'Polydorus Italus': analyzing authority in Polydore Vergil's Anglica Historia. Issue 2 (20th November 2014)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Arnold, Jonathan
• Is Part Of: Reformation & Renaissance review. Volume 16:Issue 2(2014)
• Page Start: 122
• Page End: 137
• Publication Date: 2014-11-20
• Subjects: Polydore Vergil -- Anglica Historia -- humanism -- Catholicism -- authority -- English monarchy -- historiography -- Thomas Wolsey -- Reformation; Reformation -- Periodicals; Renaissance -- Periodicals; 270.605
• DOI: 10.1179/1462245914Z.00000000053
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 1462-2459

Abstract

Abstract : In his Anglica Historia, the expatriate Italian cleric, Polydore Vergil (1470–1555), cultivated a flexible and resourceful relationship with ecclesiastical and temporal authorities in Henrician and Edwardine England when residing there. His humanist learning enabled him to adapt to changes of power and religion by means of a prudent publishing strategy, to challenge with a degree of impunity the perceived wisdom of both kings and clerics, and to carry out revenge upon one who had wronged him: Cardinal Wolsey. Using primary and secondary source material, this article examines, for the first time, Vergil's attitude to and dealings with those in authority through an assessment of his Anglica Historia . Dying a Roman Catholic in his native Italy, 'Polydorus Italus' adjudged the Henrician Reformation, in so far as he actually presents it, as deficient.