Zoe Williams’ important question about what lies behind the recent flood of retelling of Tudor history makes many interesting points, but misses the most important of all (‘Henry VIII is a serial killer and abuser’: why is Britain still so obsessed with the Tudors?, 12 November).
Tudor historical novels by a wide variety of superb writers have clearly involved deep research into the period. Hilary Mantel, CJ Sansom and Philippa Gregory are part of this trend. Their characters have to be recognisable to today’s readers; their actions have to be meaningful now. Williams’ article on this element is clear.
But why Tudor history specifically? All history writing is always partly about the central tenets of our own society as much as it is about the past, especially so in historical novels. Every era thus rewrites history according to the issues and values of the present.
Tudor history is the beginning of the revolution that ended up in the world today. The split from Rome, Catholics versus Protestants, the role of Henry VIII’s women and the domination of one person over all others are issues that resonate today. Williams’ fascinating article missed the key component that explains why Tudor history fascinates us today.
Dr Roger van Zwanenberg
Author, Wealth and Power: Global Transformation and Destruction 1492 to 2020
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