The Life and Times of Henry VIII
Robert Lacey's The Life and Times of Henry VIII was first published and copyrighted in 1972 by Weidenfeld and Nicolson. This most recent edition was published by Welcome Rain in 1998, though Weidenfeld and Nicolson still hold copyright privileges. Lacey, a former scholar at Bristol Grammar School and Selwyn College at Cambridge, is most noted as a historical novelist. More of his works include Robert, Earl of Essex, an Elizabethan Icarus and the internationally renowned biography of Elizabeth II, Majesty. The Life and Times of Henry VIII is a biographical work concerning the life of the most infamous, yet well respected King of England. The third child of King Henry VII was not expected to become king, but Henry VIII was known for his wisdom and strength from a very young age. Sir Thomas More compared the young King to the king of beasts, "If a lion knew his strength, it were hard for any man to hold him." Lacey never loses sight of the great king's majestic character in this biography that depicts Henry VIII 's role as the "lion" that stood in the center of changing England during the early 16th century. The Life and Times of Henry VIII explores Henry VIII 's pursuit for the throne, his historically infamo
England, too, was ready for change. Spielvogel, the author of Western Civilization describes Henry VIII as a man who didn't use his ability as king for the people, but for his self benefit. I, in addition to many historians, could continue to criticize the reign of Henry VIII, but without the reign of Henry VIII, noble England would not be what it is today. Lacey insinuates that the king was well within his right to take control and establish himself head of church and state. He supports that decisions of the king should not be questioned. The immoral life Henry VIII led caused the king to make, yet never admit multiple inappropriate mistakes. Comprehending right from wrong was not anything Henry VIII often thought about; as a child Henry VIII was told that he was perfect and therefore could do what he pleased. Henry VIII felt his perfection, and thus egocentrism, continued throughout his reign. In spite of his pursuit for self-gratification, King Henry VIII does take responsibility for raising the English monarchy to a point it would never succeed again. Henry VIII may have been king, but to make himself head of the church and state shows only that he took advantage of his position. Lacey's illustration of King Henry VIII contradicts my own opinion of England's great "lion" on numerous accounts. Lacey believes Henry VIII to have been a remarkable leader. However, Henry VIII brought reformation to England for personal gain. Lacey makes excuses for Henry VIII's behavior, just as the king's subjects did, long ago.
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