Book review: Harry of England: The History of Eight Kings, From Henry I to Henry VIII, by Teresa Cole

Available from Amazon UK and Amazon US

Teresa Cole's "Harry of England" is an exploration of the eight English kings named Henry, weaving together historical events, personal anecdotes, and insightful analysis. I found I learned something new about each of them, and found it fascinating to compare their lives and legacies.

Cole's skill is to make these sgore accounts engaging and relatable to a modern audience. She navigates the turbulent reigns of each Henry, from the ambitious Henry II to the infamous Henry VIII. The author's vivid descriptions and insightful observations bring the past to life, allowing readers to connect with the personalities and motivations of these powerful rulers.

King Henry II (Wikimedia Commons)

One of the strengths of "Harry of England" lies in its ability to highlight the diverse and often contradictory aspects of each king's reign. Cole doesn't shy away from presenting both the positive and negative sides of these historical figures, offering a nuanced and balanced perspective.

While the book focuses on the kings, it also explores the broader historical context of their times. Teresa Cole weaves in interesting details of political, social, and cultural developments, adding depth and context to her narrative, making this more than just a collection of royal biographies.

The legacies of each of these eight 'Henrys' underpin much of British, parliamentary, financial and legal institutions, yet only two of them were born to be a king.

"Harry of England" is a recommended read for anyone interested in English history. Teresa Cole's storytelling, combined with her analysis and engaging writing style, makes this book an informative journey through the lives and legacies of the eight Henrys.

Tony Riches

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About the Author

Teresa Cole was a teacher for many years before turning to writing. She is the author of Henry V: The Life of the Warrior King & the Battle of Agincourt 1415, and three books about the Normans – The Norman Conquest: William the Conqueror’s Subjugation of England, After the Conquest: The Divided Realm 1066-1135, and Anarchy: The Darkest Days of Medieval England.