Elizabeth’s Women: The Hidden Story of the Virgin Queen by Tracy BormanGenre: Non-Fiction; Biography
Release Date: September 24, 2009 (UK)
September 2010 (US, I read this on TudorHistory.org)
Publisher: Jonathan Cape Ltd
From the inside book jacket:
“Elizabeth I was born into a world of women. As a child, she was served by a predominantly female household of servants and governesses, with occasional visits from her mother, Anne Boleyn, and the wives who later took her place. As Queen, she was constantly attended by ladies of the bedchamber and maids of honour who clothed her, bathed her and watched over her while she ate. Among her family, it was her female relations who had the greatest influence: 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.”
This looks to be a wonderful look at the life of Elizabeth – from a slightly different perspective. When people look at the reign of Elizabeth they tend to focus on her relationship with Robert Dudley as well as the many potential suitors for her husband. This book looks at Elizabeth from the perspective of the influence that the women in her life had on her. There are some great reproductions of artwork included showing many of these women from her family as well as those she kept close and trusted.
I was lucky enough to receive a copy of this hardcover book from the author/publisher and received it a little over a week ago (thank you Tracy and Jonathan Cape Ltd). I know that some of you have made comments (Marie, lol) about me having a copy – but don’t feel too bad, I haven’t had the chance to read it yet – but it is up next on my list after I finish Cleopatra’s Daughter. I am very excited to read this because it will be my first non-fiction about Elizabeth.
If what I read is true and it isn’t going to be released in the US for another year, I would recommend using UK Book Depository to get the book – and they have free shipping!
You can check out Tracy Borman’s website for more information on Elizabeth’s Women as well as her previous book Henrietta Howard: King’s Mistress, Queen’s Servant.
Copyright © 2009-2011 by The Maiden’s Court
I really want to read this! It sounds great.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds good. I look up to Elizabeth I as such a strong woman - she ran our country for so long on her own and never once buckled from the pressure her advisors gave and married.
ReplyDeleteI am so jealous.
ReplyDeleteObsessed with the Tudors, and this book looks fascinating! I'm off to fishpond now to find out when I can get a copy of my own. :)
~S.
I just ordered this book from Amazon.co.uk. I'm justifying it as a research expense since I'm writing a chapter on Elizabeth for Scandalous Women. Lucky you having gotten it from the publisher.
ReplyDelete