Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.54 AVERAGE
3.54 AVERAGE
I enjoy reading about the past - learning history from those who have studied it thoroughly. I used to hate it in school - too much focus on dates, and not enough on the interesting stuff ;) However, as I am learning, there is a line between history that is readable, and history that is so chock-full of bits, pieces, and details that it becomes difficult to read. Unfortunately, this is an example of the latter.
Don't get me wrong - I did find the story of Margaret interesting, particularly as framed around her interactions with both Queen Elizabeth and Mary, Queen of Scots. It's certainly a window into the time, as seen through the eyes of three extremely powerful women - in a time when women were often marginalized. However - the amount of details contained within the pages of this book could probably have created two more readable books, rather than one that felt like I was reading something written by the teacher in "Ferris Bueller".
Overall, I do enjoy Alison Weir's work, but this is one I will not be adding to my list of favorites.
Don't get me wrong - I did find the story of Margaret interesting, particularly as framed around her interactions with both Queen Elizabeth and Mary, Queen of Scots. It's certainly a window into the time, as seen through the eyes of three extremely powerful women - in a time when women were often marginalized. However - the amount of details contained within the pages of this book could probably have created two more readable books, rather than one that felt like I was reading something written by the teacher in "Ferris Bueller".
Overall, I do enjoy Alison Weir's work, but this is one I will not be adding to my list of favorites.
Great look at the life and circumstances of Margaret Douglas: daughter of Margaret Tudor, Queen of Scots (who was elder sister to Henry VIII), and grandmother James I, who unified the thrones of England and Scotland.
This book explained so much that has previously confused me about this time in history. I finally understand where Arbella Stuart fits in the family tree and line of succession. I love the analysis of Margaret's relationship with Mary Queen of Scots, especially how it shifted over time, and the possible reasons for those changes.
The author is thorough and clear, well researched, and forthcoming about questionable sources and speculation-based conclusions or theories.
I recommend this book to any who are interested in Tudor/ Stuart royal history... especially overlooked princesses!
This book explained so much that has previously confused me about this time in history. I finally understand where Arbella Stuart fits in the family tree and line of succession. I love the analysis of Margaret's relationship with Mary Queen of Scots, especially how it shifted over time, and the possible reasons for those changes.
The author is thorough and clear, well researched, and forthcoming about questionable sources and speculation-based conclusions or theories.
I recommend this book to any who are interested in Tudor/ Stuart royal history... especially overlooked princesses!
A biography of Margaret Douglas, granddaughter of Henry VII and grandmother of James I, was long overdue.
Unfortunately, what should have been a fascinating audiobook was made dull by ponderous narration. Perhaps this is one that would be better read than listened to. (Then you could just skim the less interesting parts.). Still, for fans of the Tudors, this book provides a worthwhile examination of a little-known but central figure.
Unfortunately, what should have been a fascinating audiobook was made dull by ponderous narration. Perhaps this is one that would be better read than listened to. (Then you could just skim the less interesting parts.). Still, for fans of the Tudors, this book provides a worthwhile examination of a little-known but central figure.
I've read most things that Weir has written - both fiction and non fiction - and have always enjoyed them but this fell a bit flat for me. It lacked the verve and the colour that she usually brings and I found myself skipping through the endless lists of descriptions of dresses and jewels, which started to blur into each other. I did enjoy looking at a section of history that I know so well from a new perspective but overall, it felt rather lukewarm.
I received an uncorrected proof from Goodreads and Random House for an unbiased review.
It's refreshing to read a biography about a lesser known Tudor/Stuart. Alison Weir is an excellent historian and her meticulous research is evident, but this book comes off more as a history of Anglo-Scottish relationships rather than a biography of Margaret Douglas. At some points during the book Margaret disappears entirely.
It's refreshing to read a biography about a lesser known Tudor/Stuart. Alison Weir is an excellent historian and her meticulous research is evident, but this book comes off more as a history of Anglo-Scottish relationships rather than a biography of Margaret Douglas. At some points during the book Margaret disappears entirely.
challenging
informative
reflective
medium-paced
I'm quite biased -- I really love Weir's non-fiction -- but I do think this is one of her strongest books. Considering it's a biography it isn't particularly personality-driven, which may sound like a strange choice but really does reflect the way records were kept in the era, particularly those concerning women. The fact that the actual beliefs, values, and personality of Margaret Douglas are ambiguous and ephemeral is a critical part of the narrative Weir constructs around her. Her own voice isn't really present in the historical record, and that's part of the interest. Altogether it's more a tale of political maneuvering than an individual's life, but it's an excellent read for all that.
