Book description
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A brilliant history of the succession of James I of England, and the
shifting power and lethal politics that brought him to the throne.
In the dawn of the 17th-century when Mary Queen of Scots was dead and
Elizabeth I grown old, the eyes of the English turned to Mary's son,
James VI of Scotland. Leanda de Lisle's book focuses on the intense
period of raised hopes and dashed expectations between Christmas 1602
and Christmas 1603, during which Elizabeth died, James was crowned and
the ancient enemies of England and Scotland were ruled by one monarch
for the first time.
With its focus on a narrow space of time, this immensely readable
history illuminates a wider period, telling in dramatic detail how the
suffocating conservatism of Elizabeth's rule was replaced with that of
the energetic James. It is a story in which fortunes were made and lives
lost as courtiers vied for wealth and influence. As well as painting a
superb portrait of Court life, de Lisle explores the forces that shaped
James's life, his separation from his mother and the violence of his
Scottish kingdom; his marriage to the vivacious Anna of Denmark and the
failed rebellions, government corruption and religious persecution which
set the stage for James's accession to the throne of England.
Drawing extensively from original sources and contemporary accounts,
this vivid account of the cusp of the Tudor and Stuart centuries brings
to life a period of glamour and intrigue that marked the beginning of a
new age. 'This is an original, informative, absorbing account, written
with verve and style.' John Guy
'A deep and fascinating account. Leanda de Lisle's close focus draws us
into palace corridors, country houses and city streets where the
excitement, intrigue and danger of the times are palpable.' Jane Dunn
'Riveting…Brilliantly recaptures the uncertainty and intrigue rife in
the country and court at the key moment when Tudor England became Stuart
Britain…A well researched and well written book.' Mail on Sunday
'De Lisle brilliantly captures the atmosphere of dangerous uncertainty
and furtive intrigue that characterised the last years of Elizabeth's
reign…yet there is far more to this account than well-observed period
detail. In particular it recaptures the dangerously unrealistic hope
that attended the Scottish king's accession…there is much here to
savour. “After Elizabeth” succeeds impressively in illuminating the
moment that effectively creates British history.' Sunday Telegraph
'Splendid…Manages skilfully to keep you hooked. This is a dense, dark
story but one where the modern parallels are but one element that keeps
you turning the pages.' Independent Leanda de Lisle was educated at
Somerville College Oxford, where she took an honours degree in Modern
History. A successful journalist and writer she has been a columnist for
the Spectator, the Guardian, Country Life and the Daily Express as well
as writing for Daily Mail and Sunday Telegraph. She lives in
Leicestershire with her husband and three children. This is her first
book.
