Reid, The Early Life of James VI: A Long Apprenticeship 1566–1585.

Steven Reid's book, "The Early Life of James VI: A Long Apprenticeship 1566–1585," offers a reassessment of James VI's political engagement in Scotland before his kingship in England. Reid challenges the traditional notion that James was dominated by noblemen until 1585, arguing that James exercised his own agency and made decisions based on a desire to maintain loyalty and personal connections. The book provides a chronological narrative of the rise and fall of dominant factions, and explores how cultural activity impacted the political narrative. Reid's research is based on fresh archival research and intervenes in key debates in British and European history. Overall, the book is a landmark study and essential reading for scholars and students interested in early modern monarchy, politics, and culture. [Extracted from the article]