The White King: Charles I, Traitor, Murderer, Martyr

Granted access to closed archives at Belvoir Castle, de Lisle (The Sisters Who Would Be Queen) paints a sympathetic portrait of Charles I (16007–49), who was executed by antiroyalist forces. The English Civil War was a political contest over the proper balance of power between the king and Parliament, and the nature of the Church of England itself. The author skillfully places Charles's story within the context of the religious, international, and domestic political rivalries of the 17th century. Readers will find relevance in the saga of Charles and his family relationships. Misogyny, religious prejudice, and prurient propaganda were used against his queen, French Catholic Henrietta-Marie, who emerges as a warrior in her own right; an effective diplomat for the king's cause. Another notable is the queen's friend Lucy Hay, Countess of Carlisle, a descendant of Anne Boleyn. This fascinating look at a society in turmoil and the resilient, principled leader who tried to remain true to his religious and dynastic responsibilities will leave readers to determine for themselves the meaning of "The White King," a sobriquet used by both enemies and friends of Charles.