Few historical figures are as familiar as King Henry VIII. Few kings have popular images created out of so much misinformation: that he was short, had six wives and a legion of mistresses, contracted syphilis and became a Protestant.

Henry was a maze of contradictions and the object of much contemporary praise and criticism, adulation and condemnation. He had impressive strengths but also formidable weaknesses, amongst them inconstancy, financial irresponsibility, and a capacity for brutality. At the same time, his rule was vibrant, often exciting and dramatic, and of major significance for England's future.

Michael Graves examines this complex personality and sorts out the reality from the myths to provide a highly readable study of early modern kingship as practised by one man.