worm can count two – including this – reads from the hand of Wilson. The first centred on the second Elizabethan age, whilst now the original Elizabethan age has been concluded. The Worm is unlikely to return to Wilson for any future reading, barring that of an upcoming – and highly unlikely – third Elizabethan age. The Elizabethans is an animated read, but one of use only to Tudor buffs who have already visited weightier works.

Buy it here

#245 Tudor Rebellions (2008)

Author: Anthony Fletcher & Diarmaid MacCulloch
Title: Tudor Rebellions
Genre: History
Year: 2008
Pages: 200
Origin: read on the Kindle
Nod Rating: 3 nods out of 5

Tudor Rebellions has an interesting history. First published in 1968 by Anthony Fletcher, it has recently been given a face-lift by Diarmaid MacCulloch in order to bring about a revised fifth edition. It is a read full of debate for the Tudor enthusiast: firm on details and heavy on analysis.

The big rebellions of the Tudor age (1485-1603) are given space and evaluated in turn. The highlights of which include the 1497 Cornish Rebellion when the people of the west marched to London; the 1549 rebellions in which the Cornish (again) revolted against the changes in religion and when Kett led the men of Norfolk against the leaders of the day due to agrarian grievances and protest against poor local government; Wyatt’s rebellion of 1554 in which he hoped to do away with the Spanish-Catholic influence; the doomed 1569 rebellion when the Catholic lords of the country hoped to stem the tide of the Protestant religion; and then, of course, the utter failure of Essex’s pathetic rebellion against Queen Elizabeth at the tail-end of the Tudor period.

The historians give a narrative account of each rebellion before embarking on the heavier and worthier work of analysis of causes and effects. Similar themes are found within each of these events: protest about religion, of agriculture and economic hardships, as well as the myriad disputes in the localities around the country. Throughout history monarchs were able to withstand many of these problems when isolated on their own; when compounded together they caused explosive disturbances.

A continuing theme is the Tudor family’s quest to bring greater power into their hands. This paranoid and bad-blooded dynasty quelled those who disagreed with them within court circles, as well as attempted to subdue the northern and western subjects in the land. This plan was an outstanding success: from rebelling and waving their fists in 1497 and 1549 the Cornish never made a squeak again. They accepted their status, in which bit by bit their tongue and culture was eroded. Yes, the Tudors accomplished much, however, they failed in the lack of suitable heirs in which to continue their family line.

Of high interest is the conclusion drawn from the lack of notable rebellions in the Elizabethan age. Fletcher and MacCulloch argue that there were four successful rebellions in the first half of the Tudor age: Henry Tudor’s victory at the Battle of Bosworth in 1485, the Amicable Grant of 1525 that proved a costly defeat for Wolsey, the overthrow of Protector Somerset in 1549, and Mary’s triumph in 1553 when it appeared that the political nation was conspiring against her succession to the throne. The historians note that such ‘rebellions have been ignored precisely because they were successful’; they future contest that the absence of such rebellions was due to the firm hand of the Elizabethan government in bolstering local Justices of the Peace and in continuing Henry VII’s centralisation of authority. Wyatt’s failure in 1554 meant that the gentry ‘learnt to channel their opposition through parliament’. Of course, Elizabeth was also provided with a religious war in which to stoke the fire of xenophobic and patriotic Englishmen. Either way, the authors are correct in stating that Elizabeth ‘bequeathed to her successor King James one of the most trouble-free kingdoms in Europe’.

Tudor Rebellions is a worthy read for any Tudor enthusiast. It is a great example of scholarly correspondence throughout a period of decades. Fletcher established a book of high importance; MacCulloch has attempted – and succeeded – in updating this read for the benefit of a modern audience. If only more historians united in such a manner, instead of trading blows with one another!

Buy it here 

#233 The Betrayal of Richard III (1959)

Author: V.B. Lamb
Title: The Betrayal of Richard III
Genre: History
Year: 1965
Pages: 110
Origin: bought in a charity shop for £2.99
Nod Rating: 3 nods out of 5

 

The discovery of Richard III’s body in a Leicester car-park has provoked debate and activity within this period of history. Lamb’s book, The Betrayal of Richard III, could just as easily fit in as a freshly published book in 2013, despite it being originally published in the 1950s.

