The U.K. version of Gareth Russell’s engrossing biography of James I of England (1566-1625) grabs attention with the cheeky title Queen James. Russell takes as fact that James was gay and explores his relationships with five prominent men. The lively, U.S.-titled The Six Loves of James I includes intimate letters, third-person accounts and reports of the swirl of rumor and sexual innuendo that sometimes affected the king’s ability to govern. Yet the effect is not salacious; instead, Russell adds depth to our understanding of the inner life of a monarch who had to resolve the conflicts between personal life and imperial demands.
James, Duke of Rothesay, was born in Edinburgh, Scotland, during an era of national and international religious strife. His father was murdered mysteriously when James was less than a year old. Separated at 10 months old from his Catholic mother, Mary Queen of Scots, he never saw her again but continued to correspond with her up until her execution in 1587. James became James VI of Scotland at 13 months old, when his mother was forced to abdicate. He was crowned as James I of England in 1603 upon the death of his mother’s cousin and executioner, Queen Elizabeth I.
In colorful detail, Russell paints a portrait of a king who swore like a sailor and drank like a fish. He was ill-mannered and very well-educated, wrote books on theology and was a published poet. Because of his attraction to men, he delayed marrying until pressure to produce an heir prevailed. He seemed a loyal lover. Early in life, his dalliances had little political effect, but later at least two of his lovers became rich, powerful and controversial advisers. Russell writes movingly about James’ relationship with Lord George Villiers, which lasted a decade. His wife, Anna of Denmark, is ironically one of the most capable and fascinating loves depicted in The Six Loves of James I. Despite their incompatibilities, they produced children and supported each other; she may even have co-opted some of his lovers.
Russell is an inspired guide through the twists and turns of James’ conflicted maneuverings. He unified the royal lines of Scotland and England. To resolve differences between factions of the Church of England, he commissioned a new translation of the Bible, known as the King James version. Against strong popular opinion, he resisted going to war against Catholic Europe.
With energy and wit, Russell builds his biography on a foundation of solid scholarship. The Six Loves of James I offers a multidimensional, often revelatory portrait of a singular king.