The Wisest Fool

by Nigel Tranter

Son of the doomed Mary Queen of Scots, raised to rule two countries, James was one of the oddest kings ever to ascent any throne. Neither noble nor heroic, he confounded those who despised him by being shrewd enough to reign for fifty-eight years, survive countless plots and never go to war. 'A vastly entertaining addition to the historical novels of Scots author Nigel Tranter.' Glasgow Sunday Mail

Genres: Historical Fiction, Fiction, Scotland, Historical

Paperback

First published January 1, 1974

About the author

Nigel Tranter OBE was a Scottish historian and writer. He was the author of a wide range of books on Scottish castles, particularly on themes of architecture and history. He also specialised in deeply researched historical novels that cover centuries of Scottish history.

Reviews

[Lisa · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Our peculiar Sovereign" is how George Heriot, Edinburgh merchant and James VI's financier described King James VI & I. George Heriot and Ludovick Stewart, 2nd Duke of Lennox are two reluctant individuals that their king commands they accompany him to London. They'd rather stay in Scotland attending to business rather than dealing with the plotting and conniving that was the norm in King James' Royal court and James Stewart has added to seething pot by not allowing Patrick, Master of Gray, to come England with the rest of the office seeking courtiers. Queen Anne is at odds with King James, has been for years over the issue of their son being kept from her which made things at court highly unpleasant. Two of the queen's ladies-in-waiting come to Heriot, one intending to pawn some of the Queen's jewelry which he recognized as belonging to Queen Anne. Turns out someone is has the Casket Letters that were used against Mary, Queen of Scots, and led to her beheading. Lennox and Heriot are sent to Scotland gather information on plots against the king, but when they return with their report they find out James is already aware of it. Heriot is also given the responsibility of squiring William Shakespeare around Scotland while he's writing MacBeth at King James' behest. James didn't like Lady MacBeth because he didn' t like strong women and was promoting the Canmore line from which he was descended. This book takes place between 1603-1612, the first years of James I & VI's reign.

[Ann Boccaccio]

Interesting take on troubled times!

From the perspective of King James, his two closest loyal friends and his many adversaries, we drop in on the intrigue and evil doings of the times when Shakespeare entertained the masses with his plays.
I found the King's Scots accent a bit off putting at first, but finally got into it!

[M · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent novel, very historically accurate and extremely well written.

[Vicki Miller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really felt that I was part of it all. Kept wondering what life I would have lived of I were in James VI / I Britain. Probably emptying the chamber pots! I have read a few period histories and that really helped with time placement and successors / predecessors etc for this story.
Must say that I loved the characters, once I had figured out who was whom.

[bluetyson]

isbn,original

[Samantha Parker]

I registered a book at BookCrossing.com!
http://www.BookCrossing.com/journal/7333911