Product Description

Diarmaid MacCulloch illuminates the significance of Edward's turbulent and neglected reign. He takes a fresh look at the life and beliefs of the young king and of the ruthless politicians who jostled for power around him. He analyzes the single-minded strategy of the Protestant Revolution and assesses the support it had among the people of England.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #171920 in Books
• Published on: 2002-03-15
• Original language: English
• Dimensions: .95 pounds
• Binding: Paperback
• 302 pages

From Library Journal
Award-winning author MacCulloch (Thomas Cranmer: A Life) has written an interesting and informative study of the six years the young Edward VI spent on the throne after the death of his notorious father Henry VIII. Only nine when he came to power in 1547, the young king is often overlooked, sandwiched as he was between his infamous father and two extraordinary sisters, "Bloody" Mary and Elizabeth I. Edward was every bit as intelligent as his sisters, and his religious convictions were as inflexible as those of the formidable Mary. Indeed, the author makes a point of following up any description of atrocities committed in Edward's reign with the information that Mary did worse. The boy king who tried to bypass his sisters and put the unfortunate Lady Jane Grey on the throne in their stead is a worthy subject of this enjoyable and very readable book. The subject, however, is not one of universal interest, recommending this book for academic libraries with collections in the area of English history and the Reformation. Elizabeth Mellett, Brookline P.L., MA
Copyright 2001 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Review
"An exciting and distinguished book.... MacCulloch combines exact and penetrating scholarship with a vitality of exposition that is rare in writing on Tudor history." - Blair Worden, Sunday Telegraph "MacCulloch's enviable ease in unraveling complex theological and political positions...make[s] this a formidable achievement. A dramatic period of English history will never look quite the same again." - The Independent (London) "Provocative and sparkling (let's say it, brilliant).... MacCulloch argues with great elegance that the Edwardian reformation was a crucial moment in the development of the Anglican Church and the forging of England's Protestant identity." - Robbie Millen, The Spectator

The Independent (London)
"MacCulloch's enviable ease in unraveling complex theological and political positions . . . make[s] this a formidable achievement."