Quest for peace

Compelling, meticulous account of the life and aspirations of the monarch who created modern Britain.

- SUE COPSEY

What do you know of James I? Your answer might include “gunpowder plot”, “Bible”, “witches”, and maybe, “Was he the gay one?” But do you then draw a blank? Here’s a highly readable, meticulously researched book to fill those gaps and give you a broad understanding of this fascinating period of history, when the world order was undergoing profound changes that would ripple down through the centuries. The events of James I's reign took place 400 years ago, but we're still dealing with their consequences today.

British historian Anna Whitelock says The Sun Rising isn't a biography. “Rather it is a reframing, a ‘provocation’ which seeks to move beyond traditional accounts, to place James in a global context, as a ‘politician’ who... laid the foundations for the future development of Britain; its identity, ambition and place in the world.” The result is a fascinating insight into Britain and beyond at the start of the 17th century. It includes riproaring tales of adventure - sometimes tragic, often comic, always gripping - and is brought to life with contemporary quotes that give a real flavour of the times.

James I was 36 when he ascended to England's throne in 1603. He'd already been King James VI of Scotland since the age of one. He was the first monarch of the Stuart dynasty and the first king of both England and Scotland, and was committed to uniting those two kingdoms. During his reign, modern Britain was born, with the creation of a common currency and a British flag - now called the Union Jack. For the first time, ambassadors were appointed to represent “the King of Great Britain”.