What is eikon basilike?

Eikon Basilike is a book of religious devotion and defense of the monarchy, allegedly written by King Charles I of England during his imprisonment before his execution in 1649. The book's title means "The King's Image" in Greek, referring to the belief that kings were made in the image of God. The book is written in a style of personal piety and religious meditation, aiming to win the sympathies of the English people and justify the king's actions during the Civil War. Eikon Basilike became a best-seller soon after its publication, and its authorship was widely attributed to King Charles I. However, there is considerable debate among scholars as to whether the king actually wrote the book or if it was a work of propaganda by his supporters. Regardless of its authorship, Eikon Basilike was a significant text in the history of English literature and political thought.