Good book on Henry VIII and the Reformation?

[loubyloub]

I would like to get my DH a book on Henry VIII and the reformation for his birthday - not sure where to start in finding something that is good and interesting, but not toooo hard-going/academic. Does anyone have any recommendations? Thanks!

[totalconfusion]

If I were you, I'd go onto Amazon and search Henry VIII. See what comes up. You could also take him to Hampton Court Palace?

[cornsilk]

Expat is the MN Henry VIII expert.Keep an eye out for her.

[loubyloub]

Thank you ladies. DCs make Hampton Court Palace less attractive!! He is relatively cultural/intellectual - thinking something more contextualised than 'English history/monarchs' per se - more about the European context etc? Any help expat??

[RustyBear]

How about this one -not specifically about Henry, but the wider European Reformation scene during the 15th & 16th centuries

[RustyBear]

Sorry, pressed post too soon. Was going to add that it won the Wolfson Prize a few years ago - it's a literary prize for 'excellence in the writing of history for the general public.'

I haven't got round to it yet, but DS read it while he was doing A level history & enjoyed it.

[loubyloub]

That looks exactly the sort of thing, Rusty, thanks v much.

[SemperEadem]

Again, Amazon - best bet . Tudor history definitely my scene but not necessarily from a reformation perspective. They have masses amounts of events on in London at the mo, due to it being the 500th anniversary of his accession to the throne this month.

Tower of London has an exhibition on, as does Leeds castle, Eltham Palace ( his childhood home), Greeenwich Park (the site of the Palace of Placentia, his favourite palace in Greenwich, before it was knocked down by Sir Christopher Wren ).

Don't worry about the kids in Hampton Court, my DS has been loadsa times throughout his baby & toddler hood and he loved it too!

Shhhh - may be able to get you free tickets to the Henry VIII exhibition at the Tower of London ( normally £16 each)? Books are great - but if he really loves Tudoir history, sometimes just being in these place scan knock you sideways

[loubyloub]

Thank you Semper. Of course re 500th anniversary.

We in fact live in Greenwich - walking distance to the park, and only 5-10mins from Eltham Palace so no excuse!

Would love to go to Tower of London.

Thanks for tip re Hampton Court and kids too - perhaps we will just be brave enough. We saw it from an aerial view on TV the other night (watching the series on the History of Christianity) - was really struck by how huge it is.

Definitely giving me lots of inspiration and encouragement - thanks all!

[SemperEadem]

oooh loubyloub - you are my neighbour

[loubyloub]

ooh hello Semper! Strictly speaking I am SE3, Blackheath, though Greenwich borough, but having lived in SE3 all my life, throughout univeristy in north of england, travelling around the world etc, i am used to saying greenwich as it is more recognisable! whereabouts (broadly) are you?

PS Rusty's recommendation arrived via Amazon today - perfect looking! Thanks!