Henry: Virtuous Prince

Title: Henry: Virtuous Prince

Author: David Starkey

Published in: 1999

Date read: 20th November 2012

Score: 5/5

Genre: History

Plot: (Warning, may contain spoilers):
"Henry: Virtuous Prince" by David Starkey is the first volume of a multi-part biography of Henry VIII, focusing on his early life and reign, up to around 1511, when he was in his early twenties. Starkey, a renowned Tudor historian, aims to present a radical re-evaluation of the iconic monarch, moving beyond the popular image of the tyrannical, wife-killing king to explore the formative years that shaped him.

The book begins with Henry's birth in 1491 as the second son of Henry VII and Elizabeth of York, making him the "spare" rather than the heir. Starkey emphasises the insecurities of the early Tudor dynasty, still haunted by the Wars of the Roses, and how this shaped Henry VII's cautious, often parsimonious reign.

A significant portion of the book is dedicated to Henry's childhood and upbringing. As the second son, he was initially destined for a career in the Church, receiving a rigorous humanist education that nurtured his considerable intellect, linguistic skills, and musical talents. Starkey portrays a vibrant, intelligent, and athletic young prince, far removed from the obese tyrant he would become. He delves into the influence of his mother, Elizabeth of York, and his sisters, suggesting that his upbringing among women contributed to his cultured and poised demeanour.

The sudden death of his elder brother, Arthur, Prince of Wales, thrust Henry unexpectedly into the role of heir apparent. Starkey details how this dramatic shift changed Henry's trajectory, preparing him for the throne. The book covers his accession in 1509 at the age of seventeen, marking a stark contrast to his father's more austere rule. Henry's early reign is characterised by a desire for fame and glory, a love of chivalry, jousting, and elaborate courtly display. He was seen as a "new broom," eager to distance himself from his father's less popular policies, including the imprisonment of Henry VII's hated tax collectors.

Starkey also explores Henry's early marriage to Catherine of Aragon, his brother's widow, and the initial dynamics of their relationship. Throughout the narrative, Starkey draws on his extensive research, particularly on the inner workings of the royal court and the significance of the Privy Chamber, to offer detailed insights into Henry's daily life, his relationships, and the political machinations of the time. He highlights Henry's ambition to emulate heroes like King Arthur and Henry V, foreshadowing his later pursuit of military glory and his quest for a male heir.

"Henry: Virtuous Prince" presents a portrait of a promising, charismatic young king, brimming with potential and keen to make his mark on the world, while subtly hinting at the seeds of the ruthlessness and absolutism that would define his later reign. It's a scholarly yet engaging narrative that seeks to understand the origins of one of England's most famous and controversial monarchs.

Comments:
Not my usual choice of book, however, having seen part of a documentary with David Starkey, I decided that I had to give this a go. I loved it, so thoughtfullly written, even non-historians like myself could really appreciate it.

Books that we've read by David Starkey (1):
Henry: Virtuous Prince (1999)