In this fascinating special issue, we have been exploring the nature and purpose of Jacobite intelligence gathering and networks in the early 18th century, and the volume under the spotlight here complements this with its focus on the exiled Jacobite court at Rome, around 1719. By this date, the Jacobite court had been exiled to mainland Europe for the best part of 30 years and was led by James VIII/III (father of Bonnie Prince Charlie), who had a tough time keeping his many Scottish banished and attainted followers occupied and useful.