"Charles the First" is a biographical novel by Jacob Abbot that covers the life of one of the most prominent personalities in British history. Charles I was King of England, Scotland, and Ireland from 27 March 1625 until his execution in 1649. From the start of his reign, Charles conflicted with the Parliament of England, which sought to curb his royal prerogative. That led to the English Civil War, his defeat, and the establishment of the Commonwealth.