Through a thematic and broadly chronological approach, Wolsey offers a fascinating insight into the life and legacy of a man who was responsible for building Henry VIII's reputation as England's most impressive king. The book reviews Thomas Wolsey's record as the realm's leading Churchman, Lord Chancellor and political patron and thereby demonstrates how and why Wolsey became central to Henry's government for 20 years. By analysing Wolsey's role in key events such as the Field of Cloth of Gold, the study highlights how significant Wolsey was in directing and conducting England's foreign relations as the king's most trusted advisor. Based on up-to-date research, Richardson not only newly appraises the circumstances of Wolsey's fall but also challenges accusations of treason made against him. This study provides a new appreciation of Wolsey's importance as a cultural and artistic patron, as well as a royal administrator and politician; roles which helped to bring both Henry VIII and England to the forefront of foreign relations in the early-sixteenth century. Presenting Wolsey in his contemporary and historiographical contexts more fully than any currently available study, Wolsey is perfect for students of Tudor England.

The kingdoms of France and England were for many centuries military, economic, cultural and colonial rivals. This is particularly true of the early modern period which witnessed the rise of French military hegemony and the expansion of English commerce. Dealing with the period 1420-1700, this collection offers a snapshot of Anglo-French relations across the three centuries from established historians and younger scholars from France, Britain and Luxembourg. Based broadly on 'diplomatic' history, but incorporating wider perspectives from cultural and social or gender history; each essay uncovers the fascinating and complex arrangements that characterize Anglo-French relations in this period. Competition and hostility between the two kingdoms there certainly was, but it took a surprising variety of forms and often proved intellectually productive for one side or the other and sometimes for both. The chapters mix treatments of broad themes and particular circumstances or individuals and each makes specific comparisons with French and English experience across the early-modern period. In so doing they elaborate and go beyond the evidence of Anglo-French hostility to explore evidence of political co-operation and cultural influences, highlighting just how close early modern England's connections with France were, even at times of crisis.

The kingdoms of France and England were for many centuries military, economic, cultural and colonial rivals. This is particularly true of the early modern period which witnessed the rise of French military hegemony and the expansion of English commerce. Dealing with the period 1420-1700, this collection offers a snapshot of Anglo-French relations across the three centuries from established historians and younger scholars from France, Britain and Luxembourg. Based broadly on 'diplomatic' history, but incorporating wider perspectives from cultural and social or gender history; each essay uncovers the fascinating and complex arrangements that characterize Anglo-French relations in this period. Competition and hostility between the two kingdoms there certainly was, but it took a surprising variety of forms and often proved intellectually productive for one side or the other and sometimes for both. The chapters mix treatments of broad themes and particular circumstances or individuals and each makes specific comparisons with French and English experience across the early-modern period. In so doing they elaborate and go beyond the evidence of Anglo-French hostility to explore evidence of political co-operation and cultural influences, highlighting just how close early modern England's connections with France were, even at times of crisis.

Through a thematic and broadly chronological approach, Wolsey offers a fascinating insight into the life and legacy of a man who was responsible for building Henry VIII's reputation as England's most impressive king. The book reviews Thomas Wolsey's record as the realm's leading Churchman, Lord Chancellor and political patron and thereby demonstrates how and why Wolsey became central to Henry's government for 20 years. By analysing Wolsey's role in key events such as the Field of Cloth of Gold, the study highlights how significant Wolsey was in directing and conducting England's foreign relations as the king's most trusted advisor. Based on up-to-date research, Richardson not only newly appraises the circumstances of Wolsey's fall but also challenges accusations of treason made against him. This study provides a new appreciation of Wolsey's importance as a cultural and artistic patron, as well as a royal administrator and politician; roles which helped to bring both Henry VIII and England to the forefront of foreign relations in the early-sixteenth century. Presenting Wolsey in his contemporary and historiographical contexts more fully than any currently available study, Wolsey is perfect for students of Tudor England.

Glenn Richardson provides the first history in more than four decades of a major Tudor event: an extraordinary international gathering of Renaissance rulers unparalleled in its opulence, pageantry, controversy, and mystery. Throughout most of the late medieval period, from 1300 to 1500, England and France were bitter enemies, often at war or on the brink of it. In 1520, in an effort to bring conflict to an end, England's monarch, Henry VIII, and Francis I of France agreed to meet, surrounded by virtually their entire political nations, at "the Field of Cloth of Gold." In the midst of a spectacular festival of competition and entertainment, the rival leaders hoped to secure a permanent settlement between them, as part of a European-wide "Universal Peace." Richardson offers a bold new appraisal of this remarkable historical event, describing the preparations and execution of the magnificent gathering, exploring its ramifications, and arguing that it was far more than the extravagant elitist theater and cynical charade it historically has been considered to be.

The most renowned kings of the Renaissance were the Holy Roman Emperor Charles V, Francis I of France and Henry VIII of England. This book is a single-volume comparative study of these rulers. It is based on original research and the findings of a wide range of scholars working on the 16th century. Rather than rehearsing a traditional narrative of the period, "Renaissance Monarchy" compares and contrasts the reigns of these sovereigns using contemporary ideals of kingship as its starting point. Arranged to reflect each of these ideals in turn, the chapters demonstrate how Charles, Francis and Henry all strove to be regarded as great warriors, effective governors and generous patrons. The book investigates how these princes made monarchy work in practice. Focusing on their personalities and dynastic ambition, it explains why they were so often at war and considers their competence as generals. It shows what they understood peace to be and why it proved so difficult to achieve. The book examines royal administration, law enforcement, taxation and political representation. It also considers how these kings maintained the respect of their subjects and fellow rulers and the roles played