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  • Published: 1 July 2010
  • ISBN: 9781446420904
  • Imprint: Vintage Digital
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 464
Categories:

Elizabeth's Women

The Hidden Story of the Virgin Queen




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.

  • Published: 1 July 2010
  • ISBN: 9781446420904
  • Imprint: Vintage Digital
  • Format: EBook
  • Pages: 464
Categories:

About the author

Tracy Borman

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 is now Chief Executive of the Heritage Education Trust and interim Chief Curator of Historic Royal Palaces.

Tracy is the author of a number of highly acclaimed books, including Matilda: Queen of the Conqueror and Elizabeth’s Women, which was Book of the Week on Radio 4.She regularly appears on television and radio, and is a contributor to BBC History Magazine.Tracy gives public talks and lectures across the country on a wide range of subjects. She lives in Surrey with her daughter.

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Praise for Elizabeth's Women

A warm and readable account... irresistible stuff

Kathryn Hughes, The Guardian

Borman's compelling study has proved well-worth waiting for

Sarah Gristwood, BBC History Magazine

History as it should be written

Alison Weir

Innovative, full of rich, too often neglected female characters

Antonia Fraser

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

Tracy Borman deals with this intricate web of relationships and intrigues with great expertise... Even if you have read a dozen books on Elizabeth, this one will surprise you

Daily Mail