Reviews
'… Patterson writes lucidly, treats other historians with appropriate irenicism, and should succeed in pushing Jacobean ecumenism from the margins into the mainstream of current historiography.' Journal of Ecclesiastical History, "Even though the work is scholarly, it is quite readable and would be enjoyable to anyone interested in church history. ...this account of his goals and his dedication in spite of disappointments is somehow quite contemporary. This book can be read as history or as a bridge from the past into the world of today." Charlotte Booth, The Living Church, "In the era of the 180-page monograph so favored by cost-conscious publishers today, scholars will be grateful to Patterson (and Cambridge University Press) for the comprehensiveness of this work. If at times Patterson seems determined to share every detail he has uncovered, or repeats himself unnecessarily, this is nevertheless a book which will define its particular subject for a long time." Michael F. Graham, The Virginia Quarterly Review, 'This important volume is the culmination of many years’ work on King James and his ecumenical commitments.’English Historical Review, '… meticulously documented and well written. It fills a significant void in the re-evaluation of James's reign.' Renaissance Quarterly, 'Patterson's ... prose is so lucid and his narrative so clear that general readers ... will enjoy and learn much from this book.' The American Oxonian, "This is a book...which contributes substantially to the ongoing rehabilitation of the dreamer. ...this is...a book which will define its particular subject for a long time." The Virginia Quarterly Review, '... Patterson writes lucidly, treats other historians with appropriate irenicism, and should succeed in pushing Jacobean ecumenism from the margins into the mainstream of current historiography.' Journal of Ecclesiastical History, "...weightily documented and authoritative in style, Patterson's study is most convincing of all in its admiration of James...." Church Times, "...this work helpfully breaks new ground in understanding key dimensions of James's reign..." Trinity Journal, "This important, scholarly book is the latest contribution to the series, Cambridge Studies in Early Modern History. It should also be noted that the book is written in a style and with a felicity that is admirable." John Booty, Sewanee Theological Review, "Patterson's careful scholarship makes this book an important contribution to the study of both theology and diplomacy in seventeenth-century Europe. The book offers thorough discussions of several of the period's thorniest questions of doctrine and international relations. It also fits nicely into recent scholarship on James himself, revising perceptions of him in a more positive direction." Catherine Patterson, Anglican Theological Review, 'This important volume is the culmination of many years' work on King James and his ecumenical commitments.' English Historical Review, "While Patterson's main audience is other scholars of the late Elizabethan, Jacobean, and early Caroline period, his prose is so lucid and his narrative so clear that general readers, if they ignore the footnotes, will enjoy and learn much from this book." Ronald A. Rebholz, The American Oxonian, 'Patterson’s ... prose is so lucid and his narrative so clear that general readers ... will enjoy and learn much from this book.’The American Oxonian, '… scholars will be grateful to Patterson (and Cambridge University Press) for the comprehensiveness of this work … this is [a] book which will define its particular subject for a long time'. The Virginia Quarterly Review, "W.B. Pattersons' erudite, interesting, and valuable book contributes to two waves of current historiographical activity." Jerrold Seigel, American Historical Review, '… weightily documented and authoritative in style … it should definitively quash the old idea that James was nothing more than an ineffectual pedant who fancied himself a theologian.' Church Times, '... meticulously documented and well written. It fills a significant void in the re-evaluation of James's reign.' Renaissance Quarterly, "This is a substantial and interesting book on James VI and I as religious reconciler and political peacemaker....it is an important addition to the efforts to revise our historical judgement of James's reign....Patterson has written an impressive volume. His sure-footed use of extensive primary sources is very impressive, as is his analysis of James's theories and theology, and the ways in which they shaped the kin's policies and actions. This book is welcome and valuable contribution to the historical rehabilitation of James VI and I as a theologian and statesman." Caroline Litzenberger, West Virginia Shakespeare and Renaissance Association, 'Patterson's … prose is so lucid and his narrative so clear that general readers … will enjoy and learn much from this book.' The American Oxonian, '... scholars will be grateful to Patterson (and Cambridge University Press) for the comprehensiveness of this work ... this is [a] book which will define its particular subject for a long time'. The Virginia Quarterly Review, '... weightily documented and authoritative in style ... it should definitively quash the old idea that James was nothing more than an ineffectual pedant who fancied himself a theologian.' Church Times
