*review copy*
The Stuart dynasty has been marked by the significant religious division in the family itself. We have the merry monarch King Charles II, his Catholic brother King James II, his daughters Queen Anne and Queen Mary II. The latter ruled jointly with her husband, King William III, following the Glorious Revolution that saw King James II vacate the throne.
This is, of course, a breeding ground for espionage and plots. When James succeeded as King, he was almost immediately vulnerable for an overthrow. This came in the form of his illegitimate but protestant nephew, the Duke of Monmouth. His rebellion ended with his execution. Then James’s wife Mary gave birth to a son who would be raised Catholic, and William and Mary were invited to take the throne. Thus came the Glorious Revolution.
While Espionage in the Divided Stuart Dynasty 1685-1715 has an interesting basis, I found the focus on espionage somewhat lacking, and the various characters, especially the more unknown ones, seemed to melt together. The history of the Stuarts is quite interestingly drawn, but that is not what the book intended to focus on, based on the title. In addition to a rather stoic writing style, this book did not suit me, and in the end, I found myself a little bored. Overall, Espionage in the Divided Stuart Dynasty 1685-1715 by Julian Whitehead is a good start if you want to learn about the divisions in the Stuart dynasty, but you may not learn what you wish to where it concerns espionage.
Espionage in the Divided Stuart Dynasty 1685-1715 by Julian Whitehead is available now in the US and the UK.
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