- Publisher: Pen & Sword
- Year: 2023
- Format: Hardback
- Pages: 236pp
- Illustrated: Yes
- Dimensions: 240x164mm
- Condition: New
- Weight: 0.5kg
- ISBN: 9781399093590
- Product code: 545448
James I
The King Who United Scotland and England
Keith Coleman New Hardback Illustrated
Postscript summary
James Stuart had an inauspicious start in life: his father, Lord Darnley, was assassinated the year after his birth; his mother, Mary Queen of Scots, imprisoned until her execution twenty years later. Focusing on key events, including the North Berwick witch trials of 1590, the Gowrie Conspiracy in 1600, his succession to the English throne, and his devotion to male favourites, this study sheds light on James’ troubled personality.
Product information
Full publisher description
The life of King James VI who united England and Scotland under one crown and became James I in 1603 is marked by contradictions. Generally praised as a good king of Scotland and a poor English one, James was a deep theological thinker, but he also inspired a superstitious frenzy which resulted in the North Berwick witch hunt and trials in the 1590s. Scholar and pedant, he was in his own view God's appointed ruler, yet also a foul mouthed sloven and forever tarnished with the title of the Wisest Fool in Christendom.
The most glaring contrast in his personal life was between his image as a married family man and as a ruler who lavished indiscreet affection on a series of men whom he invested with considerable power. This book approaches James through the lens of his relationships with his major favourites. First was Anglo-French lord Esme D'Aubigny, then Scottish squire Robert Carr (later Earl of Somerset), and finally the consummate nobleman George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham. 'A king will have need to use secrecy in many things,' the king wrote in one of his books. Although his private life was sometimes astonishingly visible, there are still many mysteries about James I as a man rather than a ruler.
This work tracks the king's life from a barren childhood through a succession of plots, intrigues and conspiracies in Scotland which largely forged, or deformed, his character. Beyond his complex and disputed connection with these men the book looks at his relationship with his wife, sponsorship of the arts, and contains a reappraisal of the first and most neglected historical mystery of his first reign, the Gowrie Conspiracy.
The most glaring contrast in his personal life was between his image as a married family man and as a ruler who lavished indiscreet affection on a series of men whom he invested with considerable power. This book approaches James through the lens of his relationships with his major favourites. First was Anglo-French lord Esme D'Aubigny, then Scottish squire Robert Carr (later Earl of Somerset), and finally the consummate nobleman George Villiers, Duke of Buckingham. 'A king will have need to use secrecy in many things,' the king wrote in one of his books. Although his private life was sometimes astonishingly visible, there are still many mysteries about James I as a man rather than a ruler.
This work tracks the king's life from a barren childhood through a succession of plots, intrigues and conspiracies in Scotland which largely forged, or deformed, his character. Beyond his complex and disputed connection with these men the book looks at his relationship with his wife, sponsorship of the arts, and contains a reappraisal of the first and most neglected historical mystery of his first reign, the Gowrie Conspiracy.
Reasons to shop at Postscript
Independent bookseller
Established in 1987, we’ve been sharing reading recommendations for decades.
Books you won’t find elsewhere
Discover new authors among our frequently changing bookshelves, along with almost-forgotten gems and a wealth of unusual titles you won’t find elsewhere.
Eco-friendly packaging
Orders are carefully packed in recyclable cardboard boxes, eco-friendly bubble wrap and solvent-free labels, paper and tape.
Condition and price
All our books are new, unused and unread, and they’re all up to 75% off RRP.
FREE monthly catalogue
Featuring over 400 handpicked titles, our unique catalogue is carefully curated and includes new and unusual titles, special features and exclusive collections.
Email newsletters
Our tailored newsletters are written by our booksellers, and we always highlight the books that we have talked about most in the Postscript office.
Footnotes blog
Some books spark ideas and conversations that our catalogue can’t contain – our Footnotes blog offers a deeper dive into a wealth of topics to inspire further reading.
Aftercare
We are all serious book people and we understand the value of reading. This is why we package our books so carefully and employ a helpful in-house customer services team to promptly resolve any queries you may have.
Delivery information
UK
Free UK standard delivery on all online orders over £25
Unlimited books in one delivery charge:
- • Standard: £3.20 (3-5 working days)
- • Click & Collect: £3.20 (3-5 working days)
- • Next Day (orders must be placed before 1pm, Monday–Friday): £4.50
- • Royal Mail Tracked48: £5.50 (2-4 working days)
Highlands and Islands delivery: standard delivery only (5-7 working days)
Overseas
All orders: delivery costs for orders outside the UK are based on country of destination and product weight.
You can view your overseas delivery cost using the Summary section within the Basket.
For more information on delivery/overseas orders please refer to our Delivery Information.
product
https://www.psbooks.co.uk/king-james-vi-i
545448
James I
https://www.psbooks.co.uk/media/catalog/product/5/4/545448_media-0.jpg
9.99
9.99
GBP
InStock
/History
/History/Categories/Modern History
/Non-Fiction/Categories/Biography & Memoirs
/Non-Fiction/Categories/Biography & Memoirs/Biographies
/Non-Fiction/Categories/Biography & Memoirs/Biographies/Historical Biographies
/History/Highlights/Kings, Queens & Emperors
James Stuart had an inauspicious start in life: his father, Lord Darnley, was assassinated the year after his birth; his mother, Mary Queen of Scots, imprisoned until her execution twenty years later. Focusing on key events, including the North Berwick witch trials of 1590, the Gowrie Conspiracy in 1600, his succession to the English throne, and his devotion to male favourites, this study sheds light on James’ troubled personality.
Hardback
0
0
https://www.psbooks.co.uk/media/catalog/product/5/4/545448_media-1.jpg
https://www.psbooks.co.uk/media/catalog/product/5/4/545448_media-2.jpg
add-to-cart
rrp_info:£25.00
productId:183359
bic_code:BGR, HBJD1, HBLH
BGR, HBJD1, HBLH
£25.00
Keith Coleman
General
240x164mm
Pen & Sword
No
Hardback
British & Irish
