Reviews for Henry VI and the politics of kingship

The average rating for Henry VI and the politics of kingship based on 2 reviews is 3 stars.

Review # 1 was written on 2016-03-08 00:00:00 Barry Sprague This book was interesting, but as so many other reviewers, academic and general alike, have stated, it is out of date. The best go to research for Henry VI now is Ralph Griffiths Reign of Henry VI. While Wolffe's book remains relevant in some areas, as a general biography of Henry and history of his reign, it has been eclipsed by other research.

Review # 2 was written on 2020-05-21 00:00:00 Michael Ho;owaty Readable History of Henry VI's Reign John Watt's introduction to this book nearly caused me not to read it. Watt basically disparages the author's findings and it's a critique of Wolffe's work rather than a standard introduction. Introductions shouldn't be so negative. I gave up reading the introduction half way through, reading it after I'd finished the book when it made more sense and wasn't off-putting. I discovered much reading this history. I thought the French conquests of Henry V had largely been lost during Henry VI's minority. Not true. Medieval England couldn't cope with a weak ruler especially one who lost his senses. Whether Henry was incompetent and wilful, as Wolffe alleges, or weak and easily manipulated as others suggest during his more sentient moments, it cost him his crown, life and the termination of the Lancastrian dynasty.