It is quite long and may feel like a bit of a slog if you aren't familiar with the era or don't read a lot of non-fiction, but personally I think the author did an excellent job of juggling context and narrative. Highly recommend!
It is quite long and may feel like a bit of a slog if you aren't familiar with the era or don't read a lot of non-fiction, but personally I think the author did an excellent job of juggling context and narrative. Highly recommend!
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Alison Weir, and Ballantine Books for providing me with a copy of this book, which allows me to provide you with this review.
In a style that she has made popular, Weir chooses a lesser known member of the the English monarchy (more times than not, a Tudor, as is the case again here) and gives a thorough account that leaves amateur enthusiasts astounded and begging for more. Answering that key question, 'Who was Margaret Douglas?', Weir offers the reader an explosive look into her life, filled with an assortment of dramatic and politically monumental events. Born to a Scottish earl and Margaret Tudor (sister to the famed Henry VIII) in England, Douglas spent much of her early years in Scotland, living under the reign of her half-brother, James V. Weir depicts a somewhat rebellious Douglas, who became a thorn in her father's side as she sided with the English in the ongoing skirmishes with Scotland, which was further exacerbated when she entered into an unauthorised engagement to Thomas Howard which saw her uncle, Henry VIII, send her to the Tower of London. Douglas was able to return to her uncle's favour in her young adult life and served within the court to some of her step-aunts, though left for Scotland later in her adult life to make roots of her own. Marrying the 4th Earl of Lennox, she secured a place in the Scottish aristocracy, while remaining on the cusp of being in line for the English throne. It was while Elizabeth I ruled England that Weir presents a new round of trouble for Lady Lennox, whose son was set to marry the famous Mary, Queen of Scots. With Elizabeth I ill-prepared to stomach deception, even by her cousin, Lady Lennox was forced before a tribunal to face charges related to this potential union. When Mary gives birth to a son, the future James VI of Scotland and James I of England, the key player in Weir's story secures her place in English history, as both a mother and grandmother to an English monarch. As Weir paints an interesting portrait of Lady Lennox's waning years, the reader can bask in the depths to which this lesser known Tudor truly reached in her life and the number of key players in history who owe some success to her influence. Weir's recent effort is to be lauded by amateur historians and Tudor fanatics alike, as she brings to life a seemingly obscure character and solidifies the extreme importance of a previously unknown Margaret Douglas.
Weir's ability to tell such an intricate story should be applauded on numerous levels. First and foremost, the intricate detail found within the pages of this biography comes from painstaking research and obscure document retrieval. As the scores of footnotes exemplify, Weir relies on first-hand accounts and not solely previous published works to give depth to her book. Secondly, that this is a biography can be lost on the reader at times, as the prose is less a dry presentation of facts, but a well-plotted story, whose narrative flows as seamlessly as a piece of fiction. This could be why Weir is so accomplished at turning some of her non-fiction pieces into works of fiction as well. Her voice flows through the text and the story comers to life, almost allowing the reader to illustrate the goings-on in their mind as they read. Finally, she not only highlights key events in English (and European) history, but places her seemingly lesser-known key figure into the mix and shows how they shaped history and proved to be highly important in the larger narrative. Events well known to the reader are fleshed out and the influences are better understood when told through this narrative.
Weir has been a formidable figure in English history, specifically during the reign of the Tudors. For many years I have found myself flocking back to her tomes to learn more about the family, the dynasty, and the legacy that this one family left the English people. That Weir is able to complete thorough and captivating biographical pieces of these figures never ceases to astound me. I will gladly recommend this and all her other pieces of fiction and non-fiction alike to any reader who seeks to better understand the Tudors and those within their tangled family tree who influenced change during their time on the English throne.
