09/24/2018
In this sharp new history of two adversarial monarchs, Williams (Becoming Queen Victoria) tells the story of a monarch who “tried to be as autocratic as a king,” but was thwarted by conspiracy and female disempowerment. She begins with a basic but skillful recounting of how Mary came to Scotland’s throne in 1542 while her cousin Elizabeth I established her rule in England. Mary contended with significant threats to her reign and her authority; from within, aristocrats jostled for power, and, across the border, Elizabeth maneuvered to prevent Mary from claiming the English crown. According to Williams, Mary’s downfall stemmed from her attempt to claim her rightful power and rule on her own terms. The Scots nobility regarded Mary as a woman first, queen second, and they conspired to control her by exploiting her body: as Williams renders in chilling detail, Mary was raped by and consequently forced to marry the Earl of Bothwell. Williams’s analysis of this episode, unlike historians who have “judged her complicit” because she did not escape, is informed by contemporary insights into sexual assault. Forced to abdicate, Mary fled to England hoping for assistance from Elizabeth, who instead detained her and subsequently ordered her execution. Though parts of the story may be well-known to readers of royal history, Williams injects enough fresh viewpoints to make it a satisfying whole. Illus. (Nov.)
The Betrayal of Mary, Queen of Scots: Elizabeth I and Her Greatest Rival
Narrated by Anne Flosnik
Kate WilliamsUnabridged — 14 hours, 22 minutes
The Betrayal of Mary, Queen of Scots: Elizabeth I and Her Greatest Rival
Narrated by Anne Flosnik
Kate WilliamsUnabridged — 14 hours, 22 minutes
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Overview
Elizabeth and Mary were cousins and queens, but eventually it became impossible for them to live together in the same world.
This is the story of two women struggling for supremacy in a man's world, when no one thought a woman could govern. They both had to negotiate with men-those who wanted their power and those who wanted their bodies-who were determined to best them. In their worlds, female friendship and alliances were unheard of, but for many years theirs was the only friendship that endured. They were as fascinated by each other as lovers; until they became enemies. Enemies so angry and broken that one of them had to die, and so Elizabeth ordered the execution of Mary.
But first they were each other's lone female friends in a violent man's world. Their relationship was one of love, affection, jealousy, antipathy-and finally death.
Editorial Reviews
"Williams expertly and entertainingly details the twisty and sordid path to the monarch’s execution. In framing Mary’s story as being one about ‘how we really think of women and their right to rule,’ Williams hints at its ongoing resonance."
"There is much to cover in this elegant synthesis of royal biography and political thriller, and Williams is adroit in her handling of it. A scintillating, provocative analysis of Mary and Elizabeth’s reigns and their relationship."
"Looks past tired stereotypes to give fresh insights into Mary’s tumultuous life and death."
"What makes [the book] special is Williams’s understanding of how gender shaped Mary’s life."
"A refreshing, engaging biography. Tudor-Stuart enthusiasts will appreciate the greatly vibrant tone in this account."
"Kate Williams has succeeded brilliantly in bringing us a fresh Mary—one who she has set in a gloriously rich context, while making her tragic heroine irresistibly real and relevant. But the true triumph of this book lies in the perfect balancing of Williams’s excellent research with the need to keep the pages turning. Its pace is perfect, and there isn’t a line wasted in this taut, dramatic, and utterly beguiling biography."
"Kate Williams has succeeded brilliantly in bringing us a fresh Mary--one who she has set in a gloriously rich context, while making her tragic heroine irresistibly real and relevant. But the true triumph of this book lies in the perfect balancing of Williams's excellent research with the need to keep the pages turning. Its pace is perfect, and there isn't a line wasted in this taut, dramatic, and utterly beguiling biography."--Charles Spencer, author of To Catch a King
"Looks past tired stereotypes to give fresh insights into Mary's tumultuous life and death."-- "The Daily Record (UK)"
"There is much to cover in this elegant synthesis of royal biography and political thriller, and Williams is adroit in her handling of it. A scintillating, provocative analysis of Mary and Elizabeth's reigns and their relationship."-- "The Telegraph (UK)"
"What makes [the book] special is Williams's understanding of how gender shaped Mary's life."-- "The Times (Ireland)"
"A refreshing, engaging biography. Tudor-Stuart enthusiasts will appreciate the greatly vibrant tone in this account."-- "Booklist"
"A sharp new history of two adversarial monarchs. Though parts of the story may be well-known to readers of royal history, Williams injects enough fresh viewpoints to make it a satisfying whole."-- "Publishers Weekly"
"Williams expertly and entertainingly details the twisty and sordid path to the monarch's execution. In framing Mary's story as being one about 'how we really think of women and their right to rule, ' Williams hints at its ongoing resonance."-- "Christian Science Monitor"
This very readable and fast-paced biography relates the story of Mary Stuart in a fresh and engaging way. Highly recommended.
"A refreshing, engaging biography. Tudor-Stuart enthusiasts will appreciate the greatly vibrant tone in this account."
Williams has penned a biography that draws us in and makes us feel as though we're intimately acquainted with a woman who is recognized by millions but truly known by just a few.
A briskly written, admirably probing, and sympathetically voiced exploration of the elements that went into the formation of the woman we now know to be a very successful monarch.
As Anne Flosnik narrates, listeners learn of Mary Stuart’s life as she moves from Scotland to France and back again. After a tumultuous reign, she flees across Scotland to safety in England under the protection of Queen Elizabeth I. This biography focuses on betrayals in the various courts where Mary lived. Betrayed by her Scottish counselors and spouses before, during, and after she takes her place on the Scottish throne, Mary Stuart lives an unsettled life. Flosnik delivers the historical and political narrative in a husky, clear voice. Scarce dialogue and documents are read more tersely, using subtle accents that add variety to this new study of the life of this famous queen. M.B.K. © AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine
Product Details
| BN ID: | 2940171102043 |
|---|---|
| Publisher: | Tantor Audio |
| Publication date: | 11/12/2018 |
| Edition description: | Unabridged |
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