Tudors: The History of England Volume II

Peter Ackroyd The History of England Volume II – Tudors

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So, Anne Boleyn was really the first, if we want to get more technical and argue some more philosophical and political stuff. Jun 07, Lisa rated it it was amazing Shelves: I've now reached the second volume of Peter Ackroyd's History of England and it turns out it's a volume even more fantastically absorbing than the first, partly thanks to its taking on one of my favourite periods to read about - the Terrible Tudors hat tip to Horrible Histories, one of the best TV programmes ever made, and I'll have anyone who disagrees burnt as a heretic.

Beginning with start of the reign of Henry VIII and taking us through Edward VI, the Nine Day Queen Lady Jane Grey , Blood I've now reached the second volume of Peter Ackroyd's History of England and it turns out it's a volume even more fantastically absorbing than the first, partly thanks to its taking on one of my favourite periods to read about - the Terrible Tudors hat tip to Horrible Histories, one of the best TV programmes ever made, and I'll have anyone who disagrees burnt as a heretic.

With each of the monarchs and indeed, most of the populace holding their own strong views on the role of religion in their kingdom, 16th century England was a particularly dangerous time. Especially during the particularly volatile times of transition where views that would have had you praised for your piety one week would get you publicly burnt as a heretic the next - and the accounts of those burnings are pretty appalling our ancestors must have had much stronger stomachs than I, especially when it came to watching those where helpful families and friends would tie bags of gunpowder around their loved ones necks in order to bring their agonies to a quicker end.

Filled with fascinating and surprising facts that I may have been regurgitating to my friends on a regular basis ever since, and so well written that it often made me forget I was reading a history book, I'm becoming something of a fan of Peter Ackroyd. Feb 12, Chloe Phillips rated it it was amazing Shelves: Honestly, I was all for giving this book four stars, before I read the last chapter.

Having read more than enough books on the Tudor period, I tend not to come to them looking to learn anything new, but to see whether the author has a different way of looking at things, or how they word and structure the events of the period. Having loved all Peter Ackroyd's previous books, and really enjoying his style of writing, I had high hopes for this. There were areas where it seemed a little dry, especia Honestly, I was all for giving this book four stars, before I read the last chapter.

There were areas where it seemed a little dry, especially surrounding the politics of Henry VIII's reign specifically the divorce - I am yet to find an author that can make all those papal bulls and legates as compelling as the rest of the Tudor era , but about halfway through, his enthusiasm began to show. A large section of the book is devoted to Elizabeth - perhaps rightly so, considering the length of her reign compared to the period as a whole - and Ackroyd succeeds wonderfully in bringing the saga of her and Mary, Queen of Scots back to life once more.

It is not all kings and queens, however. Every now and then is a touch of the common man - how they felt towards religion, the famines and sicknesses being suffered as matters of high policy, with little effect on the majority of the country, were being discussed in court. Yet it was really the last chapter that stood out for me. In just a few pages, Ackroyd manages to bring together all the overarching themes of the period, and set the stage for the next instalment.

He brings together politics, religion, culture, and social experience, and ensures that the reader recognises the enormous changes wrought upon England during these years. Oct 29, Faith rated it liked it Shelves: There is way too much about church reformation in this book.

The topic doesn't interest me at all. Jan 14, Rosemary Atwell rated it liked it. Although Ackroyd's coverage of religious reform is very impressive, I would have enjoyed some of the diversity that characterised the first volume. Still highly enjoyable though - engrossing and entertaining. Ackroyd Is a wonderful stylist. This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. View all 3 comments.

Oct 30, Pete daPixie rated it really liked it Shelves: Everything that I have read from Peter Ackroyd is certainly very well written, rich in detail and expertly researched. Volume II of this six volume series, 'Tudors', documents the sixteenth century reigns of England's most enigmatic dynasty. Unfortunately the author chose to begin in at the death of Henry VII. The founder of the Tudors is covered in his 'Foundation'.

Having only read the first three volumes of this 'History of England' maybe I should wait to judge the full vision of Ackroyd Everything that I have read from Peter Ackroyd is certainly very well written, rich in detail and expertly researched. Having only read the first three volumes of this 'History of England' maybe I should wait to judge the full vision of Ackroyd's labours.

Yet, that is the only reason for removing a star, in what is otherwise a five star book. These issues are brought to the fore in 'Tudors'. At times the chronology of events jumps around the narrative and perhaps some sixteenth century innovations and personalities are only given brief mention, but throughout Ackroyd's 'History' series there are always surprises too!

Edward VI's Vagrancy Act was a measure that was introduced against the large bands of vagrants that roamed the country, "begging or stealing at pleasure, the sturdy beggars were an old order with their own traditions and their own language in 'the canting tongue'. Interesting in that the only person in my lifetime that I have ever heard to use the word pike in this context was my father. The modern dictionary still shows 'piker' as one who picks, a pilferer or a tramp. Terms born from Tudor patois! Sep 23, Lara rated it it was amazing. Peter Ackroyd's second volume in his history of England series carries with it the promise shown in the first volume, "Foundation".

