Elizabeth's Rivals - by Nicola Tallis (Paperback)

About the Book

Book Synopsis

A kinswoman to Elizabeth I, Lettice Knollys had begun Queen Elizabeth's glittering reign basking in favor and success. It was an honor that she would enjoy for two decades. However, on the morning of September 21st, 1578, Lettice made a fateful decision. When the queen learned of it, the consequences were swift. (Lettice had dared to marry without royal consent.) But worse, her new husband was Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, the queen's favorite and one-time suitor.

Though she chose not to marry him herself, Elizabeth was fiercely jealous of any woman who showed an interest in Dudley. Knowing that she would likely earn the queen's enmity, Lettice married Dudley in secret, leading to her permanent banishment from court. Elizabeth never forgave the new countess for what she perceived to be a devastating betrayal. She had become not just Queen Elizabeth's adversary. She was now her rival.

Review Quotes

"Just when you thought there was nothing new to learn about Elizabethan England, Tallis tells the compelling story of Lettice Knollys. An informative, well-crafted narrative. Anyone who loves English royal history will enjoy this new take on a personality surprisingly little mentioned in the history books."--Kirkus Reviews

"An eminently readable portrait of a fascinating woman. Highly recommended for readers of biography and Tudor history. Tallis's meticulous research and understanding of the intricacies of Elizabethan court life allow Knollys to emerge from undeserved obscurity to take center stage as a fearless, strong-willed woman who shared many of the characteristics of her royal rival, and who paid dearly for daring to follow her heart."--Library Journal

"A thorough first biography of Lettice Knollys that also serves as an excellent view of the Elizabethan era from a noblewoman's perspective. A great choice for historians and lay readers alike."--Publishers Weekly