Never before has a detailed, personal biography of this charismatic monarch been set against the cultural, social, and political background of his glittering court. Now Alison Weir, author of the finest royal chronicles of our time, brings to vibrant life the turbulent, complex figure of the King. Packed with colorful description, meticulous in historical detail, rich in pageantry, intrigue, passion, and luxury, Weir brilliantly renders King Henry VIII, his court, and the fascinating men and women who vied for its pleasures and rewards. The result is an absolutely spellbinding read.

    Chapters cover the people, places and artifacts that are central to medieval London's history (1066 to 1600) and that can be visited by amateur historian travelers today. Each entry includes details such as open hours, telephone numbers, address, and nearest Tube station, along with historical comment and description, suggestions for other sites to visit while in the neighborhood. Entries are cross-referenced with a "people" index and sidebars testing historical knowledge.

    Edward became king at the tender age of nine, and it was during his brief reign that the foundations for the Protestant Reformation in England were laid. Edward's life and work so closely paralleled that of Josiah, King of Judah, that he was called "The British Josiah" by his tutors. Edward's great treatise on the "Primacy of the Pope," not in print for over 300 years, is included in this excellent historical biography.