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Charles II: The Star King
Charles II has always been one of the most instantly recognizable British kings—both in his physical appearance, disseminated through endless portraits, prints, and pub signs, and in his complicated mix of lasciviousness, cynicism, and luxury. His father's execution and his own many years of exile made him a guarded, curious, unusually self-conscious ruler. He lived through some of the most striking events in the UK's national history—from the Civil Wars to the Great Plague, from the Fire of London to the wars with the Dutch. Clare Jackson's marvelous book takes full advantage of its irrepressible subject.
130 pages, Hardcover
First published March 31, 2016
About the author
Clare Jackson
9 books13 followersClare Jackson lectures in the history of political thought at the University of Cambridge.
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
February 28, 2018
A solid insight and overview into the reign of and man that was Charles II. Although short - as is the series' purpose - the author offers a thematic approach that helps the reader see Charles's personality and behaviours.
His place in history as son of a deposed (and executed monarch) a refugee from his sovereign lands and a king following restoration of the monarchy are all given space. As is his attraction to women and the children they bore him. The final chapter gives a interesting end by looking at Charles and his image in the years immediately after his death until the present day.
All in all a good read for all and should set up new explorers of this interesting king for further reading.
His place in history as son of a deposed (and executed monarch) a refugee from his sovereign lands and a king following restoration of the monarchy are all given space. As is his attraction to women and the children they bore him. The final chapter gives a interesting end by looking at Charles and his image in the years immediately after his death until the present day.
All in all a good read for all and should set up new explorers of this interesting king for further reading.
January 23, 2018
A concise, thematic biography of Charles II with a strong focus on the King's image both during his reign and in the centuries following his death. Examines the interplay between his personal and political lives as the public was concerned about the influence of his mistresses on state policy. The last chapter, Afterlives, is particularly interesting as Jackson observes that popular and scholarly perceptions of Charles II are very different with "the Merry Monarch" being viewed positively by the public but critically by scholars today.
August 23, 2020
This was a really interesting approach to a pocket guide to Charles. Instead of a traditional chronology, Clare Jackson goes for a series of themes. The life of Charles is well covered in the first two chapters ‘The Star King’ and ‘Life’, and then there are four more areas where there is a deeper reflection of his legacy. ‘Image’ paints a useful picture of how he has been viewed over a long period of time. The last three chapters, ‘Majesty’, ‘Words’ and ‘Afterlife’ are a good primer of directions for anyone wishing to investigate further into his life.
I really enjoyed the different approach that Clare Jackson has taken to the Penguin Monarchs and hope a few of the other titles take a less linear approach.
I really enjoyed the different approach that Clare Jackson has taken to the Penguin Monarchs and hope a few of the other titles take a less linear approach.
October 3, 2019
Charles II was not a king I knew loads about other than the most famous points - however, this book has made me think more about this Restoration monarch. I think he is in fact quite a fascinating figure and is clearly someone who has Historians talking! These Penguin Monarchs books are great ways to get people talking and thinking about the monarchy and its rich History!
December 10, 2018
I really enjoyed reading this biography. It is very short but contains a lot of introductory information.
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews