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cwalker's review
3.5
started in the way to my consultation, finished on the way back from surg (sedation couldn’t handle me 💪). book forever tied w my wisdom tooth now, soz TC x
sammystarbuck's review
3.0
An interesting book, but I think if I were to read it again, I'd go with a print version rather than audio, or take it in smaller chunks. This was a little much on my post-migraine brain, and a bit to dry to take in properly in this format.
graywacke's review
5.0
I don‘t think it gets much more thorough than this biography. I listened while reading Mantel‘s [b:The Mirror & the Light|54860229|The Mirror & the Light|Hilary Mantel|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1612201530l/54860229._SY75_.jpg|18853327]. Working through these at the same time was really interesting and helpful, and a little confusing when things didn't quite align. Thomas Cromwell had a whirlwind sort of reign as Henry VIII‘s primary and closest and most powerful advisor. So much happened. Most is actually in Mantel. MacCulloch offers sources, thorough documentation, endless details and some variations in personalities and themes. He very closely reflects Mantel's end of her trilogy, and many of the key things he quotes or sites here are in Mantel, and, I guess, it's a little surprising some are factual.
The first thing I noticed, when listening, was the amount of detail and the endless introduction of new names...something which never seems to slow down till the book ends. David Rintoul reads it all relentlessly, not catching his own breath, and it felt to me like that is the correct way to read it.
The largest theme here is one Mantel first seems to quietly not acknowledge, then later brings in but down plays. Thomas Cromwell was a religious man and a devout Evangelical reformer. This meant he had some specific and heretical ideas about the mass and a few other details, and also that he felt strongly the bible should be translated into English. (He supported William Tyndale, the executed provocative translator who's work makes up about 90% of the King James bible) When he came into political life, switching from his business life, Cromwell wasn't just hired as a lawyer. He had a mission. When his employer and protector, Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, once a potential pope, came down, Cromwell stuck with Wolsey to the end of his fall, but miraculously wasn't destroyed. Instead he caught the attention of Henry VIII. He began to gain favor personally with the king. He would eventually become the dominant force in Henry's reign until the capricious king was convinced to turn on him - and did in a manner consistent to how Henry handled his wives. Cromwell is kind of another divorce. But before this fall Cromwell pushed throughout England, Wales and even Ireland his own Evangelical agenda - and he did right in the open, under the kings nose, and yet without the king fully realizing what was happening. Cromwell kept is name out of all this activity, but remained the force, the mover and shaker of English Christian reform.
But it was an odd thing where it everyone except the king seemed to know Cromwell was driving this reform, and there was a lot of fall out. While it's hinted at in Mantels novel, the Pilgrimage of Grace uprising was specifically targeted at Thomas Cromwell and his closing of monasteries (allowing the king and nobles to usurp the wealthy productive church lands); and the intellectual drive of this uprising was a conservative religious movement that ran counter to Cromwell's ideas. (Both evangelical and the religious conservatives of this era supported King Henry VIII fully as both king and head of the church. If they didn't see Henry at head of the church, they were considered papist, closer to today's Catholic). The rebellion wanted Cromwell destroyed. He survived this uprising still in Henry's good graces, but with significantly less power. He would get his revenge (as Mantel covers). Cromwell was eventually undermined by religious conservatives.
Other extra details here were how Cromwell's brewer/blacksmith father was actually respected enough that people spoke well of him, nothing really hinting at Mantel's monster. And the exploration of Cromwell's true character seems to come out a little contrary to Mantel's version. Instead of a cerebral, problem solver, the historical Cromwell seems to have been an obsessive control freak with an uncontainable anger. He badgered everyone verbally and harshly and with an almost angry gusto. Those attacked included very powerful people with whom he need to stay on his good side.
The most moving is Cromwell's fall. His arrest is a dramatic display of anger and physical violence and insulting. Eventually he was physically overpowered and arrested. His letters to the king from his prison in the Tower of London are preserved, including his endnote where he wrote, "Most gracious Prince, I cry for mercy, mercy, mercy!" Cromwell had taken a lot people down, including orchestrating Anne Boleyn's fall, and beheading, along with the execution of her brother and several political enemies of his, all accused of liaisons with the supposedly sex-crazed queen. And he took down, or compromised many of most powerful noble families, and left the others in fear of him, and therefore either active in his fall, or uninterested in assisting him after. Actually Cromwell is essentially abandoned by everyone after his fall, except the archbishop he had worked with so closely, Thomas Cranmer, who wrote Henry a moving plea for Cromwell that avoided exposing himself to danger. Ultimately Cranmer would vote for his conviction, but he had no choice. Those closest to Cromwell could not support him without endangering themselves, including his own son. It's a little tricky to know which of his supporters mainly protected themselves, and which simply were not terribly upset at his fall, but the general silence is notable. Cromwell would make a graceful death, giving important speeches within the tight limits that would not endanger his family, but also gave no ground and ultimately challenged his religious opponents, albeit gently.
