A united kingdom was never inevitable. It was a vision-flawed, unfinished, and still contested today.
In A King's Vision: From the Union of Crowns to the Death of a Dream, historian Dr. Spencer M Dayton explores the sweeping arc of Britain's complex journey toward unity-from the ambitious hopes of King James VI & I in 1603 to the political tensions of the 21st century.
This is not just the story of a king. It's the story of two nations-England and Scotland-struggling with identity, sovereignty, and survival across four centuries. Readers will uncover:
- The political and religious divisions that blocked James's vision of "Great Britain"
- The realities behind the 1707 Act of Union-and why it was far from a true union
- The impact of empire, rebellion, and war on national identity
- How modern debates over devolution, Scottish independence, and Brexit reflect centuries-old tensions
Blending scholarly insight with accessible storytelling, Dayton reveals how the dream of unity has always been shadowed by resistance-and why the questions James faced are still unresolved today.
Perfect for readers of British history, political science, and anyone seeking to understand the deep roots of today's constitutional crises.
Rave Review of A King's Vision
"A King’s Vision by Dr. Spencer M. Dayton presents a compelling examination of King James VI of Scotland—who became James I of England and Ireland—and his ambitious vision to forge a truly united Great Britain.
The book traces this vision from the 1603 Union of the Crowns through the intense political, religious, and cultural resistance James encountered, and onward to the 1707 Act of Union and its far-reaching, long-lasting consequences. Dr. Dayton’s analysis also explores Scotland’s ongoing struggle for autonomy—from the rise of the independence movement to the complex implications of Brexit. His research carefully considers the political, religious, and economic forces that shaped both the promise and the limits of unification, as well as the evolving national identities of both Britain and Scotland.
An excellent and thought-provoking read, A King’s Vision is not just for students and educators—it’s ideal for anyone interested in Scottish history and its relevance to modern-day Scotland."
-William Hardie (BA & MLitt)
Chief of the Caledonian Club of San Francisco