Synopses & Reviews
The story of the many suitors of Elizabeth Ione of the most eligible brides in 16th century EuropeIn the only history available on this ever-fascinating subject, readers will meet the many men who competed fruitlessly for Elizabeth's hand and affections. From her childhoodovershadowed by the marital upheavals of her father Henry VIII and the tragic first encounter with courtship, to the fantastical flirtations of her old age, Elizabeth refused to commit herself to any man. During the marriage negotiations, which spanned half a century, romance blended with diplomacy as one illustrious suitor after another endeavored to ally himself to her in the most intimate of treaties. She played one suitor against another, exploiting her situation to the full both for England's profit and her pleasure. One man did come close to winning herambitious, devious Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, suspected by many of having murdered his wife, was the most persistent of the suitors to the Queen, and though he never attained the prize he longed for, he was dearly loved by Elizabeth all her life.
Review
"The appeal to women here is strong, of course, but this is complex and fascinating history from any angle." Publishers Weekly
Review
"Splendid stuff, 'history with attitude.' Written with energy and aplomb, it is a stirring and yet salutary story, well told." Times
Synopsis
Elizabeth I--the Virgin Queen--refused to commit herself to any man, although one illustrious suitor after another endeavored to ally himself with her in the most intimate of treaties. In the only history available on this ever-fascinating subject, meet the many men who competed fruitlessly for Elizabeth's hand and affections. During the intricate marriage negotiations, romance inextricably blended with diplomacy, and Elizabeth played one prospective groom against the other, always exploiting the situation for England's profit and her own pleasure. Most important among the potential mates: the ambitious, devious Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, suspected of having murdered his wife. Although he never attained the prize he longed for, he was dearly loved by Elizabeth all her life.
Synopsis
The story of the many suitors of Elizabeth I - one of the most eligible brides in 16th century Europe.
From her childhood, overshadowed by the marital upheavals of her father Henry VIII, and the tragic first encounter with courtship, to the fantastical flirtations of her old age, Elizabeth refused to commit herself to any man. During the marriage negotiations, which spanned half a century, romance blended with diplomacy as one illustrious suitor after another endeavoured to ally himself to her in the most intimate of treaties.
Sought after by some of the most powerful men in Europe, she knew her marriageable status to be one of her greatest assets. She played one suitor against another, exploiting her situation to the full both for England's profit and her pleasure. By turns she encouraged and eluded her pursuers, keeping alive hopes which she would never fulfil. Yet one man did come close to winning her. Ambitious, devious Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, suspected by many of having murdered his wife, was the most persistent of the suitors to the Queen, and though he never attained the prize he longed for, he was dearly loved by Elizabeth all her life. This is a fascinating look at the many suitors of Elizabeth I.
About the Author
Josephine Ross is the author of Jane Austen: A Companion and the coauthor of Jane Austen's Guide to Good Manners.