King James VI of Scotland & I of England Unjustly Accused?

Rating:
Summary: Interesting premise, but poorly written and argued
Review: The research and quotes used throughout this work seem well documented, and the premise seems sound...that James the VI and I was maligned due to the antagonism of court intriguers who were ousted as favorites with his reign, and who had strong prejudices against the "uncivilized Scots" Anyone with any experience of the literature and sensibilities of the times would recognize that the sentimentality and expressions of love that were purported to be the evidence of James' homosexuality were absolutely normal and common speech of the times. However, I object to the homophobic tone that the writer pursues, as if such accusations were the most evil thing one could say of another, and I find the organization and arguments to be rambling and excessively repetitious. The author could have used a strong editor with a red pencil. The theme could have been fully discussed in an article of magazine length, rather than a $15 book.

Rating:
Summary: Excellent history of James as king, father, and man
Review: While King James has often been accused by both secular and Christian history as a man of ill repute, little has been offered in his defense. However, Unjustly Accused? certainly has defended the honor of this king, central to both politics and religion, in a more than adequate manner. While admitting his flaws, the book also emphasizes his accomplishments as a king, as a father, and as a man.