THE SIX LOVES OF JAMES I

Belfast-born Gareth Russell's rich accent adds ambiance to this engaging biography of Scotland's James VI and England's James I. Despite the suggestive title, Russell's well-researched narrative covers all aspects of James' life and his place among the Stuart rulers who preceded and followed him. James' private inclinations have been known for centuries, and a significant feature here is Russell's balance and restraint. James' belief in witches counts against him more than his errant sex life, and his faults are outweighed by his devotion to his family and to the business of the state. James sponsored Shakespeare and the English Bible and--for better or worse--the foundations of an ocean empire. Russell, an amiable, unpretentious narrator, tells James' story with ease and insight. D.A.W. © AudioFile 2025, Portland, Maine [Published: DECEMBER 2025]