Anyway, I've gotten lost here. Tons of overwhelming detail within, and also a lot of fascinating stuff.
-----------------------------------------------
24. Thomas Cromwell: A Revolutionary Life by Diarmaid MacCulloch
reader: David Rintoul
published: 2018
format: 26:38 audible audio (728 pages in hardcover)
acquired: April 28
listened: Apr 28 – Jun 11
rating: 4½
locations: mostly 1520-1540 London
about the author: Professor of the History of the Church at the University of Oxford, born in Kent, 1951
The first thing I noticed, when listening, was the amount of detail and the endless introduction of new names...something which never seems to slow down till the book ends. David Rintoul reads it all relentlessly, not catching his own breath, and it felt to me like that is the correct way to read it.
The largest theme here is one Mantel first seems to quietly not acknowledge, then later brings in but down plays. Thomas Cromwell was a religious man and a devout Evangelical reformer. This meant he had some specific and heretical ideas about the mass and a few other details, and also that he felt strongly the bible should be translated into English. (He supported William Tyndale, the executed provocative translator who's work makes up about 90% of the King James bible) When he came into political life, switching from his business life, Cromwell wasn't just hired as a lawyer. He had a mission. When his employer and protector, Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, once a potential pope, came down, Cromwell stuck with Wolsey to the end of his fall, but miraculously wasn't destroyed. Instead he caught the attention of Henry VIII. He began to gain favor personally with the king. He would eventually become the dominant force in Henry's reign until the capricious king was convinced to turn on him - and did in a manner consistent to how Henry handled his wives. Cromwell is kind of another divorce. But before this fall Cromwell pushed throughout England, Wales and even Ireland his own Evangelical agenda - and he did right in the open, under the kings nose, and yet without the king fully realizing what was happening. Cromwell kept is name out of all this activity, but remained the force, the mover and shaker of English Christian reform.
But it was an odd thing where it everyone except the king seemed to know Cromwell was driving this reform, and there was a lot of fall out. While it's hinted at in Mantels novel, the Pilgrimage of Grace uprising was specifically targeted at Thomas Cromwell and his closing of monasteries (allowing the king and nobles to usurp the wealthy productive church lands); and the intellectual drive of this uprising was a conservative religious movement that ran counter to Cromwell's ideas. (Both evangelical and the religious conservatives of this era supported King Henry VIII fully as both king and head of the church. If they didn't see Henry at head of the church, they were considered papist, closer to today's Catholic). The rebellion wanted Cromwell destroyed. He survived this uprising still in Henry's good graces, but with significantly less power. He would get his revenge (as Mantel covers). Cromwell was eventually undermined by religious conservatives.
Other extra details here were how Cromwell's brewer/blacksmith father was actually respected enough that people spoke well of him, nothing really hinting at Mantel's monster. And the exploration of Cromwell's true character seems to come out a little contrary to Mantel's version. Instead of a cerebral, problem solver, the historical Cromwell seems to have been an obsessive control freak with an uncontainable anger. He badgered everyone verbally and harshly and with an almost angry gusto. Those attacked included very powerful people with whom he need to stay on his good side.
The most moving is Cromwell's fall. His arrest is a dramatic display of anger and physical violence and insulting. Eventually he was physically overpowered and arrested. His letters to the king from his prison in the Tower of London are preserved, including his endnote where he wrote, "Most gracious Prince, I cry for mercy, mercy, mercy!" Cromwell had taken a lot people down, including orchestrating Anne Boleyn's fall, and beheading, along with the execution of her brother and several political enemies of his, all accused of liaisons with the supposedly sex-crazed queen. And he took down, or compromised many of most powerful noble families, and left the others in fear of him, and therefore either active in his fall, or uninterested in assisting him after. Actually Cromwell is essentially abandoned by everyone after his fall, except the archbishop he had worked with so closely, Thomas Cranmer, who wrote Henry a moving plea for Cromwell that avoided exposing himself to danger. Ultimately Cranmer would vote for his conviction, but he had no choice. Those closest to Cromwell could not support him without endangering themselves, including his own son. It's a little tricky to know which of his supporters mainly protected themselves, and which simply were not terribly upset at his fall, but the general silence is notable. Cromwell would make a graceful death, giving important speeches within the tight limits that would not endanger his family, but also gave no ground and ultimately challenged his religious opponents, albeit gently.
Anyway, I've gotten lost here. Tons of overwhelming detail within, and also a lot of fascinating stuff.
-----------------------------------------------
24. Thomas Cromwell: A Revolutionary Life by Diarmaid MacCulloch
reader: David Rintoul
published: 2018
format: 26:38 audible audio (728 pages in hardcover)
acquired: April 28
listened: Apr 28 – Jun 11
rating: 4½
locations: mostly 1520-1540 London
about the author: Professor of the History of the Church at the University of Oxford, born in Kent, 1951
phee's review
4.0
A fantastic biography of one of my favourite historical figures.
