Henry VIII is one of the most popular historical figures that we read about, or that is features in shows and movies. He made a huge impact on the world in many ways, specifically with his religious shenanagins. Obviously, he is very well known for his six wives and their various demises, as well as his daughters. This book takes a deeper look into the various mistresses and offspring produced by those illicit liaisons, and also helps drive home the point that this man was a notorious womanizer. The book attempts to show that he was a monogamist, but that is not a point that I particularly agree with. I do believe that he spent his life searching for the perfect female companion, especially one that would provide him with a son. I also think he was probably terribly romantic at heart, as evidenced by some of his letters and behaviors. The fact remains that he took several mistresses, and acted in ways that are abhorrent.

This book wasn't terribly long, just around 300 pages. I have had this book for a while, and finally worked my way to it. I did like learning more about the various mistresses of Henry VIII and the children that were fathered by him. I have learned so much about his six wives, and less about these women on the side. I do appreciate the level of research that went into this book, and thought that it was written in a very engaging way.