"I have ventured in a sea of glory… but far beyond my depth!" The rise and fall of the scheming Cardinal Wolsey is just one of the stories of political intrigue and personal ambition played out in the shadows of Henry VIII's court – and that of his first two Queens – in Shakespeare's last play. First performed under the title All Is True in 1613, Henry VIII traces the ups and downs of fortune that rule over human affairs – in the corridors of power and behind closed doors. But who is pulling the strings in this epoch-making period of English history? And how do we know that any history is 'true'?

Published in association with Historic Royal Palaces to mark the 500th anniversary of the real King Henry's accession, Henry VIII is part of Manga Shakespeare, a series of graphic novel adaptations of William Shakespeare's plays. Drawing inspiration from Japan and using Shakespeare's original texts, this series – adapted by Richard Appignanesi and illustrated by leading manga artists – brings to life the great Bard's words for students, Shakespeare enthusiasts and manga fans.