Royal Mysteries of the Stuart and Georgian Periods

The phrase "There is nothing new under the sun" applies to the present book, which exposes royal scandal, sex, corruption, political absolutism, religious controversy, danger of mass-terrorism, murder, and suspicious deaths, as well as fake news and international threats from superpowers. The earlier Royal Mysteries in the series were full of tragedy, suffering, pathos, heroism, and romance, but the present set is equally interesting and disturbing and revisionist.

Format: Hardback
Length: 224 pages
Publication date: 20 October 2023
Publisher: Pen & Sword Books Ltd

Nothing truly novel or groundbreaking exists in the world, a phrase attributed to the wise King Solomon aptly applies to this captivating book, which resonates with echoes of contemporary themes encompassing royal scandal, sexual intrigue, corruption, political absolutism, attempted religious controversy, the looming threat of mass-terrorism, murder, and suspicious deaths. Moreover, these narratives revolve around insider accounts, reminiscent of modern-day investigative journalism, which would undoubtedly captivate the public's attention, particularly in the realm of popular media. This historical narrative is of immense interest to both specialists and, more importantly, to general readers, owing to the widespread media coverage, including captivating TV and film adaptations, presented by the author.

The earlier installments in the Royal Mysteries series were replete with tragic events, profound suffering, poignant pathos, heroic deeds, and romantic escapades. However, the present collection is equally intriguing and unsettling, offering a revisionist perspective. Among these are the alleged attempts to assassinate James I and VI before they ascended to the throne of England, the scandalous affair at court involving poisoned tarts, James's toy-boy, and a subsequent murder trial. Furthermore, we are presented with intriguing questions and mysteries: did Charles II truly promise to convert to Catholicism to appease Louis XIV; did Charles marry his mistress Lucy Walter, the mother of the rebel Duke of Monmouth; was James II and VII an enlightened religious reformer seeking to convert England to Catholicism, aligning with the religious dominance of European superpowers; did George I disappear (a phenomenon that would resonate strongly in modern times) to escape his divorced wife's lover before ascending to the English throne; did the unpopular Duke of Cumberland murder his gay lover; and did the highly esteemed and respectable George III, a devoted husband and father, marry a middle-class Quaker woman?

These captivating tales of history, shrouded in secrecy and intrigue, invite us to delve deeper into the annals of our past, shedding light on the complexities and intricacies of the royal courts and the societal dynamics of the time. They remind us that even in the distant past, human nature and the pursuit of power, wealth, and influence remained constant, shaping the course of history and leaving behind a legacy that continues to fascinate and intrigue us to this day.

Weight: 558g
Dimension: 165 x 242 x 29 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781399054249