James VI and the Gowrie Mystery

Name: James VI and the Gowrie Mystery
Author: Andrew Lang

By Andrew Lang

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History - British History - Early Modern (c. 1450-1750)

About This Book

The author reexamines a notorious Scottish court incident in which the king escaped an alleged plot at a noble house, assembling and comparing contemporary narratives, council records, private letters, and disputed manuscripts. He analyzes competing accounts that either implicate the host family in a kidnapping scheme or suggest royal fabrication, investigates forgeries associated with the Sprot papers and Logan of Restalrig, and highlights overlooked figures whose actions and confessions affect authenticity. The study presents evidence, contemporary clerical and popular criticism, plans and illustrations of sites, and appendices that evaluate suspect letters and draw inferences about the contested documents.

About the Author

Andrew Lang

Andrew Lang was a Scottish poet, novelist, and literary critic, known for his contributions to folklore and mythology. He is perhaps best recognized for his work "A Collection of Ballads," which showcases his interest in traditional narratives. Lang was a prolific writer, producing numerous essays and books on various subjects, including history and literature. His literary style often blended humor with scholarly insight, making his works accessible to a broad audience. In addition to his original writings, he is celebrated for his role in popularizing fairy tales through his collections, which have become integral to the study of folklore.