I’ve been wondering whether I should start working on the six wives of Henry VIII. There are scores of books about the ladies in question and Henry himself. Then there are Henry’s children too. This could take months! But I’ve decided it’s not going to get easier if I wait, so here we go. Before you take on all the queens, it’s best to know something about Henry. That’s his handsome mug at the top of this post. Below is his canine namesake, my pooch Henry.
Do you see the resemblance? No? Come on! They are both portly, red-haired gluttons with peevish expressions.
Anyway, there were originally two books called “The Six Wives of Henry VIII” — one by Antonia Fraser and one by Alison Weir — but seems Fraser’s title has been changed to “The Wives of Henry VIII.” I’ve read both books and it’s very difficult to recommend one over the other, though I prefer Fraser. Weir’s “Henry VIII: The King and His Court,” which I haven’t read, seems to cover a lot of the same territory. (Both Fraser and Weir are alarmingly prolific historians.)
If you’re interested in historical fiction, Margaret George’s “The Autobiography of Henry VIII: With Notes by His Fool, Will Somers” is amusing and relatively sympathetic towards Henry (He couldn’t help himself! He had bad parenting!). Though after reading a lot of historical fiction, titles that include “autobiography” and “secret diaries” make me want to fall down laughing. Can’t anyone just write a novel? Does it always have to be a “journal” that was hidden in a planter or down a jester’s pants? Jebus! When it comes to George, I infinitely prefer her Mary Queen of Scots book, but that is a post for the Mary Queen of Scots week. There are many more Henry books you could read, but you’re going to get PLENTY of Henry as you read about the six wives (and three children), so these should suffice for now.
(Henry VIII picture from artchive)
okay, the phrase about hiding your autobiography in your jester’s pants made my day.
also, great recommendations. i am always up for a good ol’ fashioned history geek-out.
oh my goodness! he’s sooo cute! hehe i can imagine the story about the yogurt now… heeheheehee
cute!
i’ve heard that book was good….
I DEFINITELY see the resemblance.
Just add the hat et voila!
PS
I can’t believe you found this King at the pound..?
I’m running right over today 🙂
Won’t be able to jump into the book club this month, but still wanted to add my two cents. I LOVED Margaret George’s “The Autobiography of Henry VIII” — even though it was told by his fool and smuggled out in his trousers — lol!
Your Henry is gorgeous. I’m embarrassed to say I don’t know the breed. What kind of dog is he? His coloring reminds me of a Titian dog.
Hi Moira! I adore those Titian dogs. Thanks for that link. Henry is a Pekingese (in Latin that would be Canis Snores-Very-Loudus)
I have to say I’m a die-hard Alison Weir fan. Frasier reads a little easier, but one gets the feeling she is spinning a yarn rather than reporting history sometimes. Your Henry is much more handsome than his kingly counterpart 🙂
LOL @ GG. I think my Henry is cuter too and more cuddly for sure.
Was gonna say, loved the Mary Queen of Scots book…
When are they going to make a fancy, updated movie about her?