King James's Court (Press, 15 September 1962)

On 15 September 1962, a review was published detailing Professor G. P. V. Akrigg's book "Jacobean Pageant: The Court of King James I." The work aims to portray the era of James I, particularly focusing on his court, alongside a history of his reign and significant aspects of it. Akrigg, from the University of British Columbia, employs a method that blends narrative with descriptions, centring predominantly on the intricacies of the court, its organisation, notable figures, their lifestyles, and the disruptions to its routine. The reviewer finds the book's focus on court ceremonials, incidents, and scandals, as well as the insights into foreign ambassadors and court favourites, to be captivating. However, this interest is described as stemming from an accumulation of trivial facts about a vastly different time rather than a cohesive narrative or analysis that could lend depth to the subject matter. While "Jacobean Pageant" is deemed readable, it is critiqued for being poorly structured and somewhat condescending. The reviewer suggests Akrigg has become overly engrossed in the details, allowing the material to overwhelm the narrative structure instead of maintaining a disciplined focus. Some sections appear redundant, as they recount information previously presented in other studies without contributing substantial new insights. The examination of King James's relationships with his favourites, particularly with Carr and Buckingham, is noted to hint at a possible homosexual bond, yet the author does not delve into this aspect comprehensively. Additionally, while the book discusses the organisation of the Privy Council and its interactions with Parliament, it lacks novel contributions to these well-established topics. Although James's character receives a sympathetic portrayal, the review notes that little new information enhances the existing knowledge about him. In sum, Professor Akrigg's work presents a collection of intriguing yet disconnected facts about the Jacobean court, missing the chance to provide significant insights into early seventeenth-century English history. The review concludes that while the book holds interest, its overall purpose and contribution could be clearer.

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