King James VI and I: Political Writings

James VI and I united the crowns of England and Scotland. His books are fundamental sources of the principles which underlay the union. In particular, his Basilicon Doron was a best-seller in England and circulated widely on the Continent. Among the most important and influential British writings of their period, the king’s works shed light on the political climate of Shakespeare’s England and the intellectual background to the civil wars which afflicted Britain in the mid-17th century.

James’ political philosophy was a moderated absolutism, with an emphasis on the monarch’s duty to rule according to law and the public good. Locke quoted his speech to Parliament of 1610 approvingly, and Hobbes likewise praised “our most wise king.”

This edition is the first to draw on all the early texts of James’ books. Contents include:

• Basilicon Doron
• The Trew Law of Free Monarchies
• Triplici Nodo, Triplex Cuneus. Or, An Apologie for the Oath of Allegiance
• A Meditation upon the 27th, 28th and 29th Verses of the 27th Chapter of Saint Matthew
• His Maiestes Declaration, Touching his Proceedings in the Late Assemblie and Conuention of Parliament
• speeches to Parliament and in Star Chamber