'This deeply researched study sheds important new light on the reign of James VII in Scotland and the subsequent "Glorious Revolution". The particular strength of this book lies in its extensive use of local records. Yet while this study takes us into the localities, it never loses sight of the central, important issues. This is a very impressive piece of scholarship.' Tim Harris, Brown University Exploring the transformative reign of the Catholic King James VII and the revolution that brought about his fall This illuminating book looks beyond the capital and political elites to examine religious and political change in communities across Scotland during a transformative period of the nation's history. Providing a clear narrative of the period, the book draws on a wide range of sources to examine the relationship between central power and the Scottish localities, and to provide a thematic analysis of political and religious developments. James VII was a radically experimental ruler, who granted unprecedented religious toleration and intervened systematically in urban government. Here the sovereign's reign is examined in the context of British and European developments, and in the light of current historical debates. Alasdair Raffe is a Chancellor's Fellow in History at the University of Edinburgh. Cover image: James VII on the Mercat Cross, Aberdeen (built in 1686) (c) Alasdair Raffe Cover design: [EUP logo] edinburghuniversitypress.com ISBN 978-1-4744-2757-9 Barcode