2008-06-16 Most Notorious Minister

Cromwell is mentioned by other authors - historians (e.g.Ackroyd, Fraser), thologians (e.g.Duffy) and intellectuals (e.g.Belloc) but always on the edge of another picture. His notoriety warrants this book. Cromwell was almost Lord High Everything Else for Henry VIII for several years and between him and Cranmer, Henry obtained the power and wealth that he wanted. Cromwell was blatant and opportunistic in gaining Henry's goodwill via his purse, helping Henry become a tyrant.
In some places the style of the book reads more like a historical novel but there are also modern phrases e.g. `the neighbour from hell' `politically correct information' etc. which are a sobering reminder that political wheeling and dealing is not new.