James II (Penguin Monarchs) Paperback – January 1, 2020

This book is useful as a shorter biography of one of the main figures in a major event in English history. It also provides a guide to more detailed biographies should the reader seek more information about James II.

A period important to British history I knew nothing about, I found this book illuminated the causes of political developments that led to more impactful developments

Good read if you like English History

With a reign of only three unpopular years King James II had obviously not learned a great deal from his father's mistakes. He too appears to have thought he could govern without much assistance from Parliament. This book is almost an abbreviated history and gives little real insight into events in places other than London affected by his time as King.More detailed research may shed light on Great Britain as a whole but perhaps for this type of book (in the Penguin Monarchs Series) it is not required.

For some unfathomable reason someone decided to print the year on every spine but this one, so they don't match.

I really enjoyed this. The author is very good at identifying, summarising, explaining key points in the familiar narrative. I also learned things that was not included in longer books.

I've read longer books on James II but this boils everything down to the essential milestones and is an engaging and quick read.

Another good volume in this admirable series.