Synopses & Reviews
James VI and I has often been portrayed as a drooling, blasphemous, gregarious man with a tendency toward extravagant spending, and few historians have looked beyond these accepted accounts. With this engaging and accessible narrative, Pauline Croft takes the first truly balanced look at James's reign, the first monarch of unified England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, exploring his rule in the context of all his kingdoms. Not shying away from the more controversial parts of James' personality and lifestyle, Croft also takes a thorough look at his political rule, from international relationships and religious tensions to parliamentary politics and problems posed by his multiple monarchy. This is an ideal introduction to an extraordinary life and monarch.
Synopsis
Pauline Croft's clear and concise study provides a narrative of the reign of King James VI and I in his dominions of England, Ireland, and Scotland, together with an authoritative analysis of his remarkable, though flawed, achievements. Croft emphasizes the inter-relationships between domestic and foreign policy, religious tensions at home and abroad, finance and parliamentary politics, while also discussing the king's writings, his personal life, and his approach to the problems posed by multiple monarchy.
King James is the first account of the monarch to place him in the context of all his kingdoms.
Synopsis
Pauline Croft's clear and concise study provides a narrative of the reign of King James VI and I in his dominions of England, Ireland, and Scotland, together with an authoritative analysis of his remarkable, though flawed, achievements. Croft emphasizes the inter-relationships between domestic and foreign policy, religious tensions at home and abroad, finance and parliamentary politics, while also discussing the king's writings, his personal life, and his approach to the problems posed by multiple monarchy. "King James is the first account of the monarch to place him in the context of all his kingdoms.
About the Author
Pauline Croft is Reader in Early Modern History, Royal Holloway University of London.
Table of Contents
Acknowledgements Introduction 'The Bright Star of the North' The English Throne Early Years in England The Rise of the Favourites War in Europe The Spanish Match Monarch of Three Kingdoms Supreme Governor Conclusion Bibliography Index