Publisher's Synopsis
The reign of James VI (1567-1625) remains one of the most enigmatic in Scottish history. There are long periods within it which resemble black holes in our knowledge. This study is a concerted attempt by a group of ten scholars of the reign, drawn from three different disciplines, to shed light on its politics and government, viewed through a series of perspectives. They include the royal court, which is analyzed separately through its literature, architecture and ceremony; noble factionalism; relations with England, James VI's paymaster; a revised model of tensions between church and state. It analyzes James as literary author, correspondent, husband and 'universal king.' It has a full introduction, extensive notes on further reading and an exhaustive index.
