The personal side of James II and VII has long been obscured by the propaganda-storm emanating from the -Glorious Revolution- of 1688, one of the great founding-myths of modern Britain. Justine Brown unveils James the man, teasing out a fresh-dimension. The Private Life of James II details the romantic adventures of a true-Cavalier-handsome, courageous, loyal, pleasure-seeking, lusty, determined and-soulful. The Stuart -spare- briefly experienced a golden childhood before, aged nine,-he was flung headlong into the English Civil Wars of 1642-1649\. After escaping-England in disguise, he endured the execution of his adored father, Charles I, and-years of exile on the Continent. In 1660 the Duke of York returned to his native land-in triumph. He rode into the capital at the right hand of his brother, Charles II. James-fully embraced the role of Restoration rake, headed up the Royal Navy, fought the-Fire of London with gusto, and was a great patron of theatre, painting, and music. -The dar
