I've been obsessed with Tudor history from a young age, and possess bookshelves filled with books by the incredible Alison Weir and Henry VIII: King and Country is one of my favourites.

This is a book that goes into detail over the minutae of court life, casting a light on the expense of Henry's life and those whom he kept close (siblings, children and close friends such Brandon etc) which left me in awe of how extravagant his tastes were. I found myself thinking that his father could have done with teaching both Arthur and Henry that one doesn't need to throw money around like the vaults will never diminish as it's known that Henry VIII nearly bankrupted England with his need to be the best - the centre of the world and and his almost childish brawls with France's monarchy.

The book initially focuses in great detail on the court, the people who lived at the heart of England's rule and the lifestyles they had whether it be clothing, furniture or homes. There is also insight into Henry's reactions to the monumental moments of life during that time such as Charles Brandon marrying Henry's sister and the fury that initially caused or the life the Monarch had with his Spanish Queen, Catherine of Aragon which seems to have been happy for a long time and it feels cruel to know how curcumstances caused such misery for so many due to various reasons.

I liked that Weir was able to give us modern day prices for items, and explanations for some items in court that we may not know and it helps to create a vivid image of clothing, and the homes of the aristocracy during Henry's reign with his many wives. I know some find that heavy going but to me, these small details provide insight and as well as information and you see one of England's most notorious monarchs and the person who established so much of the England we know today due to Weir's detailed research. (A reason she is one of my favourite authors of historical novels...)

The book also gives you insight into Henry's choices and life at court and how things at court were affected by his decisions and I found it especially interesting how much Henry placed the future of England into the hands of those he trusted rather than making these decisions himself. Perhaps this is due to him never being thought to be King and not having the day to day knowledge of rule as he had had to learn fast due to Arthur's sudden death, I do think it's also clear just how much of a positive influence his first and his last Queen have on him and how the two are similar which I think says alot about Henry. (Perhaps... having a wandering eye was a really bad thing to possess and y'know Women can rule well? yes my eyes are rolling at the dead King)

If you love history, and welcome learning the obscure as well as the more generalised history of a time period? This is the book for you. Weir is incredible as always.