An analysis of the volatile court life and challenges during the youth and early reign of Elizabeth I discusses her attempted seduction by Thomas Seymour, the overwhelming support that favored her sister, and the scandals that prompted the creation of her "Virgin Queen" persona.

This epic book brings to vivid life five powerful Norman queens, from Matilda of Flanders, wife of William the Conqueror, to the Empress Matilda, mother to King Henry II, founder of the Plantagenet dynasty. The lives of England's medieval queens were packed with tragedy, betrayal, love, warfare, adultery and mystery -- but their stories are obscured by centuries of myth and prejudice against these powerful women. These Norman queens were actually...