Diane B. reviewed on 7/28/2007

Helpful Score: 2

An amazing dual biography, really puts into perspective Elizabeth and Mary's relationship as cousins, reigning queens, and rivals for the throne of England. Neither biography alone adds anything new to either's history, but side-by-side Dunn's book is powerful in evoking just how difficult their situations were and how each responded and either triumphed or failed. One tends to forget the poweful pull of Roman Catholicism during Elizabeth's reign, and how tenuous her claim to the throne of England was outside her country. Mary's claim was equally strong, but Elizabeth's own wit and the cunning of her advisors was stronger.

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