Maja - BibliophiliaDK ✨'s Reviews > Tudors: The History of England Volume II

A CONSERVATIVE HISTORY OF TUDOR ENGLAND

Actual rating: 2.5 ⭐

Ackroyd is not an historian, which this work clearly demonstrates. At least, it does to one who is an historian. Such as myself. I found this work to be conservative and neglectful of newer research. Perhaps even a bit biased toward the rich and powerful. In essence, this is not a history of the English people. It a story of white, male power.

"There is no doubt that he [Henry VIII] had conceived an overpowering passion for her [Anne Boleyn], and she in her turn was doing her best to retain his affection without alienating him."

👍 What I Liked 👍

Easy: This is without a doubt a book written for the masses. It was very well written, easy to follow and not bogged down by descriptions or tangents.

👎 What I Disliked 👎

Religion: Yes, religion was a big part of Tudor England. One of the most decisive changes tot the course of English history was the reformation and the establishment of the Church of England. But boy, does it get old quickly to read 500 pages about religion. At least, when you expect a much wider history. Maybe some social history? Gender history? Economic history?

Elite: If you're looking for a story of the everyday lives of everyday people, this is not the book for you. Ackroyd writes a story primarily about the elite. The nobles and the royals. The only women, who make it into his account, are the queens. Mainly the queen regents. The queens of Henry VIII are barely given any space. And they are not treated as women in their own right, only in connection with Henry. It felt very elitist.

Conservative: A lot of newer research, theories and interpretations are overlooked here or dismissed without ceremony in favour of more conservative and traditional ideas. People like Anne Boleyn, who has been the subject of serious rehabilitation during the last 50 years, is once again reduced to a power hungry flirt. It was sad to read.

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