Queen Mary's Women: Female Relatives, Servants, Friends and Enemies of Mary, Queen of Scots by Rosalind K. MarshallMy rating: 5 of 5 stars
One of the best books I have read about Mary. Ms Marshall clearly knows the topic very well and it is clear that she was and probably still is one the best academic minds to write about MQS. The book discusses various relationships in a detail which you would not expect to be as interesting as it is. Ms Marshall's presents information I've never seen anywhere else in a way which is very fresh. The research put into this book must have taken a long time and no doubt is a result of her long career as a historian. I believe you come out understanding the relationships between Queen Mary and her women in a way that is well thought out and from the point of view of someone who isn't just an expert on Mary Queen of Scots, but also has a deeper and understanding of life and human relationships and actions. Ms Marshall doesn't fall victim to the trap of bias and obviously is able to see the historical figures she writes about as people with many dimensions, she is able to criticise and praise when appropriate. One of the greatest triumphs in this book is the focus on Mary and another person in a way which isn't just scattered dialogue or brief mentions as a part of a greater story. You are able to develop a greater understanding of the dynamics as Ms Marshall utilises her wealth of knowledge to summarise it all for us! 5* Please come back from retirement!
View all my reviews
No comments:
Post a Comment