Mary, Queen of Scots polarized entire nations, weathered multiple romantic scandals, and immersed herself in intrigues and subterfuge to advance her claim to the British throne—a prolonged political battle which culminated in her notoriously botched and bloody beheading at the decree of Elizabeth I. It’s no wonder she has captured the imaginations of millions over the centuries, or that her dramatic life story has been recounted in plays, poems, songs, operas, and films. But now Susan Doran offers a fresh and compelling look at Mary’s life, narrated through vivid illustrations and analysis of the documents that form the original basis of our knowledge of this celebrated figure. An acclaimed scholar of Elizabethan history, Doran expertly recreates the life and work of Mary, Queen of Scots in an engaging and informed narrative, revealing a wholly new—and deeply human—dimension to her tumultuous and tragic saga. From her flight to France to the murders of her secretary and second husband to her final eighteen years as a virtual prisoner in England, each major stage of Mary’s life unfolds in fascinating detail, as Doran draws from a vast array of archival materials—including numerous letters and records set in their full historical context—and vivid portraiture from the period. This brilliantly illustrated biography of Mary, Queen of Scots paints a compelling and engrossing picture of the infamous queen and her tempestuous life. An invaluable read for every Anglophile, Mary Queen of Scots places the queen squarely on her rightful historical throne.
Author
Dr Susan Doran is a British historian whose primary studies surround the reign of Elizabeth I, in particular the theme of marriage and succession. She has published and edited sixteen books, most notably Elizabeth I and Religion, 1558-1603, Monarchy and Matrimony and Queen Elizabeth I, part of the British Library's Historic Lives series. She is currently a tutor and member of the history faculty at Christ Church, Oxford University where her specific area of interest is stated as being Early Modern British and European history. Previously, Doran was a reader in history, Senior Lecturer in History and Teaching Studies and Director of the History Programme at St Mary's College, Strawberry Hill, part of the University of Surrey. She is also a Director of Studies for history at Regent's Park College and Senior Research Fellow for History at Jesus College
