Henry VIII Man and Monarch – Catalogue Review
British Library Publication Marks 500 Years Since King's Accession
Apr 23, 2009
The British Library's exhibition, entitled Henry VIII: Man and Monarch, on show until 6 September 2009, has been guest curated by Dr David Starkey. An excellent catalogue, which is as much about art as it is about history, records all 250 items from the exhibition.
Henry VIII: Man and Monarch – the Catalogue
The catalogue has been edited by Dr Susan Doran, Senior Research Fellow at Jesus College, Oxford University. Dr Doran's main interests are the reign of Elizabeth I, plus modern British and European history. She has edited numerous titles including Monarchy and Matrimony, Historic Lives: Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots: An Illustrated Life.
The catalogue explores the aesthetic, linguistic, literary and religious developments that occurred during Henry's reign. Items from the British Library's own comprehensive collections are enhanced by additional loans from other institutions.
This exceptional publication features portraits, sketches, sculptures, tomb casts, tapestries, manuscripts and books read and annotated by Henry plus letters and music written by him. In addition, four 3-page pull-outs show maps and other historical documents.
Introduction by Dr David Starkey
Henry VIII: Man and Monarch opens with an introduction by Dr David Starkey in his usual vivacious style. Dr Starkey, Honorary Fellow of Fitzwilliam College, Cambridge, is an expert on Tudor history and has published widely. His latest title is Henry: Virtuous Prince.
Henry VIII: Man and Monarch – Layout of the Book
The catalogue, which is divided into ten sections, echoes the layout of the exhibition and charts key points in Henry's life.
- The Young Henry (1491-1509) explores the princes' upbringing, education and important figures in his life.
- Venus and Mars (1509-13) looks at his marriage to Katherine of Aragon, their joint coronation, and Henry's appetite for power.
- The Triumph of Peace? (1514-27) explores the King's role as Europe's peacemaker.
- The Turning Point (1527-29) investigates Henry's concerns over the lack of a male heir, his infatuation with Anne Boleyn, the divorce of Katherine of Aragon and the row with the papal authority.
- The Royal Supremacy (1529-35) examines Henry's power as Supreme Head of the Church of England.
- The Crisis of 1536 examines the fall of Anne Boleyn and the Pilgrimage of Grace, the largest Tudor rebellion.
- The Making of a New Church (1536-40). During this period Henry married Jane Seymour and the future Edward VI was born. Henry instigated a number of religious reforms and documents show the extent of his involvement in religious policy making.
- The Last Years (1539-47) examines the threat of invasion and Henry's marriages to Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard and Katherine Parr.
- Death, Will and Succession (1536-47) looks at Henry's last years, his succession and legacy.
- Henry VIII as Bibliophile discusses Henry's personal book collections, their use and storage.
Inside Henry VIII's Mind
Henry VIII: Man and Monarch is exceptional quality and good value for money. Although written by historians its language is accessible to all and provides a fascinating insight into the King's mind. Highly recommended!
Throughout 2009 further celebrations and exhibitions across London will include:
- Henry VIII 500th Anniversary Exhibition – Windsor Castle, until 18th April 2010.
- Henry VIII: Dressed to Kill – Tower of London, until 17th January 2010.
- Henry VIII: heads and hearts – Hampton Court Palace – a year-long programme of exhibitions and celebratory activities, starting 10th April 2009.
Henry VIII: Man and Monarch is published by the British Library, (ISBN: 978 0 7123 5025 9, Hardback, £25.00. ISBN: 978 0 7123 5026 6, Paperback, £15.99.) Further details are available from the British Library.
To support the exhibition and catalogue a full programme of public events will take place at the British Library.
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