James VI and I pursued various highly distinctive policies. He also, to an extent exceptional among monarchs, expressed his ideas and aspirations by means of print, pen, and spoken word. The essays in this volume explore four main themes of particular concern to James: the union of England and Scotland, the government of Scotland, religious unity, and James's involvement in culture as both author and patron. They throw fresh light on the ways in which James communicated his ideas and designs to his subjects, and important foreign audiences, raising important questions about his judgement and skill as a monarch.