NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER • “Beautifully written, exhaustive in its research . . . a gem [that] outshines all previous studies of Henry.”— The Philadelphia Inquirer For fans of Wolf Hall, an intimate biography of Henry VIII, one of English history’s most turbulent, complex rulers, and the glittering court he made his own, from “the finest historian of English monarchical succession writing” ( The Boston Globe ) “[Weir] has perfected the art of bringing history to life.”— Chicago Tribune Henry VIII, renowned for his command of power and celebrated for his intellect, presided over the most stylish—and dangerous—court in Renaissance Europe. Scheming advisers and courtiers vied for power with newly rich landowners and merchants, brilliant painters and architects introduced a new splendor into art and design, and each of Henry’s six queens brought her own influence to bear upon the life of the court. In an age when a monarch’s domestic and political lives were inextricably intertwined, Henry VIII exercised enormous sway over the laws, the customs, and the culture of his kingdom. Yet as Alison Weir shows in this swift, vivid narrative, Henry’s ministers, nobles, and wives were formidable figures in their own right, whose influence both enhanced and undermined the authority of the throne. In Henry VIII , Weir records the many complex human dramas that swirled around Henry while deftly weaving in an account of the intimate rituals and desires of England’s ruling class—their sexual practices, feasts and sports, tastes in books and music, houses and gardens. Packed with colorful description, meticulous in historical detail, rich in pageantry, intrigue, passion, and luxury, Weir brilliantly renders King Henry VIII, his court, and the fascinating men and women who fought for its pleasures and rewards. “Weir’s nose for detail, her sharpness of eye, and her sympathetic touch make this a feast for the senses. . . . [She is] one of the most evocative of popular historians.” — Publishers Weekly (starred review)   “Entertaining . . . Weir is an immensely popular writer of books about European royalty, and her latest book gives ample evidence to her talent.” — Booklist   “A detailed journey through the court and the life of Henry VIII . . . thoroughly researched and entertaining, filled with delicious details for general readers and provocative argument for students of the period.” — Kirkus Reviews (starred review) “Weir is a master at weaving centuries-old details into a lively, compelling narrative.” — Detroit Free Press   “[Weir] has perfected the art of bringing history to life.” — Chicago Tribune "WEIR'S BOOK OUTSHINES ALL PREVIOUS STUDIES OF HENRY. Beautifully written, exhaustive in its research, it is a gem. . . . She succeeds masterfully in making Henry and his six wives . . . come alive for the reader." –Philadelphia Inquirer Henry VIII, renowned for his command of power and celebrated for his intellect, presided over one of the most magnificent–and dangerous–courts in Renaissance Europe. Never before has a detailed, personal biography of this charismatic monarch been set against the cultural, social, and political background of his glittering court. Now Alison Weir, author of the finest royal chronicles of our time, brings to vibrant life the turbulent, complex figure of the King. Packed with colorful description, meticulous in historical detail, rich in pageantry, intrigue, passion, and luxury, Weir brilliantly renders King Henry VIII, his court, and the fascinating men and women who vied for its pleasures and rewards. The result is an absolutely spellbinding read. "WEIR'S BOOK OUTSHINES ALL PREVIOUS STUDIES OF HENRY. Beautifully written, exhaustive in its research, it is a gem. . . . She succeeds masterfully in making Henry and his six wives . . . come alive for the reader." "-Philadelphia Inquirer Henry VIII, renowned for his command of power and celebrated for his intellect, presided over one of the most magnificent-and dangerous-courts in Renaissance Europe. Never before has a detailed, personal biography of this charismatic monarch been set against the cultural, social, and political background of his glittering court. Now Alison Weir, author of the finest royal chronicles of our time, brings to vibrant life the turbulent, complex figure of the King. Packed with colorful description, meticulous in historical detail, rich in pageantry, intrigue, passion, and luxury, Weir brilliantly renders King Henry VIII, his court, and the fascinating men and women who vied for its pleasures and rewards. The result is an absolutely spellbinding read. Alison Weir is the author of Britain's Royal Families: The Complete Genealogy, The Six Wives of Henry VIII, The Princes in the Tower, The Wars of the Roses, The Children of Henry VIII, The Life of Elizabeth I, and Eleanor of Aquitaine. She lives outside London with her husband and two children. Chapter 1 "A Most Accomplished Prince" On 21 April 150