Lauren Mackay: Inside the Tudor Court; Henry VIII and his six wives through the eyes of the Spanish ambassador

Riveting book about a consummate insider at Henry VIII’s court covering the significant majority of his reign. Chapuys the Spanish Ambassador was a remarkably perceptive narrator of the major events of H’s reign..not Le east as he was instrumental in contributing to all major events and navigating the treacherous waters of political life at that time. His main focus was Mary Henry’s daughter and his unstinting efforts to protect her and her

mother when Alice, are the glue that holds this very well written and learned narrative together.

As the author remarks Chapuys invariably only makes appearances in footnotes as a prime source / point of view for major events ( and minor) but this book shows his vital and central importance.

The other fascinating aspect is, in today’s political climate represented by the current occupant of the White House, how very similar things ( and people and situations) both were then and are now. Trump and Henry VIII seem to share very many qualities...absolute self-belief, willingness to self-contradict and/or lie, something of a persecution complex ( although this is much more understandable for Henry looking at British history), ruthless disposal of allies/courtiers/servants ( and wives) when no longer required...although the quality of Henry’s advisors...Wolsey? Cromwell et etc...is a world removed from the third-rate corrupt charlatans currently surrounding Trump.

Riveting and illuminating book and very well written.