Henry VIII and the English nobility - MILLER

`The picture which Miss Miller paints of Henry as a ruthless realist throughout his reign is more convincing than Pollard's image of a political innocent or the older Catholic historians' hypothesis of an evil genius or the now discredited explanation of a degeneration brought about by lascivious living. In every sense he remains, as Churchill christened him, "an enormous man" and this scholarly study helps us to understand why.' G. R.;Batho, University of Durham, for the Times Higher Education Supplement `This book is essential reading for specialists and will be a welcome addition to undergraduate reading lists.' Rosemary O'Day, British Book News `This book provides an invaluable foundation for the further study of a major topic which is only beginning to emerge from several decades of scholarly neglect.' Times Literary Supplement What did the King expect from his nobility? How generously did he reward service to the crown? What, on the other hand, was the attitude of the peerage to the monarchy? How important for noblemen was attendance in war and in such key areas of political activity as the court, council and parliament? In addressing these and many other questions, this book provides a fresh and vivid account of this central aspect of Tudor government.