a balanced perspective on Cromwell's contributions and motivations, distinct from purely religious interpretations. At the start of the book, Merriman presents the ancestry and early life of Thomas Cromwell, outlining the historical context of his upbringing in Wimbledon, England. The narrative describes his family's background as well-off tradespeople and Cromwell's early misadventures, painting a picture of a young man inclined toward a tumultuous lifestyle. As the author delves into Cromwell’s formative years, he highlights conflicting accounts of Cromwell's early adventures, including his travels abroad and initial trade endeavors. The chapter sets the stage for further exploration of Cromwell’s significant rise to become a critical advisor to King Henry VIII, underscoring the complexities of his character and the pivotal historical events that shaped his life. (This is an automatically generated summary.)