Of course, how can you write about "The Tudors" and not generate interest? They are the one English royal family about whom one never tires of reading. Ackroyd's account of this famous and infamous family - from Henry VIII to his daughter, Elizabeth I - not only recounts the personal aspects, but also focuses upon the most important thread which ran throug Peter Ackroyd's second volume in his history of England series carries with it the promise shown in the first volume, "Foundation". Ackroyd's account of this famous and infamous family - from Henry VIII to his daughter, Elizabeth I - not only recounts the personal aspects, but also focuses upon the most important thread which ran through the reigns of Henry, Edward, Mary and Elizabeth: He traces the slow transformation of a country from one where the churches once were looked to for "good governance" to one in which "the state" as a governmental body slowly began to evolve.

People began to look to themselves for answers, rather than to those who ruled them - both in religious and secular organizations - and Mr. Throughout all move The Tudors themselves - Henry and his wives, his unfortunate son, Edward VI, the not-altogether unsympathetic "Bloody Mary" Tudor and, finally, the glorious, enigmatic, ephemeral Elizabeth - imperious, haughty, cruel, awesome in the traditional sense of the word , magisterial, pitiful, the stuff of dreams.

In "The Tudors", the violent, sometimes overwhelming changes in English society and the monarchy itself have only begun; coming up are the travails of Charles I, Oliver Cromwell and Charles II. Don't miss out on this wonderful series! Mar 23, Rob Adey rated it really liked it. But as far as I can tell, Peter Ackroyd does a very good job here. The previous book in the series covered a huge swathe of time and was very wide angle - necessarily, he slows down and zooms in here.

Somehow, it's pacy while getting through a lot of detail. It's not as rich and heady as his London biography, but throughout he sprinkles plenty of quotes from the protagonists, for which he has an excellent ear. This is history that focuses very much on the ruling class, with only the odd hint of what life was like for the general populace.

But that seems appropriate for this particular century, when the whims and wishes of the monarch had massive impacts on the country - not least on the kind of weird political and religious system we have, bits of which are still around today. Sep 14, Helene Harrison rated it liked it Shelves: Review - A little disappointing in places as there were some glaring errors e. Thomas Brandon where it should have been Charles Brandon in the index.

Nevertheless, a good overview of the period, although not very balanced. Henry VII isn't even covered in this book on the Tudors but is covered in the previous one in the series, which seems a little odd to me. I woul Review - A little disappointing in places as there were some glaring errors e. I wouldn't really recommend it to serious historians, a few too many little errors. May 10, John Allgood rated it really liked it. A very readable history of the Tudor dynasty although it starts at the death of its founder, Henry VII.

This is Ackroyd's second volume in his history of England. It is by no means necessary to read the first volume in order to enjoy and understand this volume. Ackroyd examines in detail the religious changes during the period and clearly explains the turmoil this created. Well written and full of detail, it's a good volume to an interested reader wanting to know more about the period. Nov 04, Fiona rated it really liked it Shelves: Didn't enjoy this as much as Vol 1 but only because I was filling a gap in my knowledge then and the Tudors are already too familiar.

The religious issues of these times are crucially important to the understanding of the politics but Ackroyd possibly goes into too much detail for me. It's still a book to relish, keep and dip into occasionally though. Didn't learn anything new. Tells the same tales as most books on the Tudors, but this one was a little duller. Feb 10, Helen Felgate rated it liked it. A compelling read particularly the section on Elizabeth 1.

Ackroyd provides a lot of detail on the conflicts of different religious factors but always finds new snippets of fascinating social history such as the shortages of leather due to the growth in coach building. Apr 28, Tara Starr bishop rated it really liked it. Very detailed and intricate look of England during the reign of the Tudors. Gave great insight not only into the players, the ideologies that shaped policies and often the fate of the guilty as well as innocent, but also the daily life of those living in England during the 16th century. Sep 15, Malapata rated it liked it Shelves: The History of England from Its Earliest Beginnings to the Tudors , por lo que este se queda solamente con los otros tres monarcas.

Oct 04, Ionia rated it really liked it.

Book review: The History of England Volume II: The Tudors by Peter Ackroyd

Tudors is the second book in Peter Ackroyd's History of England series--if you have not read the first Foundation you really should it is not a problem. This book is a continuation of the historical period and will still make perfect sense without the preface of the first book.

Whist I enjoyed reading this very much, I liked the way the information was organised and appreciated the scope of how much research was put into this, I was vaguely disappointed that it mostly focused on the upper class Tudors is the second book in Peter Ackroyd's History of England series--if you have not read the first Foundation you really should it is not a problem. Whist I enjoyed reading this very much, I liked the way the information was organised and appreciated the scope of how much research was put into this, I was vaguely disappointed that it mostly focused on the upper class and not so much on the general population at that time.

