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The Cardinal

by Alison Weir

First published 2025

Amazon
4.5(1,847)

Thomas Wolsey rises from modest origins to become Henry VIII’s chief minister, cardinal and one of the most powerful men in Europe. His administrative talent, wealth and intimacy with the king bring spectacular success, but Henry’s determination to end his marriage to Katherine of Aragon creates a problem Wolsey cannot solve. The novel follows his public ascent and private relationships, including Joan Larke and their children, as political service turns into isolation and ruin.

Historical Periods

Henrician Reformation1530–1547 CE

Genres

Biographical Fiction Court & Political Fiction

Historical people

Henry VIII1491–1547 Catherine of Aragon1485–1536 Anne Boleyn1501–1536 Thomas Wolsey1473–1530 Thomas Cromwell1485–1540 Joan Larke1490–c. 1530s Thomas Winterc. 1510–c. 1546

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