I'm not sure what got me interested in Cromwell in the first place. Though a fun fact, Cromwell died on the 28th July which is my birthday so I feel a little link with him on this account.
Tudor history was only covered in minimal depth when I was at school. Though it is something I enjoy reading about for pleasure. I studied modern history whilst I was in higher education, something that I do regret now. I loved my modern history course, but I think this period suits my taste better.
So i think I'll make an effort to brush up on my Tudor knowledge in the future.
This isn't the first biography on Thomas Cromwell that I have read either. I read one by Tracy Borman a couple of years ago now. To be honest I'd advise starting there if you haven't already. This one is much more in depth and also much more academic in my opinion. Both of them are damn good though.
I think if you want to read a biography of anyone, you need to have a real interest them. It helps if they were as talented as Thomas, and were alive in a fascinating time such as tudor England.
He accomplished so damn much, and coming from humble beginnings it makes for even more of a interesting tale. Especially in a time where position and power meant everything.
I do plan on making a go of the Wolf Hall series now that I've refreshed myself on this time and the last book in that trilogy is out.
What more can I say. If you looking at a review for this book. Then you're already interested aren't you. Considering that this is more academic, it is still very easy to read. I made steady progress on it over a number of weeks, which is my preferred method of reading nonfiction. Give it a try. There is always more to learn.
I'm not sure what got me interested in Cromwell in the first place. Though a fun fact, Cromwell died on the 28th July which is my birthday so I feel a little link with him on this account.
Tudor history was only covered in minimal depth when I was at school. Though it is something I enjoy reading about for pleasure. I studied modern history whilst I was in higher education, something that I do regret now. I loved my modern history course, but I think this period suits my taste better.
So i think I'll make an effort to brush up on my Tudor knowledge in the future.
This isn't the first biography on Thomas Cromwell that I have read either. I read one by Tracy Borman a couple of years ago now. To be honest I'd advise starting there if you haven't already. This one is much more in depth and also much more academic in my opinion. Both of them are damn good though.
I think if you want to read a biography of anyone, you need to have a real interest them. It helps if they were as talented as Thomas, and were alive in a fascinating time such as tudor England.
He accomplished so damn much, and coming from humble beginnings it makes for even more of a interesting tale. Especially in a time where position and power meant everything.
I do plan on making a go of the Wolf Hall series now that I've refreshed myself on this time and the last book in that trilogy is out.
What more can I say. If you looking at a review for this book. Then you're already interested aren't you. Considering that this is more academic, it is still very easy to read. I made steady progress on it over a number of weeks, which is my preferred method of reading nonfiction. Give it a try. There is always more to learn.
particularkev's review
3.0
This is a very detailed and well-written work, however, it is a chore to read. It is a must-read for students of the Tudor (specifically Henry VIII) era and I cannot imagine a better treatment of the timeframe covered.
archytas's review
3.0
Following the end of Mantel's trilogy, I really wanted a deep dive into the 'real' Cromwell, and enough background to understand the players and their alliances. Unfortunately, MacCulloch has written more of "how Cromwell influenced the history of the Anglican church" here, and while MacCulloch is always fascinating on topic of reformation history, it was irritating to be still looking so much up in a lengthy biography, and to finish with not much greater sense of the man.
On the positive side, the history of the slow/fast (perspective is everything) dissolution of the monastic system was fascinating, and MacCulloch is convincing in his argument for Cromwell's ongoing legacy in the nature of Anglicanism.
On the positive side, the history of the slow/fast (perspective is everything) dissolution of the monastic system was fascinating, and MacCulloch is convincing in his argument for Cromwell's ongoing legacy in the nature of Anglicanism.
lonesomereader's review
1.0
I had a plan. It was a beautiful and logical plan that I was so excited to start. Having tried and failed to read Hilary Mantel’s “Wolf Hall” several years ago because I felt confounded by the politics of the Tudor period, I thought reading a biography about Thomas Cromwell would give me an informed background to start reading the novel again. “The Mirror and the Light”, the third part of Mantel’s much-lauded trilogy about Cromwell’s epic rise and fall is due to be published in March. So I want to catch up on the first two novels. Reading Mantel and MacCulloch side by side should be the perfect pairing because both authors compliment each other’s writing in their respective books. But wading through this biography was a big effort. MacCulloch conducted a lot of research using period documents and letters to piece together a narrative about Cromwell’s life detailing his instrumental role in the court of Henry VIII and the English Reformation. While this did give me a broad overview of the events surrounding his life and his political manoeuvres during this period of radical reform, it felt to me more like an academic book for people who have a specialist interest and knowledge about this historical period. As an amateur who wanted some basic understanding I felt alienated.
Read my full review of Thomas Cromwell by Diarmaid MacCulloch on LonesomeReader
Read my full review of Thomas Cromwell by Diarmaid MacCulloch on LonesomeReader