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Nicola Tallis

Elizabeth’s Rival

The Tumultuous Tale of Lettice Knollys, Countess of Leicester

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Details

Imprint: O'Mara Books

Publication date: 15/11/2018

ISBN: 9781782439240

Subject: Non-Fiction

Categories: Biographies, Science - History - Philosophy

Binding: Paperback

Size: 198 x 129 mm

Extent: 448 pages

Illustration: 2 x 8pp colour plate sections

Territorial Rights: World ex North America

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Summary:

'Nicola Tallis, one of our great popular historians.' Alison Weir

The first biography of Lettice Knollys, one of the most prominent women of the Elizabethan era.

Cousin to Elizabeth I – and very likely also Henry VIII’s illegitimate granddaughter – Lettice Knollys had a life of dizzying highs and pitiful lows. Darling of the court, entangled in a love triangle with Robert Dudley and Elizabeth I, banished from court, plagued by scandals of affairs and murder, embroiled in treason, Lettice would go on to lose a husband and beloved son to the executioner’s axe. Living to the astonishing age of ninety-one, Lettice’s tale gives us a remarkable, personal lens on to the grand sweep of the Tudor Age, with those closest to her often at the heart of the events that defined it.

In the first ever biography of this extraordinary woman, Nicola Tallis’s dramatic narrative takes us through those events, including the religious turmoil, plots and intrigues of Mary, Queen of Scots, attempted coups, and bloody Irish conflicts, among others. Surviving well into the reign of Charles I, Lettice truly was the last of the great Elizabethans.

Reviews:

Stunning ... Nicola Tallis brings this remarkable woman out of the shadows and dazzlingly to life. It is a story of love, loss, intrigue and betrayal, and is told with customary finesse by one of our most talented historians. Not to be missed.

Tracy Borman

A fascinating insight both into Lettice herself and into the wider stories and life of the age.

The Spectator

Beautiful and thought-provoking ... Elizabeth's Rival stands as a testament as to why the figures that are cast aside in history should be explored.

All About History

Nicola Tallis brings us into a complex, compelling world, suffused with intrigue, betrayal, love and heartbreak, centred around the fascinating figure of Lettice Knollys. She is well deserving of such a biography.

History Today

Wonderfully written and researched ... I couldn't put it down.

Tudors Dynasty

A lively, colourful ride through the Tudor years and their Stuart postscript.

The Bookbag

Expertly researched and beautifully written ... Elizabeth's Rival is a tour de force.

Adrienne Dillard Blog

Sales points:

  • Gives readers a new and personal perspective on the events of the Tudor period and early Stuarts – Lettice lived through the reigns of Henry VIII, Edward VI, Mary I, Elizabeth I, James I and Charles I

  • Examines the relationship between Queen Elizabeth I and Lettice's husband, Robert Dudley, 1st Earl of Leicester, within the context of his third marriage

  • Explores the effect that Lettice’s marriage had on her relationship with Elizabeth I, and what this reveals about Elizabeth’s attitude towards women

  • This is the stunning new book from Nicola Tallis, whose debut book Crown of Blood: The Deadly Inheritance of Lady Jane Grey has been widely praised

  • Publication to coincide with the release of the film Mary Queen of Scots

  • Praise for Crown of Blood: * ‘History as it should be written, vivid, colourful, pacy and evocative, but – above all – authentic and based on sound and innovative research.’ – Alison Weir * ‘Solid gold!’ – Tracy Borman * ‘A wonderful investigation … enlightening and gripping, full of superb research and beautifully written.’ – Kate Williams * ‘A stunning debut’ – Spectator * ‘Poignant’ – New York Times * ‘Brings us as close to a flesh-and-blood Lady Jane Grey as we may ever come.’ – History Today

About the Author:

Nicola Tallis

Dr Nicola Tallis is a British historian and researcher. Her debut book, Crown of Blood: The Deadly Inheritance of Lady Jane Grey, was published to wide praise. She has previously lectured at the University of Winchester and worked with Historic Royal Palaces and the National Trust.