The Duke of Lennox, 1574-1624

This is the first biography of Ludovic Stuart, Duke of Lennox, who served King James VI of Scotland/ I of England from his arrival in 1583 in Scotland until his untimely death in February 1624. Lennox arrived as a 9-year-old boy from France, a cousin of the king. For the next 40 years Lennox served James faithfully and skillfully, becoming the quintessential courtier, James’s confidant, adviser, and friend. Shrewd politician, ambitious and sometimes ruthless, but also beloved by the royal family, Lennox carefully negotiated political and diplomatic minefields. He also participated in the arts as patron and performer, sponsoring his own acting company, attending drama performances and dancing in several court masques. This book explores his private life as well, his three marriages, his relationships with his siblings, his illegitimate son, and life with the royal family. This biography covers the politics and cultural life of the Jacobean court in Scotland and England and Lennox’s unparalleled importance, without whom our knowledge of King James is incomplete.