Book Review: Thomas More by Joanne Paul.

Like most people I was eagerly awaiting the publication of Dr Paul’s latest book, a new biography of Thomas More, which has been badly needed for some time. I’m not going to lie, for me More has always seemed like the least interesting of Henry’s ‘great men.’ Cromwell has always seemed more interesting, although I’m no fan, Wolsey more human, with his time old tale of poor boy made ‘good,’ and Cramner, more learned. This book, while it hasn't necessarily made me a fan of More’s, is nevertheless utterly brilliant.

The book starts by looking at More’s family and early life, which has never been revealed or much talked about until now. I was fascinated to read about the family connection with the church St Giles without Cripplegate, an area I walk through and have worked in. The author really brings to life the whole atmosphere and landscape of the area, for example I could really picture William Mistlebrook rushing through the streets to deliver an urgent message to Richard Potter, a neighbour of Thomas More’s father. Likewise the appearance and atmosphere of St Stephens in Walbrook is evocatively described. I could easily picture the churching of mistress More taking place there.

This is a very human story, and one of the highlights for me is the page time it gives and light it sheds on More’s friendships for example his relationship with Erasmus. (Amy’s book on Erasmus is being published next year and gives an insight into the other side of this relationship and the effect it had on Erasmus)

More also emerges as a dedicated family man and father. I was pleased to find that his daughter Margaret, and the role she played in his life is properly explored here.

The book also deals with the politics of Henry’s reign and the role More played in shaping them. The analysis of this is sharp, concise and enlightening. It is also firmly rooted in primary sources and references with a plethora of endnotes - the endnotes alone take up 91 pages - meaning that it is easy to dig deeper or check out the sources Paul uses for yourself. This is the best book I’ve read on More at Henry’s court, and again the febrile atmosphere is brought to life very well. There is a lot of new information here, and new takes on old assumptions, but I won’t say too much more here as I don’t want to give anything away.

Compared to the rest of the book, the chapters dealing with More’s death and trial are relatively short, probably because these have been extensively looked at elsewhere. They are nonetheless sympathetically written whilst not shying away from reality.

I highly recommend this book, it is an excellent, new interpretation of the man that was Thomas More.

⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️