How many times have I read this book? – but it stands re-reading, as its completely fascinating. Henry in a slightly different light – not the usual monster-like wife murderer. Weir looks at Henry's life and environment – family, where he lived, events that happened, even what they ate and how they lived. All the small details add up to provide a context for Henry's character and behavior, and how the glorious golden young king could descend into the horror story of his later years. In a previous review of Alison Weir I've noted she writes history for the non-historian, she keeps it light and keeps the story flowing.