James I

Seminar Studies in History

by S.J. Houston

Since publication in 1973 James I has established itself as one of the most popular short accounts of James I's reign. The First Edition was described by John Morrill as `a far better, shrewder, more incisive account of the reign' than the available competition Seventeenth-Century Britain, 1980 . The text has now been entirely rewritten to take account of the latest historiography and students will continue to welcome this accessible analysis of the problems, weaknesses and achievements of James I as it enables them to participate in the revisionist arguments that make the study of this period so stimulating.

Genres: History

158 pages, Textbook Binding

First published January 1, 1995

Reviews

[Bill38silver]

Houston, we have no problem. This short book is well written in non-academic style and provides a balanced account of this interesting king. Whereas I read the first edition from 1973, several newer version have been published reflecting the more recent renaissance (mostly) of James reputation in England largely ( but not exclusively) the works of Scottish writers.

I am a fan of the Seminar Studies in History series and this is a worthy addition to its catalogue. Clear and concise, it charts the problems James inherited from the less glorious than Elizabeth used to be thought of, and then delivers chapters on topics such as finance, crown v Parliament, factions and favourites, the church, and foreign policy. Were it not for his many shortcomings in the last 6 years or so of his reign, when his ill-health hampered his judgment, coupled with his over-reliance on Buckingham, James reputation would be so much greater.