The Days of James IV: 1488-1513

James IV, King of Scots,1488 – 1513, ruled at a time of unprecedented change in Europe.

Undoubtedly a Renaissance king, he was untimely killed at the Battle of Flodden.

He was a patron of the arts and sciences and a ruler who saw Scotland thrive throughout his reign, establishing the first printing press and signing the Treaty of Perpetual Peace with Henry VII.

Often proclaimed as the most successful and popular Stuart Monarch, he brought order to Scotland under royal control ensuring internal peace and played a pivotal role in negotiations with continental Europe.

In this rare collection of Scottish history, Gregory Smith has arranged an important selection of contemporary sources.

Drawing on central and fundamental historical authorities, The Days of James IVprovides an exceptional and thoroughly researched insight into the narrative of Scottish history.

Royal letters, chronicles, state papers and memoirs are chronologically arranged to give a living picture of the effect produced upon each generation of Scotland by the political, religious, social, and intellectual movements in which it took part.

Extracts from foreign tongues are translated, and passages from English authors put into modern spelling with explanatory references, but otherwise as far as may be kept in original form. Notes on monuments, documents, sites, portraits and coins are included alongside analysis of events throughout the rule of James IV which will appeal to both scholarly and general readers.