Publisher's Synopsis
The Life of Henry the Eighth is a historical play written by William Shakespeare in 1613, and published in 1623. The play is based on the life of King Henry VIII, who ruled England from 1509 to 1547. The play begins with the divorce of Henry VIII from his first wife, Catherine of Aragon, and his subsequent marriage to Anne Boleyn. It then follows the rise and fall of Anne Boleyn, and the birth of Henry's daughter, Elizabeth I. The play also depicts the downfall of Thomas Cromwell, who was one of Henry's closest advisors, and the rise of Thomas Cranmer, the Archbishop of Canterbury.The play is known for its vivid characters, including the larger-than-life figure of Henry VIII himself, as well as its portrayal of the political and religious turmoil of the time. It is also notable for its use of language, which is considered some of Shakespeare's most powerful and evocative writing.Overall, The Life of Henry the Eighth is a fascinating exploration of one of the most important and dramatic periods in English history, and a testament to Shakespeare's enduring talent as a playwright.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.