Customer Reviews

James I: The Fool as King

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Otto Scott writes with a clarity that brings history alive, and one feels the pressure of the undercurrents of Catholic, Anglican and Reform churches, of the tensions between Bloody Mary and "The Virgin Queen" Elizabeth (who was NO virgin!) This book gave me an understanding of a turbulent period of history in Scotland, then England, and touching Ireland, and placed it well in the context of European wars. I learned a lot about incredible King Phillip II of Spain as well, whose empire was greater than the Roman Empire. It's funny, it's sad, it's powerful history, and I'll be reading more books by Scott.
The ebb and flow of the rights of Englishmen, which we take for granted, were in their formation, and men died for "displeasing the Crown". You will appreciate our freedoms today, and realize they come, not simply from a revolution, but from powerful spiritual struggles.

Otto Scott pulls no punches in his evaluation of James I of England (James VI of Scotland). Scott's writing is easy to read and fast paced, yet of a high scholarly quality. His solidly Christian perspective is unusual today. Look for other books by Scott. I recommend his book on Robespierre and _The Great Christian Revolution_. Highly recommended -- you will not be disappointed.

James I: The Fool as King
This is the unvarnished story of the incompetent and depraved King James who left his name on an Excellent Bible he ordered translated solely because the current Bible (Geneva) had at most, three notes which called the King a subject of God, not the other way around. James was also obviously a homosexual who hated women and rewarded men favorites with titles and money that did not belong to him.A King so grossly narcissistic that he nearly set off the English Parliamentary Revolution years early. Amble evidence is presented to his lack of character, morality and an all invasive cowardice. All the a man convinced that God have given him the right to rule absolutely. In England, he never could, but managed to almost destroy the English Reformation with his tendency to share the opinion of whoever he had last spoken to, Especially if it was agent of the Vatican or an ambassador of Spain(then preparing to attack England. Otto Scott also paints masterful portraits of the miserly, vanity ridden Elizabeth I and the probable murderess and traitor Mary, Queen of Scots, James I's mother. As per usual, his greatest concern was never his mothers life, but how it would affect his chances at the English throne. A great book.

I find the older I get, the more interested in the history of history. So much of what we are told is just a mild form of propaganda. History is told, no matter who is doing the telling, from a presupposition. I find it so refreshing to read a book like this with a perspective that has been all but outlawed in post modern times. This is a great read, eye opening, and entertaining as well.

This book is about King James whos name is on the King James Bible. It is a very interesting and enlighting book if you have a history and theology interest.