King Henry VI

King Henry VI is the main character and subject of this biography. He lived from 1421-1471 and reigned from 1422-1461 and again from 1470-71. After losing his father as an infant, Henry was acclaimed king of England and France before his first birthday. However, without a living model of kingship to learn from and whom to emulate, Henry came to rely on books and stories to construct his idea of what a medieval king should be.

From an early age, Henry was noticeably pious and bookish. He abhorred avarice and lust, and favored the importance of education. Henry also firmly believed in peace and reconciliation over war, punishment, and retribution. In this way, he was very different from his military father who sought glory through war and conquest. It is also clear early in Henry's life that he does not have a particularly strong will...