This new biography of King James VI & I presents an analytical narrative of his life from birth to accession, exploring his role as a political actor and his relationship with his mother, Mary Stuart. It draws upon recent scholarship, original manuscript materials, and previously unpublished sources to reveal James as a highly capable, resourceful, provocative, and ruthless political actor. Analysis of his own writings is integrated within the narrative, providing fresh insights into his inventive tactical engagement in the politics of publicity.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 274 pages
Publication date: 03 June 2024
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

King James VI & I: A New Biography

This new biography presents an analytical narrative of King James VI & I's life from his birth in 1566 to his accession to the throne of England and Ireland in 1603. The only son of Mary Stuart and heir (apparent but not uncontested) to Elizabeth I, James VI of Scotland was, from the moment of his birth, a focal point of countervailing hopes and fears for the confessional and dynastic future of the kingdoms of the British Isles. This study examines material from across the UK and beyond, as well as the newly deciphered letters of Mary, Queen of Scots, to reveal James as a highly capable, resourceful, deeply provocative and ruthless political actor. Analysis of James's own writings is integrated within the narrative, providing fresh insights into the king's inventive tactical engagement in the politics of publicity. Through a chronological approach, the events of his life are linked to wider issues associated with the early modern court, government, religion, and political and ideological conflict.

James VI, Britannic Prince: A Scholar's Perspective

James VI, Britannic Prince, is of interest to all scholars of Scottish and British history in the late sixteenth and early seventeenth centuries. His reign marked a significant period of political and cultural change, and his legacy continues to be felt today. This biography provides a comprehensive and engaging account of James's life and achievements, drawing upon recent scholarship, original manuscript materials, and previously unpublished sources. By exploring James's life and times, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex and fascinating world of the early modern court, government, religion, and political and ideological conflict.

Key Themes and Insights

The biography explores several key themes and insights into James's life and reign. One of the most significant themes is James's relationship with his mother, Mary Stuart. Mary Stuart was a controversial figure in her own time, and her relationship with James was complex and often strained. The biography examines the various factors that influenced their relationship, including political, religious, and personal factors. Another key theme is James's role as a political actor. James was a highly capable and resourceful politician, and he played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of the British Isles. The biography explores his diplomatic skills, his ability to negotiate treaties, and his involvement in political intrigue. James's relationship with his wife, Anne of Denmark, is also explored in detail. Anne of Denmark was a Danish princess who married James in 1589. The biography examines their marriage and the impact it had on James's life and reign. The biography also explores James's religious beliefs and his role in the Scottish Reformation. James was a Protestant, and he played a significant role in the Scottish Reformation. The biography explores his religious beliefs and their impact on his political and social policies.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this new biography presents an analytical narrative of King James VI & I's life from his birth in 1566 to his accession to the throne of England and Ireland in 1603. The biography explores several key themes and insights into James's life and reign, drawing upon recent scholarship, original manuscript materials, and previously unpublished sources. By exploring James's life and times, we gain a deeper understanding of the complex and fascinating world of the early modern court, government, religion, and political and ideological conflict. Whether you are a scholar of Scottish and British history or simply interested in the life of a remarkable historical figure, this biography is a must-read.

Weight: 456g
Dimension: 156 x 233 x 22 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781138606265