divorce of Henry VIII, The
Book Description
When personal desires clash with institutional power, the reverberations can reshape entire civilizations. Catherine Fletcher unveils the hidden machinations behind one of history's most consequential marital disputes, revealing how King Henry VIII's quest for divorce from Catherine of Aragon became a labyrinthine battle that would forever alter the spiritual landscape of England.
At the heart of this gripping account lies Gregorio Casali, Henry's cunning Italian diplomat operating within the Vatican's sacred corridors. Fletcher draws upon hundreds of previously undiscovered Italian archival documents to expose the extraordinary lengths to which Casali went in service of his king's freedom. Through acts of kidnapping, bribery, and theft, this master of political intrigue navigated the treacherous waters of papal politics while Henry pursued both a male heir and his passionate love for Anne Boleyn.
What emerges is far more than a tale of royal romance gone awry. Fletcher illuminates how one man's personal crisis triggered a religious revolution, ultimately birthing the Church of England and severing centuries-old ties with Rome. This meticulously researched narrative demonstrates how individual choices, when amplified by power and determination, can fundamentally transform the spiritual foundations of nations.
For readers interested in understanding how personal transformation intersects with larger historical forces, Fletcher offers a compelling exploration of ambition, faith, and the price of pursuing one's deepest desires against seemingly insurmountable odds.
Who Is This For?
📖 Reading Level: Medium (200-400 pages) (~7 hours)
📄 Length: 266 pages
What You'll Discover
- ✓ Explore Vatikanstaten
- ✓ Explore Diplomatic relations
- ✓ Explore Storbritannien
- ✓ Explore International relations
- ✓ Explore Divorce
- ✓ Explore History & Theory
- ✓ Explore Church and state
- ✓ Explore RELIGION / History
