After Elizabeth: The Rise of James of Scotland and the Struggle for the Throne of England
by Leanda de Lisle
Published by Ballantine
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Reviewed by Kathy Perschmann, Chanhassen (MN) Librarian
De Lisle has a master's degree in History from Oxford, and a successful career as a journalist and writer. This is her first book; hopefully the first of many.
The historical After Elizabeth starts in the last years of the reign of Elizabeth I. It begins with the plotting, the behind-the-scenes attempts to predict the future king or queen--and therefore be able to align behind one person or another and curry favor and power.
Careers, even lives, were destroyed by small mistakes in judgment.
Elizabeth I, Cecil, Sir John Harington, Sir Walter Ralegh, James of Scotland, his wife Anna, and more--are given depth and breadth by using original sources, such as letters and other documents, to flesh out the story.
James VI of Scotland is brought to life--his childhood, education, youth, poor health, relationships, views on the state, his treatment of his subjects, profligate spending, and his courtiers--is all here. The many plots during Elizabeth's illness, before James was crowned, and after his coronation are described, and the details of the reasons behind them are clear and concise.
The descriptions of Elizabeth's funeral and James's coronation are fascinating. The conclusion offers an evaluation of his reign.
NOTE: On the arts and politics: one popular play during the trial of Sir Walter Ralegh for treason (which was considered by the public to be a false accusation) was Ben Jonson's controversial Sejanus: His Fall, set in Tiberian Rome, where men lived in fear of informers, arbitrary justice, and the executioner. The character of Silius even attacks the prosecutor for failing to provide proof of his treason.
Armchair Interviews says: This book is extremely readable and enjoyable history, with illustrations, genealogies, extensive footnotes, and an index.