Cardinal Wolsey

"Cardinal Wolsey" by Mandell Creighton is a historical account written in the late 19th century. The book delves into the life and career of Thomas Wolsey, a prominent statesman and cardinal during the reign of Henry VIII, focusing on the complexities of his political maneuvers in early 16th-century Europe. The narrative explores Wolsey's significant yet often underappreciated role in shaping England's foreign policy and asserting its influence on the European stage. The opening of the book sets the stage for a detailed examination of the political landscape of Europe between 1494 and 1512, discussing the decline of the medieval state system and the emergence of new political dynamics. It introduces Wolsey as a figure distinct from his contemporaries, highlighting his unique ability to navigate the complicated world of diplomacy during a time of upheaval and shifting alliances. The text emphasizes Wolsey's strategic choices, particularly in foreign affairs, and his contribution to enhancing England's status in Europe, laying the groundwork for exploring the implications of his actions on the course of English history. (This is an automatically generated summary.)

Mandell Creighton was a British historian, Anglican priest and bishop. The son of a stern but successful carpenter, Creighton studied at University of Oxford, focusing his scholarship on the Renaissance Papacy. He was appointed the first occupant of the Dixie Chair of Ecclesiastical History at the University of Cambridge in 1884. The following year, he also was engaged as the first editor of the English Historical Review, the oldest English language academic journal in its field. In these posts, he helped to establish history as an independent academic discipline in England.