The Scapegoat: The Brilliant Brief Life of the Duke of Buckingham

The enigmatic and flamboyant first Duke of Buckingham (1592–1638) is the subject of award-winning Hughes-Hallett’s (The Pike: Gabriele d’Annunzio) new biography. The duke’s mother was ambitious by nature and promoted the careers of all her children, especially her son. He rapidly moved up in the world, becoming a favorite of both James I and Charles I, eventually receiving the title of Duke of Buckingham. His eventual fall from grace was brought about through bad decisions including failed military expeditions and promoting the match of Prince Charles and Henrietta Marie, a Catholic, during a time period when much of the public favored a Protestant match. So unpopular was he that calls were made for his impeachment, which was prevented by Charles I himself. However, it was only a postponement of the fallout, as Buckingham was assassinated in 1628.