The Cardinal: A Novel of Love and Power [Large Print]

By Alison Weir

Book Overview

"Cardinal Thomas Wolsey enjoyed one of the most meteoric careers in history. His rise from humble beginnings coincided with Henry VII's ascension to the throne in 1509. The two grew to be cherished friends, and by 1515 Wolsey, now a cardinal, had become the controlling figure in all matters of church and state. All was going dazzlingly until Henry fell in love with Anne Boleyn and sought to end his marriage to his first wife, Katherine of Aragon. Swept up in the maelstrom of "the Divorce," Wolsey, who had striven to give his master everything he wanted, found himself in an impossible situation as he drew the ire of the queen, with his world crumbling around him."--

• Format: Hardcover
• Large Print: Yes
• Language: English
• ISBN: 1420523562
• ISBN13: 9781420523560
• Release Date: July 2025
• Publisher: Thorndike Press Large Print
• Length: 745 Pages
• Weight: 2.10 lbs.
• Dimensions: 1.5" x 5.4" x 8.6"

Customer Reviews

What an interesting read that I highly recommend!

This book was fascinating!  It is a fictional account of Cardinal Thomas Wolsey, who came from humble beginnings, became good friends with King Henry VIII, who worked very hard for many years to rise to the rank of Cardinal, and which afforded him great power & benefits, all while serving his beloved sovereign within the Tudor court.  All seemed to be going well for Cardinal Wolsey, high rank in the church, great estates, beautiful mistress, power beyond his imagination, all this until King Henry falls in love with Anne Boleyn, who causes the king to want to divorce his first wife Katherine of Aragon, and who seeks to destroy the life the cardinal has worked so hard to build, and also wants to destroy his relationship with his beloved friend King Henry.  Power has come with a great price to Cardinal Wolsey, and along the way, he has compromised, made enemies, and finds that favor within the Tudor court is fickle, and can fade in an instant! I really enjoyed this book, but without any spoilers, I kind of could see what was coming to Cardinal Wolsey!  This account was fiction, but was based on a true character in history. I thought this book was well written, engaging all the way through, interesting, and a great story!  I did enjoy it, give it 4.5 stars, and recommend it!