It was interesting to see how the rulers lived and gain insight into their lives, but it would have also been nice to see how the rest lived. A good portion of this book also deals with the Protestant Reformation and the changes in social attitude during the Tudor period. The general feeling of Tudor determination to gain authority and status came through well in the writing. For me, this was not quite as intriguing as the first book, but I still enjoyed it.

I learned some new things and had fun along the way. With peter Ackroyd, you are always guaranteed quality work that can make history feel truly alive. This review is based on a digital ARC from the publisher and provided by netgalley. Feb 25, judy rated it really liked it Shelves: Ackroyd is evidently obsessive about writing English history. I don't even have time to count up the books he has turned out.

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This is his second volume in attempting the whole ball of wax. Thankfully, he didn't drag us through a salacious telling of Henry's wives. What he did do--that I couldn't tell from the title--was trace the evolution of the Reformation of the English church. It was actually quite interesting to see it laid out through the Tudors and their Catholic enemies in Europe. I'll admit I've never read it in one piece before.

If you're looking for an escape, as I was, pass this by. Any of this sound familiar? The most significant thing is the English Reformation changed the country from a community emphasis to the individual. The modern English-speaking world began. Jan 15, Essjay rated it it was amazing. I read this book to extend my knowledge for my A level history on Elizabethan foreign policy this year and it has certainly proved informative and interesting. It provided an insight into why our fascination of this dynasty and its monarchs has endured. With the successful establishment of the Tudor dynasty came the flowering of the English vernacular style and the visible expression of its power, the monarchs who brought it everlasting fame: He teaches us that it is all about attitude, how we perceive and embrace our society and its cultural history.

The age of the Tudors was an age of visual boldness and certainly not an era for the fastidious or feint hearted. It was a time when, because of the crimes, follies and misfortunes of mankind, the rule of force was gradually replaced by the rule of law. During the reign of the Tudor dynasty, from to people, became passionate in their exploration of life.

High treason was the charge for anyone opposing or speaking out against any of the Tudor monarchs hell bent on a path to victory. It would be left to one slip of a girl with Titian coloured hair to bring about the positive change everyone was seeking and offer her people the hope that life could get better. Elizabeth changed the game plan.

She is the one who signed the documents that ensured the Protestant religion became the most dominant in England for centuries. She also proved that hereditary qualities could, and would win out over being as child, raised in a hellish environment of both hate and high treason. Author Peter Ackroyd has become renowned for his ability to make the characters of history live again in the pages of his works. It means you can come to a conclusion that at this time the princes, potentates and larger than life personalities were a paradox; they could love what they enjoyed killing and in contrast lavish affection on beasts and super beasts, much like we do on cars and machinery.

What someone says at any given period in time can very easily be misunderstood or be taken completely out of context, while having a considerable influence on a chain of events that once in motion is hard to stop. While the Tudor period of English history may be well documented, researched and written about, Ackroyd brings art, literature and reality together in such a way that you want to become actively involved. His first volume The History of England — Foundation, traced the transformation that took place from the neolithic period, when England was first settled more than 15, years ago, to the death in of the first Tudor monarch Henry VII.

Tudors: The History of England from Henry VIII to Elizabeth I

When Henry Tudor defeated Richard III at Bosworth Field in , he brought to an end a series of dynastic civil battles for the throne of England that had begun in Fought over by rivals from the House of Lancaster whose badge was a red rose and the House of York whose badge was a white rose this dispute ensured the death of two innocent child princes in the Tower of London in Having taken the throne by right of conquest Henry needed to reign legitimately.

He adopted as his emblem a red and white rose symbolic of conjoining the powerful White Rose of York with the Red Rose of Lancaster founding the Tudor Dynasty. Henry VII was a quiet unassuming man with a wry sense of humour and he would begin the process proving to be an administrator of outstanding ability. On his accession the royal Treasury was empty, but by the time of his death in it contained several millions, such was his remarkable enterprise.

During that time he also seems to have had a personality makeover. Until the reign of Henry VII England had been regarded as an offshore island of relatively small concern in the affairs of Europe. Henry VII gave the English people, through his astute management of their affairs of state, a land flowing with milk and honey. At the end of his long life however there was not much that the people liked about him.

Those surrounding him kept his death a secret for two days, until they could get him six feet under and bring the new young King Henry VIII up to speed.

The common people were more than likely shouting alleluia hallelujah , a song of praise to god that was an exclamation in general use, meant to express thanks, to praise God or to herald relief, welcome and gratitude. Those features will make his forthcoming volumes in the series very interesting indeed. The continuity of Englishness is always a construct against the disparities and unleashed energies that Ackroyd has carefully tracked in his fictions.

The idea that most people are uninfluenced by political or theological change may well be sorely tested in future books.

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Ackroyd has always, already been a chronicler of a particular form of English — not British — mysticism. He has also always, already been a deep sceptic of any overarching and all-encompassing narrative. The Germans have Ostalgie, the French have nostalgerie, but the British — both Scots and English — have yet to define our limiting Empire. The Tudors in this version are wonderfully adept at managing their public image and woefully inept at creating a private self as well.

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