Henry VIII and the invasion of France

the long version

When he joined the Holy League, an alliance with the papcy, Venice and Spain aimed at keeping France from dominating Europe, Henry VIII involved England in a war from which there was far less for him to gain than any of the other protagonists. Henry VIII and the Invasion of France chronicles the young king's campaign across the Channel in 1513, including the establishment of a beach-head at the then English port of Calais, the bombardment and razing of Thérouanne, the Battle of the Spurs, and the siege and capture of the city of Tournai. The occupation of the city resulted in it becoming part of England and having representation in the Westminster parliament. However, it was not Henry who proved to be the ultimate victor in the 1513 campaign; the two people who gained most were Thomas Wolsey, who became the Bishop of Tournai, and Emperor Maximilian I, who benefitted from Henry's amateurish exploits, which successfully neutralized an enemy town on the borders of the Holy Roman empire. In this fascinating book, acclaimed on its first publication by the Times Literary Supplement as leaving 'little more to be said on the subject' and The Economist as having 'depth of scholarship, and facility of style', and now published for the first time with contemporary illustrations, Dr. Cruickshank contrasts the magnificence of the king's portable 'house' with the basic shelter afforded to his men. Also described in detail are the logistics involved in moving a large army, the victualling of the troops, discipline within the camp, and weapons and tactics employed in the various offensives. Using contemporary sources and incorporating seventy illustrations, as well as including comprehensive notes and bibliography, Henry VIII and the Invasion of France will be of interest to the general reader and academic historian alike. -- from dust jacket.