Double Life of Doctor Lopez [Illustrated] [Hardcover]

Dominic Green (Author)

Book Description

Publication Date: May 22, 2003

Born a crypto-Jew in Portugal in 1525, Roderigo Lopez studied medicine in Spain before moving to London in 1559. A talented surgeon, Lopez soon rose to prominence at court, displaying a capacity for intrigue and espionage. In the service of spy networks, he became deeply entwined in English foreign policy. When the 1st Earl of Essex was poisoned to death, Lopez numbered amongs those suspected. But in 1586, undeterred by the scandal, he was appointed personal physician to the Queen. However, Lopez was financially over-extended and became so desperate he embarked on a high-risk enterprise as freelance diplomat and spymaster, contacting the Spanish in an attempt to se up peace talks. Suspicious of Lopez, the 2nd Earl of Essex began an investigation. The case against Lopez was damning with stories of botched abortions and murder, sa houses and mail drops, double agents and triple identities. Lacking vital corroboration of his story by the Spanish, and despite the Queen's support, amidst an atmosphere of anti-Semitism stirred up by Essex, Lopez was hung drawn and quartered in 1594. He protested his loyalty and Christianity to the last, and provided the young Shakespeare with inspiration for a topical new play.

Editorial Reviews

About the Author

Dominic Green was born in London in 1970. He read English Literature at Oxford University and then became a professional guitar player. He has played and recorded with many world-famous artists including Burt Bacharach, Elvis Costello and Dionne Warwick. He was jazz critic for LBC Radio and is the author of Benny Green: Words and Music (Allison & Busby, 2000). He lives in north London.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 416 pages
• Publisher: Century Hutchinson; illustrated edition edition (May 22, 2003)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0712615393
• ISBN-13: 978-0712615396
• Product Dimensions: 9.2 x 5.9 x 1.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.5 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (1 customer review)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,832,803 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

More About the Author

Born in London, Dominic Green was educated at Oxford University, Harvard University, and Brandeis University, where he was the Mandel Fellow in the Humanities, and taught history and writing. Currently he is working on his next book, 'The Religious Revolution' (Farrar, Strauss and Giroux). For more information, see www.dominicgreen.net

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Simply the best Elizabethan 'faction' book I've read..., July 1, 2005

By 

J. Green (Vancouver, BC, Canada) - See all my reviews
(REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Double Life of Doctor Lopez (Hardcover)

From its Joycean opening to its meticulous and affable investigation of the life of Lopez, this book is simply gripping. It's rare to find a writer with so obvious a love of language and such a firm grip on the Elizabethan mileau. If this era is of the slightest interest to you, this book is an essential addition to any self-respecting library.