Six Wives: The Queens of Henry VIII

No one in history had a more eventful career in matrimony than Henry VIII, whose daring and tumultuous marriages made instant legends of six very different women. In his landmark study, *Six Wives: The Queens of Henry VIII*, acclaimed historian David Starkey challenges conventional views, arguing that the king was not simply a depraved philanderer but a man earnestly seeking happiness and, crucially, a male heir. Starkey compellingly demonstrates how, knowingly or not, Henry elevated these six women to extraordinary heights, fundamentally reshaping both their lives and the very governance of a nation. A masterful work of history, *Six Wives* delves intimately into the intricate rituals of diplomacy, marriage, pregnancy, and religion that defined daily life for women at the Tudor Court. Starkey’s meticulous research weaves new facts and fresh interpretations into a spellbinding account of the emotional and political drama surrounding Henry's unions, uniquely revealing the central role the queens played in determining national policy. With his characteristic blend of academic rigor and keen eye for romantic and political intrigue, Starkey brilliantly recaptures not only the lives of Henry's wives but the very England they ruled, making this an essential and highly acclaimed entry on any list of David Starkey's best works, showcasing his unparalleled grasp of the Tudor period and his ability to bring complex history vibrantly to life.