England before and during the Reign of Elizabeth I

Just when I thought there couldn't possibly be anything else to reveal about Elizabeth I, along comes Sarah Gristwood with this riveting, meticulously researched dual biography of Elizabeth Tudor and Robert Dudley. Theirs was a fascinating, mysterious, yet compelling story that has intrigued students of the Tudors for centuries. Did they, or didn't they? Was it merely a life-long friendship, or a decades-long love affair? Ms. Gristwood presents detailed facts, her own impressions, and those of others who have written about these two powerful people over the years.

One of the reasons I enjoyed this book so much is that there is a real passion in the telling of this oh-so-real story. The tiniest of details of the behind-the-scenes lives of those at court, as well as written accounts by ambassadors, courtiers, and Elizabeth's own privy council members, including Robert Dudley, bring the entire scenario to life. Both Elizabeth and Robert shared the loss of parents to the axe, spent months in the Tower as prisoners of the Crown, and were both strongly dedicated to the Protestant religion. They were as alike as they were different. Elizabeth played with Robert's mind more than once, and he still stood steadfastly by her. Was it all a game for them both?

Exquisitely presented, ELIZABETH & LEICESTER is a must-read for any die-hard Tudor buff. There are revelations, speculations, and tales we've all heard before set in a well-written, impeccably researched book.

Jani Brooks