'The key to the legend of Elizabeth I lies in the violence, tragedy and heady danger of her first 25 years. She lost her parents, siblings, freedom and innocence far too soon, but emerged as one of the most iconic rulers in English history. Nicola Tallis charts this extraordinary story with sensitivity, scholarship and compassion...' - Jessie Childs. The is the first definitive biography of the Virgin Queen in over 20 years which draws on a rich variety of primary sources and looks at the trials which the young Elizabeth faced in her early life. Her status as a princess did not last long. When Elizabeth was under three years old her mother, the infamous Anne Boleyn, was brutally beheaded and Elizabeth was relegated to the title of bastard. After losing several stepmothers she then faced predatory attentions and illicit flirtations from her stepfather, Thomas Seymour, which ultimately forced Elizabeth to leave her home. The result was devastating, causing a heartbreaking rift with her beloved stepmother Katherine Parr. Elizabeth was placed in further jeopardy when she was implicated in the Wyatt Rebellion of 1554, a plot to topple her half-sister Mary from the throne. Imprisoned in the Tower of London where her mother had lost her life, under intense pressure and interrogation, Elizabeth adamantly protested her innocence. Her popularity as a royal increased from that point on and she finally was crowned Queen at the age of 25. The book provides genealogical tables, dramatis personae and timeline, and appendices look at her health and following in Elizabeth's footsteps. Includes 15 illustrations including images from the Royal Collection and through the author's own connections with Historic Royal Palaces and the National Trust. 398pp, colour.
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