Henry VIII and his Afterlives Literature, Politics, and Art [Paperback]

This book reassesses Henry's posthumous reputation, with illustrations showing the development of his image since his death.This book presents a series of essays in which historians and literary scholars reconsider the development of Henry's reputation since his death, and explore how he came to be the most recognised, controversial and fascinating of English monarchs.This book presents a series of essays in which historians and literary scholars reconsider the development of Henry's reputation since his death, and explore how he came to be the most recognised, controversial and fascinating of English monarchs.Henry VIII remains one of the most fascinating, notorious and recognizable monarchs in English history. In the five centuries since his accession to the throne, his iconic status has been shaped by different media. From Shakespeare to The Tudors, this book reassesses treatments of Henry VIII in literature, politics, and culture during the period spanned by the kings own reign (15091547) and the twenty-first century. Historians and literary scholars investigate how representations of the king provoked varied responses from influential writers, artists, and political figures in the decades and centuries following his death. Individual chapters consider interrelated responses to Henrys character and policies during his lifetime; his literary and political afterlife; the kings impact on art and popular culture; and King Henrys debated place in historiography, from the Tudor period to the present.Introduction Mark Rankin, John N. King, and Christopher Highley; Part I. Contemporary Responses: 1. Henry VIII in the interludes Peter Happ?; 2. Henry VIII as David: the King's image and Reformation politics John N. King; 3. The legacy of Henry VIII Dale Hoak; Part II. Henry VIII's Literary and Political Afterlives: 4. The slow death of a tyrant: learning to live without Henry VIII, 154763 Alec Ryrie; 5. The literary afterlife of Henry VIII, 15571625 Mark Rankin; 6.l*