Review: Alison Weir
Popular historian Alison Weir's high-speed account of the story of Henry VIII's six wives successfully married broad brush with fine detail.
The context of the serious need for a male heir, with the Tudors still insecure after decades of dynastic wars, was repeatedly stressed in one of several Portsmouth Festivities events marking the 500th anniversary of Henry's accession to the throne,.
Sure, Henry liked sexual variety, but he had a genuine state purpose not only in divorcing Catherine of Aragon and marrying Anne Boleyn but throughout his reign.
Sometimes Ms Weir's storytelling did not go much beyond A-level textbook level but she enriched her account with lots of racy bits.
For example when he insisted on seeing a line-up of potential French brides, he was told 'Perhaps you would like to try them all, one after the other.' Ms Weir remarked: 'It was the only occasion Henry is recorded to have blushed.'
But also the stories of the queens who were sent to early deaths were movingly told.
At the festivities tomorrow (7.30pm), David Starkey will talk at Action Stations on the theme 'Virtuous Prince to Tyrant King'.
Full guide to Portsmouth Festivities 2009
Also see: Portsmouth Festivies Guide
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Weather for Portsmouth
Saturday 11 February 2012
Today
Sunny
Temperature: -4 C to 4 C
Wind Speed: 8 mph
Wind direction: East
Tomorrow
Cloudy
Temperature: 3 C to 7 C
Wind Speed: 12 mph
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