Kudos, Madam Weir for this fascinating biography. The forgotten and lost princess is surely a wonderful title, though Margaret Douglas is soon seen to be a powerful force in the Tudor court.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
In a style that she has made popular, Weir chooses a lesser known member of the the English monarchy (more times than not, a Tudor, as is the case again here) and gives a thorough account that leaves amateur enthusiasts astounded and begging for more. Answering that key question, 'Who was Margaret Douglas?', Weir offers the reader an explosive look into her life, filled with an assortment of dramatic and politically monumental events. Born to a Scottish earl and Margaret Tudor (sister to the famed Henry VIII) in England, Douglas spent much of her early years in Scotland, living under the reign of her half-brother, James V. Weir depicts a somewhat rebellious Douglas, who became a thorn in her father's side as she sided with the English in the ongoing skirmishes with Scotland, which was further exacerbated when she entered into an unauthorised engagement to Thomas Howard which saw her uncle, Henry VIII, send her to the Tower of London. Douglas was able to return to her uncle's favour in her young adult life and served within the court to some of her step-aunts, though left for Scotland later in her adult life to make roots of her own. Marrying the 4th Earl of Lennox, she secured a place in the Scottish aristocracy, while remaining on the cusp of being in line for the English throne. It was while Elizabeth I ruled England that Weir presents a new round of trouble for Lady Lennox, whose son was set to marry the famous Mary, Queen of Scots. With Elizabeth I ill-prepared to stomach deception, even by her cousin, Lady Lennox was forced before a tribunal to face charges related to this potential union. When Mary gives birth to a son, the future James VI of Scotland and James I of England, the key player in Weir's story secures her place in English history, as both a mother and grandmother to an English monarch. As Weir paints an interesting portrait of Lady Lennox's waning years, the reader can bask in the depths to which this lesser known Tudor truly reached in her life and the number of key players in history who owe some success to her influence. Weir's recent effort is to be lauded by amateur historians and Tudor fanatics alike, as she brings to life a seemingly obscure character and solidifies the extreme importance of a previously unknown Margaret Douglas.
Weir's ability to tell such an intricate story should be applauded on numerous levels. First and foremost, the intricate detail found within the pages of this biography comes from painstaking research and obscure document retrieval. As the scores of footnotes exemplify, Weir relies on first-hand accounts and not solely previous published works to give depth to her book. Secondly, that this is a biography can be lost on the reader at times, as the prose is less a dry presentation of facts, but a well-plotted story, whose narrative flows as seamlessly as a piece of fiction. This could be why Weir is so accomplished at turning some of her non-fiction pieces into works of fiction as well. Her voice flows through the text and the story comers to life, almost allowing the reader to illustrate the goings-on in their mind as they read. Finally, she not only highlights key events in English (and European) history, but places her seemingly lesser-known key figure into the mix and shows how they shaped history and proved to be highly important in the larger narrative. Events well known to the reader are fleshed out and the influences are better understood when told through this narrative.
Weir has been a formidable figure in English history, specifically during the reign of the Tudors. For many years I have found myself flocking back to her tomes to learn more about the family, the dynasty, and the legacy that this one family left the English people. That Weir is able to complete thorough and captivating biographical pieces of these figures never ceases to astound me. I will gladly recommend this and all her other pieces of fiction and non-fiction alike to any reader who seeks to better understand the Tudors and those within their tangled family tree who influenced change during their time on the English throne.
Kudos, Madam Weir for this fascinating biography. The forgotten and lost princess is surely a wonderful title, though Margaret Douglas is soon seen to be a powerful force in the Tudor court.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
The abundance of biographies, novels, movies, and television focused on the Tudors makes it appear that every angle of their lives has been dissected and discussed. So it is surprising (and delightful) to find a book that is the first biography written about a fascinating and important member of that family. It’s even better when the biography is penned by well-known historian Allison Weir. I’ve read and enjoyed several other biographies written by Allison Weir, and this book is no exception.
Tudor princess Margaret Douglas was born with a claim to both the English and Scottish crowns. Her mother, Margaret Tudor, was queen of Scotland, and her half-brother, James V, became King of Scotland. Her grandfather was Henry VII of England, and her uncle was the infamous Henry VIII. Her royal blood proved to be both a blessing and a curse. She came of age at the English court, and received favor (most of the time) from Henry VIII. But she was often under suspicion as a Catholic and potential usurper to the English throne.
