Pengarang: King of England Charles I.

John Gauden (1605–1662) was an English cleric and writer, reputed as the possible author of the “Eikon Basilike: The Portraiture of His Sacred Majesty in His Solitudes and Sufferings” (1649). The book is a purported spiritual autobiography attributed to King Charles I, offering reflections on the English Civil War”s events, the king”s perspective on governance, and his relationship with Parliament. Gauden”s authorship, while contested by some scholars, has been a significant point of debate in historical and literary circles. “Eikon Basilike” itself became an influential work of royalist propaganda, contributing to the cult of martyrdom surrounding Charles I after his execution in 1649. Gauden”s writing style in the text is marked by its eloquence and piety, traits consistent with his career as a bishop and preacher. The book”s impact was profound, shaping public opinion in the tumultuous period of the English Commonwealth and Restoration. Gauden”s presumed authorship adds an intriguing layer to his biography, reflecting the era”s complex interplay between politics, religion, and literature. Despite the controversy over its provenance, “Eikon Basilike” endures as a significant work of seventeenth-century English literature, offering insights into the period”s cultural and political dynamics.