Sober Scot given a raw deal by history
David Horspool reviews
"After Elizabeth" by Leanda de
Lisle
The government, in power for
years, had become unpopular. Accusations of corruption and a long drawn-out,
inconclusive war had taken much of the shine off the once-admired leader. There
was talk of rebellion, and everybody knew that it was only a matter of time
before the Scottish pretender - clever, serious, sober-suited - would take over.
It was merely a question of judging the right moment to express support: too
soon, and you risked offending the current leader; too late, and your future
loyalty might be doubted.
As Leanda de
Lisle shows in her impressively researched first book, it is a misjudgment of
history that makes it almost impossible for us to recognise Elizabeth I and her
successor, James VI and I, as the old leader and the pretender in this scenario.
Elizabeth has remained in the popular imagination as Gloriana, the resolute
defender and "bride" of her country who defeated the Armada and encouraged
Shakespeare, Drake and Raleigh. But 12 years was a long time in Renaissance
politics, and by the turn of the century the Queen was old, stubborn and
disliked.
James, on the other hand, was
widely seen as a saviour. His most appealing quality for councillors and
courtiers was that he was a man. He was also married and, by the time of his
accession, had two sons. A king since boyhood, James was the author of an
admired book on kingship, the Basilikon Doron, a huntsman and congenial dining
companion. It was also thought that, unlike other candidates, the Protestant
James was likely to practise religious toleration.
Full review at telegraph.co.uk >>>
Posted: Wed - May 18, 2005 at 08:20 AM