A Daughter's Love

December 15, 2008
“You alone have long known the secrets to my heart,” affirmed Sir Thomas More to his eldest daughter, Margaret (1505–1544), shortly before his execution for defying Henry VIII. Guy (NBCC award winner for Queen of Scots
) describes the Catholic More as a witty and flawed man: a future martyr who condemned others to be burned at the stake, who educated his daughter (Erasmus himself paid tribute to her for correcting his Latin) yet warned that women should not seek recognition for their intellectual work because it resulted in “infamy.” Yet Meg’s deep intellectual and religious kinship with her father ultimately strengthened More while in prison despite his crushing fears of suffering. Using extensive sources, Guy provides unprecedented insight into this intense relationship. Ironically, since More segregated his private and professional lives, there is less information about his relationship with Margaret during his years of ambition in the Tudor court, but Guy reveals an invaluable perspective on Henry VIII’s political and religious machinations. Because of Margaret’s dedication to her father and her own intellectual endeavors, More’s body of work was saved, preserving his memory, reputation and martyrdom. Illus.

February 1, 2009
Thomas More (14781535), Henry VIII's lord chancellor, a humanist scholar, and a canonized Catholic saint, is remembered as a man of unwavering principle for his refusal to recognize his king as the supreme head of the English Church, an act that led to More's execution. Thomas's eldest and favorite daughter, Margaret (he called her Meg) is much less known to us. Guy (history, Clare Coll., Univ. of Cambridge, "Queen of Scots") examines their relationship in this dual biography and shows that although omitted from the historical record, Margaret played a crucial role in the formation of her father's legacy by compiling a posthumous collection of his works. A renowned scholar, she was praised by the famous humanist Erasmus of Rotterdam. In his last years, Margaret was Thomas's closest confidante and supporter, and the only one to visit him regularly in the Tower. Guy does an excellent job of providing a balanced view of Thomas More, who is also remembered for his brutal persecution of Protestantsas lord chancellor he had several burned at the stakeand for his destruction of Protestant books. Although there is no shortage of books on him, this one provides a fresh and insightful view. Recommended for academic libraries and large public libraries.Carrie Benbow, North York Central Lib., Toronto

Copyright 2009 Library Journal, LLC Used with permission.

February 1, 2009
Renaissance historian Guy has penned a fascinating dual biography of Sir Thomas More and his beloved daughter Meg. Although history and Hollywood have paid due homage to the worthy Thomas More, both have relegated his daughter Margaret to the back burner. Guy rectifies this oversight by painting a vivid father-daughter portrait, breathing new life into an inspiring filial relationship and, at long last, providing Meg with her rightful place in history. The scholarly Meg shared an intellectual kinship with More, quickly earning favor with her accomplished father. After Mores fallout with the king, it was this daughter who stood steadfastly by his side, advocating for him, visiting him in prison, helping him compose his final letters, and eventually even rescuing and preserving his severed head. Though the basic facts of Sir Thomas Mores life and martyrdom are well known, Guys compelling account of Margaret elevates her well above adjunct status in the unfolding historical drama.(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 2009, American Library Association.)