Tudor Portraits Sucess and Failure of an Age by Michael Foss

This was a really interesting book. Rather than focusing on the monarchy, which I assumed based on the title, Mr. Foss introduced the other main characters of the age. More, Walsingham, Gilbert, Greshem and even Mary Tudor; which was interesting because she was a monarch.
   Tudor Portraits gave an inside look at the time and background of the age. It elaborated on the economic picture, the familial, political and economic ties of the eras main players and, what I thought most intriguing, drew a portrait that included the context of the time. I've read some nonfiction that covered the 16th century before, but it usually focused on the monarchy and it was really interesting to draw that focus out and learn more about the movers and shakers behind the throne.
   I really enjoyed learning about how these people were perceived by the men of their day. In a time of religious persecution, corruption and class distinction, it appeals to my desire for a broader understanding to know where they fit in on the days scale. Were they more, less or average? Were they held in general esteem or were they reviled? Was their motive only money? Were they genuinely seeking religion or was it a power ploy?


Favorite Quotes:

His (Sir Thomas Greshem) pleas, backed by certain influential men and supported by Dansell's unfailing ability to bungle..."

Queen Elizabeth:
"Now the wit of the fox is everywhere on foot, so as hardly a faithful or virtuous man may be found."

"The brutal may show a disinterested lust for blood, but the courtier of gentle breeding, if he is to gain honour from the squalors of war, must endow the terrible business with noble purpose."

Richard Hooker:
"In polity as well ecclesiastical as civil, there are and will be always evils which no art of man can cure, breaches and leaks more than man's wits hath hands to stop."

Robert Greene written in his Repentance:
"I light amongst wags as lewd as myself, with whom I consumed the flower of my youth."

Describing the gypsies, Robert Borde is quoted, "They be swart and do go disguised in their apparel contrary to other nations. They be light-fingered and use picking; they have little manner and evil lodging, and yet they be pleasant dancers."


Overall Opinion:

I definitely appreciated the book. My only request would have been a current day comparison of money at some point. That would have really helped for the framing.


Rating:

Good Snapshot Read