The book has a section of beautiful color photos and a limited bibliography. I have no idea where he got this and it’s almost laughable.īut this does not detract from the overall joy of reading the fascinating history of early modern Europe. Norwich also has a footnote regarding Sir Thomas More where he states that Henry had More arrested after he refused to attend the King’s wedding to Anne Boleyn. Compeggio had to travel from the continent to England for this trial. Norwich also states that Cardinal Compeggio had been sent to England in 1518 and that he remained there from that date until the legatine court at Blackfriars in 1529 was convened to discuss the divorce of Henry VIII from Catherine of Aragon. Francis’ sister Marguerite was present and spoke directly to Charles V about the release of Francis from captivity after the devastating French loss at Pavia. Norwich states that King Francis I’s mother Louise of Savoy attended peace talks in Toledo in July of 1525. These are just a few of the most glaring errors. It is not meant to be an academic work and indeed, I found a few historical mistakes. I would classify this book as ‘popular history’, whatever that means. Because the author has written about the papacy, he includes a lot of papal history and how it relates to the other rulers. Francis I of France stunned Europe by forging ties with the Sultan in an effort to stave off having France taken over by Charles V.

Suleiman the Magnificent was at the outskirts of Vienna but drew back twice. There were many different meetings between these men which are described here. The author explains their changing alliances along with their bellicose warfare. This books introduces us to the four men, giving their backgrounds. The Renaissance began with new discoveries in science, mass printing of books and gorgeous art being produced.Īmidst all this upheaval, there were four princes who ruled Europe, all with monumental egos. There was monumental transformations in matters of religion. Sometimes friends, more often enemies, always rivals, these four men together held Europe in the hollow of their hands.” This pretty much sums up the era and what a time it was. There is a blurb inside the front cover that says this: “Never before had the world seen four such giants coexisting. Whew! How about that for raising expectations? But I have to say, this book delivers. The subtitle of this book is “Henry VIII, Francis I, Charles V, Suleiman the Magnificent and the Obsessions that Forged Modern Europe”.

Four princes by john julius norwich