The Mirror of Great Britain

Winner of the 2026 Elizabeth Longford Prize and a 2025 FT History Book of the Year, this engaging biography explores the life of James VI & I, a pivotal monarch who unified the English and Scottish crowns. Through a detailed examination of his writings, personal correspondence, and diverse interests, the book offers a nuanced portrait of a ruler whose long and eventful reign was marked by dramatic episodes and complex legacy. Clare Jackson’s insightful storytelling sheds new light on a historically significant and often misunderstood figure.