| Description | Polydore Vergil (c. 1470-c. 1555): Historian. Born in Urbino, Italy, he came to Italy in 1501 and was granted favor by Henry VII. He composed a history of England, Historia Anglicae libri xxvi, published 1534. He seems to have returned to Italy at the end of his life. There is much dispute about his merit as an historian. That he undertook significant research is undeniable; much of what he turned up has no other parallels. He is the only real source, e.g., for the Battle of Bosworth. But he didn't understand what he was told, and his report of that battle cannot be reconciled with the actual battlefield. Also, he was much too disposed to accept official Tudor propaganda. On the other hand, he was critical enough to question the existence of King Arthur and other British legends. Perhaps the fairest summary is that he tried hard but worked in an environment which made it almost impossible to learn true history. |
