[Phillips, John]

The Secret History of the Reigns of K. Charles II and K. James II.

NP: NP

1690

First Edition

32mo, [4], 214 pages, bound in quarter green leather over marbled boards. Spine lettered in gilt. Professionally rebacks and with new endpapers. Some slight rubbing and wear, boards slightly splayed, previous owner's inscription, some light scattered foxing and discoloration, else in very good condition.

"The Secret History of the Reigns of K. Charles II and K. James II," attributed to John Phillips and published anonymously in 1690, is a scathing critique of the reigns of the Stuart monarchs Charles II and James II. Emerging in the aftermath of the Glorious Revolution, the book reflects the Whig perspective, vehemently opposing the perceived absolutism and Catholic sympathies of these kings. It combines political history with sensationalist accounts of court scandals, aiming to discredit the Stuarts and justify their overthrow. The work is significant for its contemporary insights into the controversies and scandals of the time, offering a vivid portrayal of the political and social turmoil that led to the establishment of a constitutional monarchy under William III and Mary II. Despite its evident bias, the book remains a valuable resource for understanding the partisan conflicts and propaganda that characterized late 17th-century England.

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