Henry VIII

De: Albert Frederick Pollard

Narrado por: Charlton Griffin

Henry VIII was one of England's greatest monarchs. In one of the most tumultuous periods of English and European history, the first half of the 16th century, Henry neither faltered nor failed. But it was not Henry who placed his kingdom in hazard. It was the Reformation, which roiled all kingdoms from Spain to Sweden. Should they cleave to the old, or should they embrace the new? Surrounded by faint hearts and fearful minds, Henry safely led his nation through perilous wars and seditious plots amid scheming monarchs and religious fanatics. He ruled in a ruthless age with a ruthless hand, he dealt with a violent crisis by methods of blood and iron, and his measures were invariably crowned with success. Though often derided today for his cruelty, sensual pursuits, and despotism, Henry VIII was, in reality, much better in those respects than his contemporaries, and he compares well with the personal behavior of many historic leaders we now deem heroic. It was well that England in her hour of need had a man as king who counted the cost, who faced the risks, and successfully brought his country out of Europe's religious maelstrom.

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