The Last Days of Henry VIII

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Robert Hutchinson

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THE LAST DAYS OF HENRY VIII is a gripping tale of the deadly conspiracies at the Tudor court, showcasing a significant new voice in historical narrative. Readers who appreciated Sebag Montefiore's STALIN will find this account of England's most tyrannical ruler equally compelling. Robert Hutchinson vividly portrays the perilous environment of Henry's court, where even the most powerful could fall from grace overnight. Henry VIII was notorious for his show trials, which served as propaganda tools condemning victims before any fair proceedings. The Spanish ambassador noted that Henry had "no respect or fear of anyone," ruling with a Stalinist ferocity that led to an estimated 150,000 executions in a population of fewer than 3 million. Despite his long reign, Henry became a grotesquely obese figure, rarely appearing in public, with his only male heir being the young Prince Edward. As his death loomed, the struggle for power among rival factions intensified. This narrative fits well within the emerging 'court intrigue' genre of popular history, akin to John Guy's MARY, QUEEN OF SCOTS and David Starkey's biographies. Hutchinson's extensive archival research reveals a fresh perspective on Henry's medical history and death, along with fascinating eyewitness accounts, death warrants, and intimate letters between Katherine Parr and the Lord High Admiral.