Elizabeth I & Mary Stuart

The Perils of Marriage
By Anka Muhlstein

In this major new double biography, Anka Muhlstein examines the turbulent relationship between Elizabeth I of England and Mary, Queen of Scots. Uniquely at this time, both of the thrones of the British Isles were held by women, which brought the issue of royal marriages to the fore.

‘It is a story that never fails to compel. And it is always interesting to get a different perspective, as in the work of distinguished French historian, Anka Muhlstein, whose double biography is available for the first time in English, in a fine translation by John Brown.

Muhlstein is an excellent writer: the book is effectively structured and
easy to read, its characters vividly portrayed.’

Linda Porter, History Today

'In the 16th century, marriage was a necessity for any monarch. No marriage, no dynasty. But Elizabeth was one of a few queens regnant who made the conscious choice never to marry, and therefore never subordinated herself and her power to a male consort, whilst at the same time using the possibility of her marriage as a tool in international relations. In contrast, her cousin, Mary is seen as a slave to passion, whose marriages cost her her throne, and ultimately her life on the orders of Elizabeth. The story of these two queens is one of the most fascinating in British history. Both of them clever and courageous, they faced foreign wars, domestic plots, assassination and espionage at a time when women were commonly denied any role in political life. But it is the way they both dealt with the vital dynastic question of marriage that ultimately shaped their destinies and their historical reputations. This study of their approach to marriage and their personal and political relationships with men casts a new light on the history of the Elizabethan Age.'

James Melville on Queen Elizabeth I

‘Madam, I know your stately stomach; ye think if ye were married, ye would be but Queen of England, and now ye are King and Queen both; ye may not suffer a commander.’
‘The poor, demented woman will not cease until they cut off her head. That will come to pass, and I am well aware that she and her own folly will be to blame. I see no remedy for it.’

Charles IX of France to Mary Stuart

The historian Anka Muhlstein was born in Paris, but has lived in New York for the past 30 years. She has published several monographs, including on the three ‘Temporary Queens’ of France, Catherine de M?dicis, Maria de M?dicis and Anne of Austria, who ruled as regents on behalf of their sons. In 1996 she was awarded the Prix Goncourt for her biography of Astolphe de Custine. She is also the co-author of Venice for Lovers (Haus Publishing 2005).

John Brownjohn was the Runner up for THE SCOTT MONCRIEFF PRIZE in 2008 for translation from the French, for ELIZABETH I AND MARY STUART by Anka Muhlstein (Haus Books)