James II

Although he was forced out of power in the 'Glorious Revolution' within four years of succeeding to the throne, James II had an impact far greater than his brief and notorious reign would suggest.  This new look at James II examines his complex and intriguing character, and  analyses his policies, together with their results in all his realms to offer a balanced new portrait of an unpopular monarch. The book looks at: * his attitudes towards his Scottish subjects, first as Duke of York, then as King James VII* his dealings with his Irish subjects, as king regnant and as an exiled monarch to his defeat at the battle of the Boyne* his relations with the American colonies, from his proprietorship of New York to the Glorious Revolution.   The controversy about his aims - whether he simply sought toleration for fellow catholics or to establish absolute monarchy - are thus put into perspective, with the colonial dimension showing that he had political ambitions independent of his religions aspirations. W.A. Speck is Visiting Professor, University of Northumbria  

'Speck provides a clear, easy and accessible account of James's disatrous impact upon the art of governance'

John Callow, Goldsmiths College, University of London, History

 Forced out of power in the"Glorious Revolution" of 1688, and defeated in the subsequent battle of the Boyne by William of Orange, the short reign of James II has an importance that reaches far beyond his three years in power.  An ardent Roman Catholic, his efforts to return England to the Catholic faith resonate to this day in Northern Ireland. Similarly, his attacks on the representative institutions that had been developing since the Restoration, alienated an initially enthusiastic parliament. William Speck looks at all these issues through the figure of the King. Far more broad-ranging than other histories of James II, the book examines James' role in the American colonies - assigned to him by his brother Charles II - his role in Scotland between 1679 and 1862, and his final exercise of power in Ireland.

W.A. Speck

1. Duke of York

2. James II 1685-1686

3. James II1687-1688

4. The Revolution

5. James VII

6. James and Ireland

7. James and North America

8. James and Europe

Epilogue