- Publisher: Birlinn
- Year: 2023
- Format: Hardback
- Pages: 432pp
- Illustrated: Yes
- Dimensions: 240x160mm
- Condition: New
- Weight: 0.7kg
- ISBN: 9781780278162
- Product code: 545591
The Wisest Fool
The Lavish Life of James VI and I
Steven Veerapen New Hardback Illustrated
Postscript summary
Despite his eagerness to prove his worth, the monarch who united the crowns of Scotland and England was lampooned during his lifetime and has paled in comparison to his popular predecessor Elizabeth I. Veerapen’s biography offers a more nuanced assessment of King James, cutting through the scurrilous attacks of his political opponents to reveal him in all his complexity, as an emotionally needy family man and idealistic yet hypocritical ruler.
Product information
Full publisher description
James VI and I, the first monarch to reign over Scotland, England and Ireland, has long endured a mixed reputation. To many, he is simply the homosexual King, the inveterate witch-roaster, the smelly sovereign who never washed, the colourless man behind the authorised Bible bearing his name, or the drooling fool whose speech could barely be understood. For too long, he has paled in comparison to his more celebrated Tudor and Stuart forebears.
But who was he really? To what extent have myth, anecdote, and rumour obscured him?
In this new and ground-breaking biography, James's story is laid bare and a welter of scurrilous, outrageous assumptions penned by his political opponents put to rest. What emerges is a portrait of Elizabeth I's successor as his contemporaries knew him: a gregarious, idealistic man obsessed with the idea of family, whose personal and political goals could never match up to reality. With reference to letters, libels and state papers, it casts fresh light on the personal, domestic, international and sexual politics of this misunderstood sovereign.
'A real page-turner for lovers of history' - Philippa Gregory
But who was he really? To what extent have myth, anecdote, and rumour obscured him?
In this new and ground-breaking biography, James's story is laid bare and a welter of scurrilous, outrageous assumptions penned by his political opponents put to rest. What emerges is a portrait of Elizabeth I's successor as his contemporaries knew him: a gregarious, idealistic man obsessed with the idea of family, whose personal and political goals could never match up to reality. With reference to letters, libels and state papers, it casts fresh light on the personal, domestic, international and sexual politics of this misunderstood sovereign.
'A real page-turner for lovers of history' - Philippa Gregory
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/the-wisest-fool
545591
The Wisest Fool
https://www.psbooks.co.uk/media/catalog/product/5/4/545591_media-0.jpg
10.99
10.99
GBP
InStock
/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
/Email Landing Pages/Books of the Month
Despite his eagerness to prove his worth, the monarch who united the crowns of Scotland and England was lampooned during his lifetime and has paled in comparison to his popular predecessor Elizabeth I. Veerapen’s biography offers a more nuanced assessment of King James, cutting through the scurrilous attacks of his political opponents to reveal him in all his complexity, as an emotionally needy family man and idealistic yet hypocritical ruler.
Hardback
0
0
https://www.psbooks.co.uk/media/catalog/product/5/4/545591_media-1.jpg
https://www.psbooks.co.uk/media/catalog/product/5/4/545591_media-2.jpg
add-to-cart
rrp_info:£25.00
productId:182368
bic_code:BG, BGH, BGR, HB, HBJD, HBJD1, HBTB, HD
BG, BGH, BGR, HB, HBJD, HBJD1, HBTB, HD
£25.00
Steven Veerapen
General
240x160mm
Birlinn
Yes
Hardback
History
