Customer Reviews
Not for the layman - By: Dayna Mcdonald, 10 Jan 2008 
I got this book for christmas as it was recommended by a history teacher I work with. I was careful to ask if I would need to be clear on my history to enjoy it but as an English Teacher up to A Level he assured me I would manage.
I have to admit to enjoying parts but also being bogged downin names & dates of other unconnected nobles that just confused me & 'blinded me with science'in others. While some chapters flew by, I found myself slogging through other, not really sure of how it connected or who these other 4th cousins from other marriages etc were or why I should need to know.
A great read for a history fan or a historian who knows their stuff I think rather than a bedside book.
History as it should be written - By: Rivercassini, 24 Feb 2007 
Well researched, & a convincing, well-supported argument examined a neglected area of British history. The style is a little technical, especially towards the end, which makes reading a little more like work than pleasure but very much worth reading, especially if you are interestedin the Tudor period of history & the dynamics of Henry VIII's 'Great Matter' - the succession
Very informative book - By: Julie Burgess, 11 Feb 2007 
I love my history, but can honestly say I didn't know that Henry VIII had a son before Edward. Henry never kept it that quiet around court, so his Queen knew of the child. This book is very interesting & informative. I really enjoyed it. A good book for anyone who likes their history with a bit of a twist
On the wrong side of the blanket - Henry VIII. ' s bastard - By: K. van Amelorde, 20 Feb 2004 Henry Fitzroy was born early June 1519, the son of King Henry VIII. & his short lived mistress Elizabeth Blount. His father created him created Duke of Richmond, Duke of Somerset & Earl of Nottingham 21 June 1524. In 1533 he married the Duke' s of Norfolk daughter, Lady Mary Howard. He diedin 1536 & was buriedin Thetford.
One might say a short, but glorious life. But maybe it is rather uninteresting for a biography. Yes indeed, but there is the big "if" question related to Henry Fitzroy: Could he have become his father legitimate successor, could he be King Henry IX of England??
When Henry Fitzroy was born & lived his very existent seem to prove that not the King but his Queen, Catherine of Aragon, was to blame for not having a male heir to the throne. Step by step he king raised him & made him the first duke of the land. However, he never crossed the fine but distinct borderline to royalty. But still there was the possibility that he would have made him his heir.... So this book is much more than just a biography but gives the reader an inside into the complicated Tudor succession & the life at court. It shows how Henry VIII. used his son to play a powerful game. There was even the idea of marrying him to his half-sister The Princess Mary, than still the heiress of the crown, later to be Queen Mary I..
This book is full of inside into the life to the Tudor Court & the politics surrounding the succession. The Duke of Richmond is largely forgotten & not more than a footnotein history books nowadays but during his life time his very existent was a political factor one could hard ignore. The book is well written & a pleasure to read & will compliment your picture of the Tudor Court.
For the big question whether Henry VIII would have made his bastard heir to the crown I believe he would not have done it. Henry was too much king & conscious of the blood royal that he would have taken such a step. In his dealings with Queen Catherine of Aragon & her daughter Mary or with Queen Anne Boleyn & her daughter Elisabeth he always uphold the notion of legitimacy.
But read this book & find decided for yourself on your question. You will find all information necessary to decidein this excellent book.
A fantastic book that covers the life of the unknown tudor - By: samanthabinnion@hotmail.com, 25 Feb 2002 Most people do not realise that for the entire length of Henry VIIIs "Great Matter" the king had a natural son, Henry Fitzroy, Duke of Richmond & Somerset.
This book investigates the life of this littleknown tudor prince, describing his background & upbringing. His relationships with the great tudor court personalities are also described, as are his links to the Howard family.
There is also a usefull geneology of his maternal family line.
A great biography of a prince who could have become Henry IX.
