The Life of Thomas More

Thomas More has always been a favorite historical figure of mine. Most especially because of the play/movie "A Man for All Seasons." He his portrayed as an intelligent, courageous Lord Chancellor of England who stands up against the machinations of King Henry VIII (who wanted to divorce his wife and......more

Peter Ackroyd's book, The Life of Thomas More, was one of the best biographies I have ever read. It was clear, detailed, unbiased and full of information I never knew about the saint, the times, and the major players in that epoch in history. I was very impressed with Mr. Ackroyd's grasp of the spec......more

Informative and easy to read. Ackroyd keeps the original spelling of Renaissance times, which is a little irritating, but that aside, I totally got wrapped up in his recounting of More's rise in the court of the English government, and subsequent fall from grace through King Henry's split with the c......more

The reason I docked this book two stars is the fact that Ackroyd used far too much old English in the book. It makes sense to use quotes in the original vernacular when it is appropriate but the book is riddled with it which would be no problem for scholars of that era with a familiarity with the la......more

Like his biography of Charles Dickens, Peter Ackroyd brings the flawed but complex personality of Sir Thomas More to life. An impeccably researched book, just to read the extensive bibliography Ackroyd lists at the back of the book inspires a sense of awe ! A fascinating story which fleshes out the......more