Description
"A fine book...so obviously the fruit of devoted labor...there is everything to enjoy in it."--The New York Times. A sympathetic biography of the man who was right at the heart of all the struggles in the 17th century--and a thoroughly researched history that reads like the thriller it is. Written in a bold and evocative style, this engrossing volume weaves an extraordinary story of a sickly child who became a king, and lived surrounded by rumor and intrigue and notorious friendships. The infamous tragedy unfolds with such sparkling insights and poignancy you'll feel as if you were right there.
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Pauline Gregg weaves the story of the sickly grandchild of Mary Queen of Scots who was to rule the kingdoms of England and Scotland. Born to James VI of Scotland (later James I of England) and his Danish wife Anne, from the start Charles I was surrounded by rumours and intrigue, and his youth as the heir apparent - part Puritan and part Renaissance Prince - was marked by his marriage to the French princess, Henrietta Maria, and his friendships with the notorious Duke of Buckingham and his circle - all recounted by Gregg with the telling detail and narrative control of the masterful historian.With his accession the story gathers pace, and as the infamous tragedy unfolds with the King increasingly in conflict with all around him - the Church, the Scots, Parliament - Gregg surprises with sparkling insights, fairness, understanding and poignancy to such an extent that one feels one is actually there as the country collapses into civil war and the King falls under the shadow of the axe.
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