Clare Jackson - The Mirror of Great Britain: A Life of James VI & I

James VI & I, who died 400 years ago, was one of Britain's most consequential and interesting monarchs, not least in creating the British monarchy itself by joining the English and Scottish thrones. A major intellectual, James's preoccupations ranged from witchcraft and theological controversy to hunting, diplomacy, poetry and sartorial fashion. The 'Mirror of Great Britain' was a spectacular jewel that gave symbolic endorsement to James's vision of British union, but mirrors themselves - with their limitless capacity to magnify, illuminate and distort - supplied James with one of his favourite literary metaphors.
Ruler of Scotland for nearly four decades before his accession to the English throne in 1603, James was a 'cradle king' whose long reigns encompassed extraordinary dramas, including his abduction in the 'Ruthven Raid' in 1582 and his attempted assassination in the Gunpowder Plot of 1605. In his lifetime, James often confounded contemporaries' expectations while his posthumous reputation has been distorted by crude stereotypes.
Closely attentive to James's own words - in numerous publications, manuscript musings, topical verse and private correspondence - Clare Jackson's wonderful new book tells the story of this highly unusual monarch with great flair and insight.

You may also like the following events from Topping & Company Booksellers of St Andrews:

• This month, 11th August, 07:30 pm, Robert Macfarlane -- Is a River Alive? in St Andrews
• This month, 19th August, 07:30 pm, Ned Boulting - The Accidental Tour-ist in St Andrews
• This month, 20th August, 07:30 pm, Bruce Peter - Art Deco Scotland in St Andrews

Also check out other Arts events in St Andrews, Literary Art events in St Andrews, Performances in St Andrews.