Sylvia Barbara Soberton, Medical Downfall of the Tudors: Sex, Reproduction & Succession

 

This book was very interesting!  Epidemics, infertility, accidents, infections, smallpox, the plague, and even the treatments used to “cure” these issues (like bloodletting, coupled with a severe lack of hygiene), all played a part in the fall of the Tudors – primary reasons why they had so much difficulty producing heirs.  Most of the book focuses on Henry VIII and his six wives, how they were impacted by his infertility issues, and why they couldn’t produce a son that lived old enough to become king.

My only criticism is that the flow of the story is a bit choppy, which makes it hard to follow.  But if you can get past that, this book provides a good narrative on disease in the 16th century and helps you understand what your ancestors might have experienced.