The Private Life of James II

The Private Life of James II reveals the romantic adventures of a true Cavalier, including his execution of his father, Charles I, and years of exile on the Continent. He embraced the role of Restoration rake and was a patron of theatre, painting, and music.

Format: Hardback
Length: 256 pages
Publication date: 21 May 2024
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

The personal side of James II and VII has long been obscured by the propaganda storm emanating from the "Glorious Revolution" of 1688, one of the great founding myths of modern Britain. Justine Brown unveils James the man, teasing out a fresh dimension. The Private Life of James II details the romantic adventures of a true Cavalier—handsome, courageous, loyal, pleasure-seeking, lusty, determined, and soulful. The Stuart "spare" briefly experienced a golden childhood before, at the age of nine, he was flung headlong into the English Civil Wars of 1642-1649. After escaping England in disguise, he endured the execution of his adored father, Charles I, and years of exile on the Continent. In 1660, the Duke of York returned to his native land in triumph. He rode into the capital at the right hand of his brother, Charles II. James fully embraced the role of Restoration rake, headed up the Royal Navy, fought the Fire of London with gusto, and was a great patron of theatre, painting, and music. "The darling of the people" until his dramatic conversion to Roman Catholicism transformed him into England's scapegoat, the heir to the Crown had a turbulent road ahead. Come to understand what truly drove James, and learn about his complex relationships with his children, his two remarkable wives, Anne Hyde and Mary of Modena; his many mistresses, as well as the extraordinary friends and rivals who helped shape the fate of this consequential Stuart monarch of England, Scotland, and Ireland.

Weight: 458g
Dimension: 164 x 241 x 28 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399050777