This fresh exploration of the life, work and writing of Archbishop Pole, focuses particularly on Pole's final years (1556-58) as Archbishop of Canterbury. Stressing the events and character of Pole's 'English' life, up to his exile in the 1530s, as well as in his final years in England. 'Edwards's biography is without doubt the best introduction to Reginald Pole now available. The Pole who emerges from this book is a genuinely holy (or at least spiritual) man, the greatest pope there never was, a towering figure of Reformation history in England and Europe, and a victim of Carafa's narrowing of the Catholic mind.' Reviews in History '...[A] detailed biography, dealing fairly with many complex issues.' Times Literary Supplement 'This excellent book fulfils a major gap in offering a biography of an Archbishop of Canterbury who has probably not received the attention due to him and it sets a high standard for other works in the series.' Church of England Newspaper