What do you think?
Rate this book
James, Duke of Monmouth
256 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1973
About the author
Bryan Bevan
21 booksBryan Bevan was educated at Eton and Jesus College, Cambridge and studied for the Bar.
At the time of publication of 'Robert Louis Stevenson Poet and Teller of Tales' he had had 13 books published and had contributed articles to various journals and The Times newspaper.
He is directly descended on his mother's side from Richard Brinsley Sheridan and Caroline Norton, a Victorain lady who wrote novels and plays.
At the time of publication of 'Robert Louis Stevenson Poet and Teller of Tales' he had had 13 books published and had contributed articles to various journals and The Times newspaper.
He is directly descended on his mother's side from Richard Brinsley Sheridan and Caroline Norton, a Victorain lady who wrote novels and plays.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 of 1 review
October 21, 2017
At times biographers have tried to act as some sort of advocate for James Duke of Monmouth , ( 1649-1685),the illegitimate son of Charles II, most known for leading a doomed rebellion against his uncle James II in 1685, and for being used as 'The Protestant Duke' in the disruptive faction fighting of Charles II reign: Anna Keay's 'The Last Royal Rebel' (2016) reads too much like an impassioned novel whilst 'Captain-General and Rebel Cheif-The Life of James Duke of Monmouth' by J.N.P Watson ( 1979) was spoilt by the author's attempts to show that Monmouth was really the legitimate heir to the throne. On the other hand , this book is a no-nonsense assessment of Monmouth's character, his benevolent nature, ability to show courage whilst fighting at the siege of Maastricht in 1672, and in Bothwell Bridge, Scotland in 1679, his care for his men's welfare and to oppose Judge Jeffrey like retribution for defeated foes all come over well. The early death of his mother, Lucy Walter ,sometimes known as Lucy Barlow, shortly after he was abducted from her at the age of five, must have been traumatic.
The author is critical of Charles II for showering Monmouth with honours after the Restoration, treating him like a prince, too easily forgiving his involvement in rebellious enterprises such as the Rye House Plot, ultimately indulging him far beyond his status as an illegitimate son. It was easy to see how he could start believing that perhaps his parents were really married after all.
Monmouth , with some justification, as being used by other people's agendas.. The Whig faction who opposed the succession of the Catholic James Duke of York, led by such luminaries as Lord Shaftesbury and Lord Russell, used Monmouth shamelessly as a figurehead to unite anti Catholic feeling.Monmouth began visits to the West Country, to Sussex, to North West England in the early 1680's, allowing himself to be fully aligned with strident Protestantism.
Even in 1685 , Monmouth is shown leading a hopeless rebellion, believing horoscopes and carrying lucky charms, unsure whether he was going to establish a republic or let himself be made king. His proclamation on landing at Lyme Regis cited some ludicrous claims including an accusation that James Duke of York had murdered his brother Charles II in order to become James II. Shadowy figures such as Ford Lord Grey seemed to be pulling Monmouth's strings.
Thorough and interesting reading Bryan Bevan's account of the battle of Sedgemoor is short and fair. . The writer debunks the notion that James II s wife Mary of Modena was present at Monmouth's grovelling interview with James. He doesn't dwell on the Bloody Assizes but acknowledges that Monmouth for all his faults could inspire the 'ordinary' people to risk so much in order to protect the Protestant faith.
The author is critical of Charles II for showering Monmouth with honours after the Restoration, treating him like a prince, too easily forgiving his involvement in rebellious enterprises such as the Rye House Plot, ultimately indulging him far beyond his status as an illegitimate son. It was easy to see how he could start believing that perhaps his parents were really married after all.
Monmouth , with some justification, as being used by other people's agendas.. The Whig faction who opposed the succession of the Catholic James Duke of York, led by such luminaries as Lord Shaftesbury and Lord Russell, used Monmouth shamelessly as a figurehead to unite anti Catholic feeling.Monmouth began visits to the West Country, to Sussex, to North West England in the early 1680's, allowing himself to be fully aligned with strident Protestantism.
Even in 1685 , Monmouth is shown leading a hopeless rebellion, believing horoscopes and carrying lucky charms, unsure whether he was going to establish a republic or let himself be made king. His proclamation on landing at Lyme Regis cited some ludicrous claims including an accusation that James Duke of York had murdered his brother Charles II in order to become James II. Shadowy figures such as Ford Lord Grey seemed to be pulling Monmouth's strings.
Thorough and interesting reading Bryan Bevan's account of the battle of Sedgemoor is short and fair. . The writer debunks the notion that James II s wife Mary of Modena was present at Monmouth's grovelling interview with James. He doesn't dwell on the Bloody Assizes but acknowledges that Monmouth for all his faults could inspire the 'ordinary' people to risk so much in order to protect the Protestant faith.
Displaying 1 of 1 review