The Lost Tudor Princess - by Alison Weir (Paperback)

About the Book

First U.S. publication: New York: Ballantine Books, 2016.

Book Synopsis

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - A stunning portrait of Margaret Douglas, niece of Henry VIII, who used her sharp intelligence and covert power to influence the succession after the death of Elizabeth I, from the renowned author hailed as "the finest historian of English monarchical succession writing" (The Boston Globe)

"A substantial, detailed biography of a fascinating woman who lived her extraordinary life to the full . . . will appeal to anyone with an interest in powerful women of the Tudor period."--Philippa Gregory, The Washington Post

ONE OF THE INDEPENDENT'S BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR

Royal Tudor blood ran in her veins. The life of Lady Margaret Douglas, Countess of Lennox, was steeped in intrigue, drama, and tragedy--from her auspicious birth in 1515 to her parents' bitter divorce, from her dangerous love affairs to her appointment as lady-in-waiting to four of Henry VIII's six wives. In an age when women were expected to stay out of the political arena, Margaret helped orchestrate one of the most notorious marriages of the sixteenth century, defiantly warred with two queens--Elizabeth of England and Mary, Queen of Scots--and was instrumental in securing the Stuart ascension to the English throne for her grandson, James VI of Scotland.

Drawing on decades of research and myriad original sources--including many of Margaret's surviving letters--Alison Weir brings this captivating character out of the shadows and presents a strong, alluring woman who fearlessly operated at the very highest levels of power.

Review Quotes

"This is a substantial, detailed biography of a fascinating woman who lived her extraordinary life to the full, taking desperate chances for love and for ambition. It will appeal to anyone with an interest in the powerful women of the Tudor period."--Philippa Gregory, The Washington Post

"Tackling the family from an unexpected angle, Weir offers a blow-by-blow account of six decades of palace intrigue. . . . Weir balances historical data with emotional speculation to illuminate the ferocious dynastic ambitions and will to power that earned her subject a place in the spotlight."--The New York Times Book Review

"[A] noteworthy biography . . . Through considerable research and with great clarity, Weir reveals how the strong-willed Margaret encapsulated the best and worst of the ambitious Tudor dynasty."--Publishers Weekly

"An abundantly detailed history from an author steeped in England's past."--Kirkus Reviews

"[Weir provides] a refreshing perspective on an otherwise familiar period in British history."--The Times (London)

"With a fine eye for period detail, Weir chronicles the romances, scandals and intrigues that saw five Tudor reigns."--The Lady (London)

About the Author

Alison Weir is the New York Times bestselling author of several historical biographies, including Elizabeth of York, Mary Boleyn, The Lady in the Tower, Mistress of the Monarchy, Henry VIII, Eleanor of Aquitaine, The Life of Elizabeth I, and The Six Wives of Henry VIII, and the novels The Marriage Game, A Dangerous Inheritance, Captive Queen, The Lady Elizabeth, and Innocent Traitor. She lives in Surrey, England, with her husband.