jjares reviewed Queen Mary I: A Life From Beginning to End (Biographies of British Royalty) on + 3278 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
Until Mary actually became the first queen regnant of England, she had the most popular support from the citizens. However, she soon turned her citizens against her because she was vicious about returning England to Catholicism and killed dissenters. Although she was only on the throne for 5 years, they were tumultuous years in England.
This book makes a point of saying that Henry VIII remained a Catholic throughout his life; he sparked the Reformation for personal convenience (so he could divorce at will), not religious beliefs. It also says that Henry never demanded that his citizens abandon their Catholic beliefs.
The years after Henry Vlll's death were extremely difficult for British citizens. Mary married a man they did not want, had two phantom pregnancies, and died alone. She is certainly a tragic figure.
This book makes a point of saying that Henry VIII remained a Catholic throughout his life; he sparked the Reformation for personal convenience (so he could divorce at will), not religious beliefs. It also says that Henry never demanded that his citizens abandon their Catholic beliefs.
The years after Henry Vlll's death were extremely difficult for British citizens. Mary married a man they did not want, had two phantom pregnancies, and died alone. She is certainly a tragic figure.
