The monarchs of the Tudor period are among some of the most well-known figures in British history. John Guy presents a compelling and fascinating exploration of the Tudors in the new edition of this Very Short Introduction. Looking at all aspects of the period, from beginning to end, he considers Tudor politics, religion, and economics, as well as issues relating to gender and minority rule, and the art, architecture, and social and material culture of the time. Introducing all of the key Tudor monarchs, Guy considers the impact the Tudor period had not only at the time, but also the historical legacy it left behind. ABOUT THE SERIES: The Very Short Introductions series from Oxford University Press contains hundreds of titles in almost every subject area. These pocket-sized books are the perfect way to get ahead in a new subject quickly. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics highly readable.

John Guy is a Fellow of Clare College, Cambridge. His previous titles include My Heart is My Own: The Life of Mary Queen of Scots (Fourth Estate, 2004), A Daughter's Love: Thomas and Margaret More (Fourth Estate, 2008), and Thomas Becket: Warrior, Priest, Rebel, Victim (Penguin-Viking, 2012). Recognised as one of Britain's leading historians on the Tudor period, he lecturers and speaks widely at literary festivals and on radio and television. He was the Winner of the 2004 Whitbread Biography Award and of the 2005 Marsh Biography Award.

• Genealogical table
• The Tudor Succession
• Note on Units of Currency
• 1: Henry VII: Founding a new dynasty
• 2: Henry VIII: The personification of power
• 3: The Reformation and British 'Imperial' Kingship
• 4: Mid-Tudor crisis and the succession
• 5: Philip and Mary: an experiment in dual monarchy
• 6: The early Elizabethan polity
• 7: Material culture and the arts
• 8: After the armada
• Further reading
• Chronology
• Index