A review by bristoni74
Shadow King: The Life and Death of Henry VI by Lauren Johnson
4.0
As a lover of medieval history and quite familiar with the Wars of the Roses, I still only knew the basics of Henry VI’s life, so was pleased to purchase this as a hardcover to add to my library. Henry VI became King of England at only 9 months old when his father Henry V (famous as a great medieval knight who won the Battle of Agincourt in 1415). Unfortunately, Henry V died as a young man in his 30’s of dysentery in France and he never met his son.
Henry VI is the only King of England to be both crowned King of England and France . As a King from only 9 months old, there was of course a very long regency period, where Henry was advised, mentored and supported by the men around him. His Uncles, whilst ambitious, have something in their favour in that they supported their nephew through such a long regency, and didn’t seek to “murder” or dispose of a child for their own power like others do in the future.
However, Henry VI was not a man “of his time”. His personality and also the sheltered environment he grew up in, was not what a “great” medieval King required. His was very bookish (founding both Eton and Cambridge), very devoted to prayer and religion, compassionate, kind and very easily influenced. He sought peace over war and was unable to manage the political factions in his court. He didn't lead men in battle and didn't take part in battle until he was in his 30's.
He wasn’t a womaniser or a drinker and it was said he was a virgin when he married Margaret of Anjou in 1445 at the age of 23. They had one son but he wasn’t born until 8 years after they were married and rumours spread that he wasn’t Henry’s son, given at the time of his son’s birth, he collapsed into a catatonic state for many months. There has been much debate over the centuries as to what caused Henry’s “madness” and what he suffered from. I feel the author provides a very credible explanation for his collapse, given Henry’s personality and the stress and anxiety he would have experienced over many years as King.
What I enjoyed about this book was the sympathetic portrait of Henry, Lauren Johnson has written. Her research and sources are excellent and she provides a good balance between setting out a narrative of events and analysis of character and motives - including Henry and the many players around him.
Unfortunately, whilst Henry VI was a “good” man, he wasn’t a medieval King and it ultimately lead to the usurpation of his throne by his cousin Edward of York (as his Grandfather, Henry IV had usurped the throne of his cousin Richard II in 1399), his murder and the War of the Roses.
Honestly, who can say history is boring – their lives are more complicated than a soap opera!
Henry VI is the only King of England to be both crowned King of England and France . As a King from only 9 months old, there was of course a very long regency period, where Henry was advised, mentored and supported by the men around him. His Uncles, whilst ambitious, have something in their favour in that they supported their nephew through such a long regency, and didn’t seek to “murder” or dispose of a child for their own power like others do in the future.
However, Henry VI was not a man “of his time”. His personality and also the sheltered environment he grew up in, was not what a “great” medieval King required. His was very bookish (founding both Eton and Cambridge), very devoted to prayer and religion, compassionate, kind and very easily influenced. He sought peace over war and was unable to manage the political factions in his court. He didn't lead men in battle and didn't take part in battle until he was in his 30's.
He wasn’t a womaniser or a drinker and it was said he was a virgin when he married Margaret of Anjou in 1445 at the age of 23. They had one son but he wasn’t born until 8 years after they were married and rumours spread that he wasn’t Henry’s son, given at the time of his son’s birth, he collapsed into a catatonic state for many months. There has been much debate over the centuries as to what caused Henry’s “madness” and what he suffered from. I feel the author provides a very credible explanation for his collapse, given Henry’s personality and the stress and anxiety he would have experienced over many years as King.
What I enjoyed about this book was the sympathetic portrait of Henry, Lauren Johnson has written. Her research and sources are excellent and she provides a good balance between setting out a narrative of events and analysis of character and motives - including Henry and the many players around him.
Unfortunately, whilst Henry VI was a “good” man, he wasn’t a medieval King and it ultimately lead to the usurpation of his throne by his cousin Edward of York (as his Grandfather, Henry IV had usurped the throne of his cousin Richard II in 1399), his murder and the War of the Roses.
Honestly, who can say history is boring – their lives are more complicated than a soap opera!