The Wisest Fool

The Wisest Fool by Steven Veerapen explores the life of James VI and I, the first monarch to reign over Scotland, England, and Ireland. Historically, James has endured a mixed reputation. He is often remembered as the homosexual king, the inveterate witch-roaster, the smelly sovereign who never washed, the colourless figure behind the authorised Bible bearing his name, or the drooling fool whose speech could barely be understood. For too long, he has been overshadowed by his more celebrated Tudor and Stuart forebears.

But who was he really? To what extent have myth, anecdote, and rumour obscured him?

This new and ground-breaking biography unveils James's story, dispelling the scurrilous and outrageous assumptions penned by his political opponents. What emerges is a portrait of Elizabeth I's successor as his contemporaries knew him: a gregarious, idealistic man obsessed with the idea of family, whose personal and political goals could never match up to reality.

Referring to letters, libels, and state papers, the book casts fresh light on the personal, domestic, international, and sexual politics of this misunderstood sovereign.

'A real page-turner for lovers of history' - Philippa Gregory