The Last Royal Rebel: The Life and Death of James, Duke of Monmouth Paperback – 4 May 2017

Great read. Interesting and thorough

This is the most important work to be published on James Scott, Duke of Monmouth in many decades by new historian Anna Keay. In twenty chapters she chronicles the life of this hugely controversial figure in seventeenth century Stuart England. The story begins in a backstreet of Amsterdam where the young boy is kidnapped by loyal forces of his father the future King Charles II of England to the dramatic Battle of Sedgemoor and his subsequent brutal Execution in 1685 by King James II. He was a cultivated charming man, but also something of a lovable rogue! and something of a ladies man not unlike his notoriously libertine of a Father , Charles II. The relationship between father and son was close and one of enduring love and affection over many years. Indeed, Monmouth was 'the Protestant darling' of the English Parliament fearful of his Catholic uncle James II succeeding to the throne! The fact Charles II would not make him his heir was a dividing factor between the men in what was otherwise a close and loving relationship. Anna Keay's' highly readable biography is set to be the standard work on this man for many decades.He was a man lauded by many contemporaries such as William of Orange and Louis XIV but loathed and despised by many of his other contemporaries. Eventually , after his father's' death he openly rebelled against the King and was eventually defeated and executed after his defeat at the Battle of Sedgemoor which was a closer run thing then many people imagine! I did not know much about Monmouth the man until I had read Anna Keay's' superb biography and she certainly cleared up many of the misconceptions I had about this tragic figure! An heroic and brave man but one who eventually rebelled and lost! I would urge you to order your copy from Amazon and I guarantee you are in for an exciting and thrilling read from beginning to end! This is a real page turner and truly an unforgettable book.

The book was informative and easy to read. It gives a very good over view of the period between the interregnum and the Glorious Revolution. The epilogue brings the story round to the influence this time period played in the American Revolution.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It is written in a way that presents the historical chronology and facts in a narrative style that doesn't quite stray into a fictional presentation but holds the interest throughout. I note other reviews that feel the author has taken a very sympathetic approach to her subject, in contrast to how Monmouth has often been portrayed by historians. I take that point, but I also believe this is a thorough and academic study and history is there to be interpreted and presented. For anyone with an interest in our history, this is a fascinating and informative book to be enjoyed.

An excellent read, this. Scholarly and packed with info not found in other places. She writes very well but, for my taste, she's so in love with her subject that eg William and Mary, and Charles II's mistresses get little room! A very well-made hardback, great pics. Thanks.