Lamb attempts to do away with hundreds of years of whitewashing and Tudor propaganda. Instead of the villainous Richard who, as Shakespeare once wrote, murdered his brother, a king and his son, his wife, and nephews, the case of Richard’s innocence is put forward. The villainy lies not with Richard’s actions, but rather with the treachery of those he surrounded himself with.

The reader is shown the beginnings of Richard, his reign as king, his removal and then the succeeding historical writing that has painted the former king – arguably England’s last true king – in an unfavourable light. Lamb’s chapter ‘The Legend is Established’ looks at the histories of Polydore Vergil, whilst other chapters concentrate on Sir Thomas More and Shakespeare’s involvement in the traditional view of Richard as the scheming tyrant who got his just deserts.

It is refreshing to see the flipside to this established debate. However, such is Lamb’s blindness that annoyance is a constant factor within this read. Richard, no longer the villain, is taken to the extreme: portrayed as a saint. Let us read a few examples:

‘There is no truth in the story that the people turned against him; his downfall was brought about by a combination of adverse circumstances, the disloyalty of three discontented nobles, and one scheming woman.’

All of which ignores the importance and causes of the small rebellions against Richard, as well as the reasoning behind the Stanleys switch of allegiance between Richard and his successor, Henry Tudor. Also, we have this:

‘Entirely loyal himself, he was unable to recognise treachery in others or to deal with it with sufficient ruthlessness.’

This, the same Richard who had some of his closest advisors and friends – Hastings and Buckingham – alienated and then executed.

Lamb speaks of ‘facts’; but cannot see the woods for the trees. Furthermore, Lamb uses the defence of “no evidence” time and again. Yes, there may be minimal evidence for some of these events, but this does not mean the historian should simply shrug and move on. No, the historian – a historian who wishes to piece together the dots – must go beyond and attempt to weave together a narrative with the best information possible.

However, despite being a book ignored for its flaws, the book should be read and enjoyed for this very reason. There are many mistakes and annoyances, particularly in Lamb’s ignorance of reality. However, like a good pantomime, it is nice to have a read every now and then in which the Worm is shouting at the words running on the line.

Richard continues to have both his detractors and supporters. The recent find of his body will undoubtedly encourage more scholarly activity. Hopefully it keeps the same spirit of Lamb’s work, but instead injected with reason and intelligence.

 
Buy it here

#230 The Tudors For Dummies (2010)

Author: David Loades & Mei Trow
Title: The Tudors For Dummies
Genre: History
Year: 2010
Pages: 360
Origin: read on the Kindle
Nod Rating: 2 nods out of 5

 

The Dummies series of books is seemingly everywhere. The trademark and standout yellow of its covers can be found in all good – and bad – bookshops, from high cost to the bargain basement. They have found success is taking dense subject matter and breaking it down for the unwashed masses in the hope of enlightening us all. There are around two-thousand (yes, two-thousand!!) titles in the series. It is a surprise to the Worm, then, that he has not gotten his mitts on one of them.

This all changes with The Tudors For Dummies title in the series. At the helm of this book is a duo authorship of David Loades and Mei Trow. Loades is well known in Tudor-reading circles as a man who has researched and written heavily on the Tudor monarchs Henry VIII and Mary. Less well known to the Worm is Mei Trow: a historian and novelist who has appeared on documentaries as both expert and presenter. A dream-team of Tudor history? Let us find out.

The Tudors For Dummies devotes sections to the “Big Tudors” (Henry VII, Henry VIII, and Elizabeth), as well as one on the “Little Tudors” (the ill-fated Edward VI and Mary – deemed by the authors as the ‘Forgotten Tudors’). Furthermore, the book – like others in the Dummies series – devotes a section to ‘The Part of Tens’. This is a countdown list of ‘Tudor people’, of architecture, events, and other ‘Tudor firsts’.

The proceedings are all as to be expected: the Battle of Bosworth, the troubles of Henry VII’s reign with imposters and pretenders, the passing of the baton to the next generation, and his son’s desire to become a king feared by all. The section on Edward and Mary are of interest, with the author duo feeling enabled to go off the script and pick out some intriguing snippets of detail. But the main action is resumed with the section ‘Ending with Elizabeth.’ The reader is treated to her battles with religion and then the greater threat of the Spanish and their Armada fleet. The book is neatly wrapped up, with a short examination of the Tudors’ lasting legacy to Britain.

