Henry VIII
by William Shakespeare

Henry VIII Book Cover
Henry VIII Cover

Highlights

What readers are saying

Readers have mixed feelings about this play, often viewing it as less engaging compared to Shakespeare's other works. Many find the structure disjointed and the characters underdeveloped, despite a few appreciating its historical context and political themes. Overall, there's a consensus that while it has moments of interest, it doesn't hold up against Shakespeare's best.

Historical context is intriguingWolsey's character is well-receivedSome memorable scenesDisjointed structureCharacters lack depthOften considered dull

Synopsis

Conspiracies and intrigue are rife in the court of Henry VIII as a Duke is executed for treason, having been tricked by the Cardinal.

And when the King falls in love with Anne Bullen and decides to divorce his wife, he causes an irrevocable rift with the Catholic Church.

After the King's secret marriage to Anne courtiers fall in and out of favour and deaths abound, with far-reaching consequences.

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Timothy Carter in Shakespeare's HENRY VIII

Publication

PublisherPenguin
Year2008
BindingPaperback
Pages304
PlaceLondon
LanguageEnglish
ISBN-139780141914701
ISBN-10014191470X

Henry VIII is a British play written by William Shakespeare and published by Penguin in London (2008).

Digital editions available on Apple Books, Google Play.

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Rating

3.5

9k ratings·575 reviews

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Paperback

Penguin · 2008 · 304 pp

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