Henry VIII and the English Reformation (British History in Perspective, 74)

This survey of the Henrician Reformation would have earned five stars had it not made me drowsy almost every time I picked it up. But what Rex lacks in narrative style is more than made up for by the information he presents. It’s the ideas that make this book worth reading.Rex describes the changing religious climate from the 1530s to the end of Henry’s reign. He discusses popular religious practices pre-reformation and trends in late medieval religion. He examines the validity of Protestant accusations against the Church and its clergy. He looks at the impact of various legislative Acts and publications, and the reactionary measures favored by conservatives. Most importantly, he explores the Royal Supremacy, how it evolved and how it affected England.Three groups stood out to me in the book. Henry, Cromwell (and other reformers), and the people. Henry at first was concerned only with getting his divorce. He allied himself with reformers to bring it about, thereby opening to them positions of influence and power. The Royal Supremacy was a means of extending royal control. Henry had no interest in doctrinal changes. His support for an English Bible was not for the spiritual nourishment of the people, but to provide the moral justification for Henry’s policies and above all, to instill the idea of obedience. Cromwell drove the Reformation, and along with Cranmer and other reformers, pushed their agenda when they could and appointed reformist preachers to important positions. The common people were pawns in the religious struggles. Rex contends that they were happy with their religion and loyal to their parish priests. They were forced into accepting the new order. Their traditional practices were discouraged or discontinued, they were threatened with punishment if they resisted (due to Cromwell’s “climate of fear”), and they were taught the error of their ways in Sunday sermons.The king who wants power, the minister who seeks change, and the common people who are caught up in an upheaval they didn’t ask for: This interplay, along with insights into various aspects of the Reformation make the book interesting in spite of Rex’s dry commentary.P.S. Be warned that Rex is also averse to paragraphs.

Rex deliberately avoids a chronological narrative on the sensible grounds that it has been done before, and adopts instead a thematic approach. It's hugely informative, lucidly and elegantly expressed, packed with detail, and makes a fascinating account. The advantage of his approach is that it gets away from the "history is dates" caricature (though all the factual information is there if you want it) and gives a perceptible 'feel' for the impact that the Henrician Reformation had on the lives of English men and women. I thought it was a triumph and recommend it most warmly.

Book covered in Greece shocking condition very disappointed in this order

Pretty useful for analyzing the history of English reformation.

My daughter is reading this to help with her History A level and says it is fun and easy to read.

This is just what I needed for College great.