When Charles Stuart was a child, it seemed unlikely that he would survive, let alone become ruler of England and Scotland. Charles I is best remembered for having started the English Civil War in 1642, which led to his execution for treason, the end of the monarchy, and the establishment of a commonwealth until monarchy was restored in 1660. Hibbert’s masterful biography re-creates the world of Charles I, his court, artistic patronage, and family life, while tracing the course of events that led to his execution for treason in 1649.