Before reading this book, my only real knowledge of Margaret was as the mother of the ill-fated Lord Darnley, the murdered husband of Mary Queen of Scots. She had been a peripheral character in the biographies of others. Allison Weir’s book sheds light on this strong and powerful woman who lead a fascinating life and navigated the treacherous Tudor court. She is a true survivor.
Margaret spent her early life in Scotland with her mother, and then joined the court of her uncle Henry VIII after her parents divorced. During Henry’s reign, she served as lady in waiting to queens Anne Boleyn, Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Katherine Parr. She also wrote poetry and, to Henry’s great displeasure fell in love twice. One of these affairs landed her in the Tower of London. Finally, with Henry’s approval, she married Matthew Stuart, Earl of Lennox. Their marriage was a love match, but nonetheless was filled with controversy and tragedy.
Margaret and Lennox devoted their lives to the dynastic claims of their children. Without the consent of Elizabeth I, they plotted for their son Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley to marry Mary Queen of Scots. This action landed them both in the Tower and later resulted in Darnley’s murder. Margaret would be sent to the Tower one more time after marrying off her son Charles without Elizabeth’s consent.
Weir’s research and information is extremely thorough and she brings Margaret into sharp focus. Those interested in Tudor history or biographies of strong females will enjoy this book.
Tudor princess Margaret Douglas was born with a claim to both the English and Scottish crowns. Her mother, Margaret Tudor, was queen of Scotland, and her half-brother, James V, became King of Scotland. Her grandfather was Henry VII of England, and her uncle was the infamous Henry VIII. Her royal blood proved to be both a blessing and a curse. She came of age at the English court, and received favor (most of the time) from Henry VIII. But she was often under suspicion as a Catholic and potential usurper to the English throne.
Before reading this book, my only real knowledge of Margaret was as the mother of the ill-fated Lord Darnley, the murdered husband of Mary Queen of Scots. She had been a peripheral character in the biographies of others. Allison Weir’s book sheds light on this strong and powerful woman who lead a fascinating life and navigated the treacherous Tudor court. She is a true survivor.
Margaret spent her early life in Scotland with her mother, and then joined the court of her uncle Henry VIII after her parents divorced. During Henry’s reign, she served as lady in waiting to queens Anne Boleyn, Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Katherine Parr. She also wrote poetry and, to Henry’s great displeasure fell in love twice. One of these affairs landed her in the Tower of London. Finally, with Henry’s approval, she married Matthew Stuart, Earl of Lennox. Their marriage was a love match, but nonetheless was filled with controversy and tragedy.
Margaret and Lennox devoted their lives to the dynastic claims of their children. Without the consent of Elizabeth I, they plotted for their son Henry Stuart, Lord Darnley to marry Mary Queen of Scots. This action landed them both in the Tower and later resulted in Darnley’s murder. Margaret would be sent to the Tower one more time after marrying off her son Charles without Elizabeth’s consent.
Weir’s research and information is extremely thorough and she brings Margaret into sharp focus. Those interested in Tudor history or biographies of strong females will enjoy this book.
I received an advanced reader copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
I love this time period, and will read anything related to the Tudors. This was a really interesting look into Margaret Douglas, who is not as well known as many others in the family but still was absolutely vital in the royal family and issues related to succession in England and Scotland.
As with other Alison Weird histories, it is incredibly detailed and written in a way that is mostly easy to follow. It's a really interesting story and helpful to put the Tudor saga in a different context. Given the level of detail that goes into these books, there are parts that drag some. It seems that Margaret and her husband spent much of their lives sick, and each illness is documented in case you were curious! But there is also plenty of intrigue, treasonous plotting, murder, and political angling.
Overall it's a really interesting for those who want to learn as much as possible about the Tudor family line, and have the time to read all the details!
I love this time period, and will read anything related to the Tudors. This was a really interesting look into Margaret Douglas, who is not as well known as many others in the family but still was absolutely vital in the royal family and issues related to succession in England and Scotland.
As with other Alison Weird histories, it is incredibly detailed and written in a way that is mostly easy to follow. It's a really interesting story and helpful to put the Tudor saga in a different context. Given the level of detail that goes into these books, there are parts that drag some. It seems that Margaret and her husband spent much of their lives sick, and each illness is documented in case you were curious! But there is also plenty of intrigue, treasonous plotting, murder, and political angling.
Overall it's a really interesting for those who want to learn as much as possible about the Tudor family line, and have the time to read all the details!