‘Wolsey’ is, arguably, the first comprehensive book to explore the many contrasting layers of Thomas Wolsey’s life and career, and represents the first genuinely popular biography of the much-maligned cardinal to appear in over thirty years. Making no assumptions, it looks at the real person in the cold light of his actions, and uncovers a man of contradictions and extremes whose meteoric rise was marked by an equally inexorable descent into desperation, as he attempted in vain to satisfy the tempestuous master whose ambition ultimately broke him. Far from being one more familiar portrait of an overweight and overweening spider or another cautionary tale of pride preceding a fall, this is the gripping story of how consummate talent, noble intentions and an eagle eye for the main chance can contrive with the vagaries of power politics to raise an individual to unheard of heights before finally consuming him. AUTHOR: John Matusiak studied at the universities of London and Sussex before embarking upon a teaching career that eventually spanned more than thirty years. For over a third of that time, he was Head of the History Department at Colchester Royal Grammar School, founded by Henry VIII in 1539. He is the author of ‘Henry VIII’ (THP, 2012), ‘Wolsey’ (THP, 2013) and the forthcoming ‘The Tudors in 100 Objects’ (THP, 2015). SELLING POINTS: . Provides a long-overdue in- depth treatment of Wolsey’s life prior to his arrival at court . Offers fresh insights into the cardinal’s relationship with his royal master . Usually depicted as either subtle manipulator or devoted servant, Wolsey was, in fact, both . The book casts further light on both the inner man and the politician 8pp colour, 16 colour illustrations