Elizabeth and Leicester: Power, Passion, and Politics – Sarah Gristwood
I recently finished Elizabeth and Leicester: Power, Passion, and Politics by Sarah Gristwood. This is a double biography that focuses specifically on the relationship between Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley, eventual Earl of Leicester. It was an easy and enjoyable read. If you’re familiar with Tudor English history, no real new information is presented, but this book more than others delves a bit more into Dudley’s early life. As with all books involving these two, the question of “did they” or “didn’t they” looms large. Overall, I enjoyed reading about their lives in tandem and more about the love of Queen Elizabeth’s life.
Anne Boleyn: Fatal Attractions – G.W. Bernard
I finished G.W. Bernard’s Anne Boleyn: Fatal Attractions earlier this week. This particular study of Anne Boleyn focuses on her relationships. Overall, this was not my favorite biography of Anne. G.W. Bernard mentions repeatedly about how he is a university professor and historian, but he seriously screws up some facts. I would say don’t waste you time.
Washington’s Spies: The Story of America’s First Spy Ring – Alexander Rose
I recently finished Washington’s Spies: The Story of America’s First Spy Ring by Alexander Rose. I’m a fan of AMC’s show Turn, a fictionalized telling of the same story, and this is the inspiration for the show. This book tells the story of the Culper Ring, a group of Patriots and Continental Army soldiers who collaborated to gather intelligence in British-occupied New York City and to transmit that intelligence to Washington’s headquarters in New Jersey. Overall, I loved this book. If you’re at all interested in American Revolutionary history, be sure to read this one.
We Two: Victoria and Albert: Rulers, Partners, Rivals – Gillian Gill
My latest read was We Two: Victoria and Albert: Rulers, Partners, Rivals by Gillian Gill. This is another dual biography that focuses specifically on the relationship between Queen Victoria and Prince Albert. Overall, I enjoyed it. It’s interesting to see how the lives of these two are so inextricably linked and how their marriage came to be.
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