Whether youâve seen the recent movie starring Saoirse Ronan and Margot Robbie or the classic 1970âs film starring Vanessa Redgrave and Glenda Jackson, this vibrant work of history will give you new insight into the life of Mary, Queen of Scots and her rivalry with Elizabeth I of England.
Mary Queen of Scots, also known as Mary Stuart, was one of the most well-known and controversial monarchs of the sixteenth century. She ascended to the throne of Scotland at only six days old and would eventually become ruler of four countries at onceâScotland, England, Ireland, and France. She was intelligent, compassionate, and tolerant, despite the popularity of that time for religious persecution. Despite her popularity, Maryâs reign was a tumultuous one: she was married three times, was forced to abdicate her throne, and was eventually imprisoned and beheaded by her cousin, Elizabeth I of England.
What caused Maryâs rapid descent from royalty? Historian and scholar Martin Hume analyzes Mary Queen of Scotsâs fall from power based on her love affairs. Though many previous historians had assumed that her downfall was caused by her lack of virtue, Hume posits that Maryâs ruin was not based on her âgoodness or badness as a woman, but from a certain weakness of character.â
Fans of the royal families of Scotland and England, professional and amateur historians, and anyone looking to discover one of historyâs most famous and controversial women, the ups and downs of Mary Stuartâs life and reign in The Love Affairs of Mary Queen of Scots will be educational and entertaining.