Elizabeth's Women: The Hidden Story of the Virgin Queen

Description

A groundbreaking and fascinating biography of England's most famous queen, viewed through the women who influenced her life. 'History as it should be written' Alison Weir, bestselling author of the Six Tudor Queens series A groundbreaking and fascinating biography of England's most famous queen, viewed through the women who influenced her life. Elizabeth I is often portrayed as a ruthless 'man's woman', who derided her own sex - 'I know I have the body of a weak and feeble woman' - and loved to flirt with the young men at her court. Yet she was born into a world of women and it is her relationships with these women that provide the most fascinating insight into the character of this remarkable monarch. As a child Elizabeth was raised by her mother, governesses and stepmothers, while as an adult she was clothed, bathed and watched by her ladies of the bedchamber and her maids of honour. With them she was jealous, spiteful and cruel, as well as loyal, kind and protective. Among her family it was her female relations who had the greatest influence on her life- from her sister Mary, who distrusted and later imprisoned her, to her cousin, Mary, Queen of Scots, who posed a constant and dangerous threat to her crown for almost thirty years. It was these women - and many more - who brought out the best - and worst - in Elizabeth and reveal the woman behind the carefully cultivated image of the Virgin Queen.

Tracy Borman studied and taught history at the University of Hull and was awarded a PhD in 1997. She went on to a successful career in heritage and has worked for a range of historic properties and national heritage organisations, including the National Archives and English Heritage. She is now Chief Executive of the Heritage Education Trust and also works part-time for Historic Royal Palaces. Tracy has regularly appeared on television and radio, and has featured in a range of magazine and newspaper articles. She is a regular contributor to history magazines, including articles in BBC History Magazine on the history of beauty and eighteenth-century 'It' Girls'. In addition, she also gives public talks and lectures on a wide range of subjects.

History as it should be written -- Alison Weir Overall this is an enthralling picture of female empowerment and woman's place in this most testosterone fuelled of epochs. It is a thrilling and carefully written book which should grace any history lover's bookshelves -- Roderick Graham * Scotland on Sunday * The idea behind her book is genuinely inspired -- John Guy * Sunday Times * A warm and readable account... irresistible stuff -- Kathryn Hughes * The Guardian * Innovative, full of rich, too often neglected female characters -- Antonia Fraser