A Royal History of England

This book, edited by Antonia Fraser, is the fourth book in a six book series: 'A Royal History of England'. This book is worth buying for its illustrations alone: including some reproductions of magnificent colour portraits which helps to bring these long dead historical figures to life in the eyes and minds of the reader. Because this book is concerned with the royal history of England, it starts with James I of England and his accession to the English throne when Elizabeth I died in 1603. James was the son of Mary, Queen of Scots, and was a direct descendant of Henry VII. James I was also James VI of Scotland, where the Stuarts (Stewarts) had reigned since 1371. The book provides a good overview of each of the Stuart monarchs and provides a useful starting point for someone seeking to follow the chronology of the Stuarts. From the accession of James I in 1603 to the death of Anne in 1714, this book lists significant events during an era that saw momentous change. Four generations of Stuarts reigned during this period: James I (1603 - 1625) Charles I (1625 - 1649) (James I's son) Charles II (1660-1685) (Charles I's son) James II (1685- 1668) (Charles II's brother) William III (1688 - 1702) and Mary II (1688 - 1694) (Mary was James II's daughter) Anne (1702 - 1714) (James II's daughter) Readers wanting more detailed information will need to look to other sources, but this is a great starting point. Jennifer Cameron-Smith