The portrait of a monarchy in crisis, this historical drama concerns the famous kings efforts to secure a divorce from his dignified and popular queen in order to marry an enchanting courtesan and produce a male heir. The play ranks among Shakespeares most sumptuous and spectacular works, offering a splendid pageant of masques and royal ceremony. Occasional lapses in historical accuracy are compensated for by keen psychological and political insights, vivid characterizations, and evocative language.Possibly the last of Shakespeares dramas, Henry VIII was almost certainly co-written with John Fletcher. It is a play of farewells to the world, to life, to power in which major historical characters make memorable exits, including Cardinal Wolseys rueful observation Had I but served my God with half the zealI served my king, he would not in mine ageHave left me naked to mine enemies.