Although there is minimal detail, luckily the book is spruced up with anecdotes and appealing facts; all of which makes the reading experience a pleasurable one. Furthermore, Loades is unshackled from his usual academic sphere, adding a sense of personality to the chief Tudor protagonists. For example, how about this on Henry VIII: ‘Henry began his reign promisingly enough as a handsome, talented Renaissance prince with a 19-inch waist, but he became a bloated monster who terrified his subjects and whose soul the pope sent to hell’. Furthermore, we are also treated to the humour behind the relationship of Henry and Anne Boleyn: ‘Henry certainly fell for Anne, the daughter of a Kentish knight, longing, in his own words, to “kiss her pretty dukkys”. Dukkies meaning – of course – her breasts.

This is the first For Dummies read for the Worm. Although it failed to deliver the dizzy highs of inventive and authoritative history writing, it entertained and filled in gaps of knowledge. It is not comprehensive, but serves as a solid introduction to the Tudors of the sixteenth century. Therefore, the Worm will be back for more reads in the For Dummies series.

 

Buy it here!

#217 Winter King (2011)

Author: William Penn
Title: Winter King – The Dawn of Tudor England
Genre: History
Year: 2011
Pages: 380
Origin: bought from Waterstones
Nod Rating: 4 nods out of 5

Television is currently in the thralls of a Tudors love-fest. There are repeats of the gratuitous drama The Tudors, documentaries on the discovery of the body of Richard III, whilst the BBC is currently showing the series The Winter Queen charting the life of Elizabeth Woodville. Perhaps of more worthy interest than the rest of these programmes was William Penn’s documentary focusing on the reign of the very first Tudor, Henry VII.

Now, regular readers of this blog will have come across a fair few reviews on the Tudor period over the past year. Of notable interest was S.B. Chrimes forensic detail on the administrative functions of Henry VII’s reign, whilst Starkey put in his usual flamboyant shift in an attempt to breathe life into the early life of Henry VIII. William Penn’s own look at Henry VII is a combination of both of these writing personalities: substance of detail, as well as style of entertaining the reader.

Henry VII is a monarch usually in the shadows, jealously looking at the posterity accorded to his son (Henry VIII) and granddaughter (Elizabeth I) – both being known as the “bigger” Tudors. Henry is painted as the Winter King in connection to the end days of his kingship in which popular legend has colour leaving the court and country, ready to be reignited once again with the blossoming coming of the summer king, Henry VIII.

Penn takes the position that Henry’s reign was dominated and dictated by what had come before, namely the chaos and confusion of the Wars of the Roses. Mindful of his modest origins, Henry is paranoid and never stable on his throne, having to face threats from left, right and centre. Interestingly, many other histories - including a particular book that the Worm is currently reading - such threats are noted as having been stopped by 1499 with the death of the great pretender, Perkin Warbeck. However, Penn highlights other threats – notably the Earl of Suffolk – to continually bring home the message that Henry’s hold on the crown was never secure. This dynasty, which would go on to hold the imagination of historians for centuries upon centuries, hung by a thread at many points in Henry VII’s declining years. It rested on the shoulders of his youngest son (and we all know that he would go on to achieve some very interesting feats).

As well as the psychological aspect, Penn is keen to chart the financial functions of Henry’s court. In particular, the extracting exploits of Henry’s advisors Dudley and Empson. Their dodgy dealings highlighted the wrongs of Henry VII’s end years, and their bloody removal in the early stages of Henry VIII’s reign were a sure sign that the winter was over.

Penn manages to bring to life a period of history that has been overshadowed in the grander scheme of the Tudor dynasty. As earlier stated, Chrimes managed to dissect the reign with a scholarly eye; Penn – despite holding such lofty credentials – attempts an accessible history within his book. In doing this, he undoubtedly succeeds. From the shadows Henry VII is brought into focus. The question now is, can Penn take on another monarch – perhaps one of greater fame – to paint a book of greater standing. The Worm waits with, as always, baited breath.

Buy it here