The Trial of Mary Queen of Scots: A Brief History with Documents (Bedford Series in History and Culture) [Hardcover]

Jayne Elizabeth Lewis (Author)

Book Description

ISBN-10: 031221815X | ISBN-13: 978-0312218157 | Publication Date: December 15, 1998

The treason trial and execution of Mary Queen of Scots in 1586 constitutes a crucial moment in English history. This brief history with documents uses the conflict between Mary and her cousin Elizabeth Tudor, Queen of England, and its violent outcomes to explore a variety of important themes in English history including religion, nationality, sovereignty, gender, and the legitimacy of female rule. An extensive introduction discusses the trial and the events that precipitated it and offers relevant background on the political and religious history of sixteenth-century England. Nine primary documents--including treatises on the legitimacy of female rule, trial records, Elizabeth's speeches to parliament, letters between Mary and Elizabeth, and accounts of the trial by contemporaries--immerse the reader in debates and controversies surrounding the two queens and the trial.

Editorial Reviews

Review

'Lewis's introduction provides students of European and Women's History with a clear understanding of the intersections of religion, politics, and gender in sixteenth-century Britain' - Carole Levin, University of Nebraska --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

About the Author

Elizabeth Jayne Lewis is Associate Professor of English Literature at the University of California, Los Angeles.

Product Details

• Hardcover: 138 pages
• Publisher: Bedford/St Martin's (December 15, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 031221815X
• ISBN-13: 978-0312218157
• Product Dimensions: 8.6 x 5.6 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 10.6 ounces
• Average Customer Review: 4.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #2,669,547 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Great for the more enthusiastic Mary fans., June 4, 2001

By 

Kayleigh Jamison "Kayleigh Jamison" (Baltimore-Washington Metro Area) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Trial of Mary Queen of Scots: A Brief History with Documents (Bedford Series in History and Culture) (Hardcover)

This book is short, but packed full of information. I would not recommend it for anyone unfamiliar with Mary Queen of Scots, however, as it demands a basic historical knowledge from the reader, in order for it to be appreciated. If you've an idea of what Mary was about, though, and want to learn more about this turning point in her life, I would definately suggest this book as a good place to start. Lewis accurately portrays all sides of the event, including those which have little historical evidence to support them.

6 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars Review of Lewis's 'Mary Queen Of Scots', March 28, 2001

By 

Zeeboid "Zeeboid" (Apple Valley, Minnesota) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Trial of Mary Queen of Scots: A Brief History with Documents (Bedford Series in History & Culture) (Paperback)

This is a wonderfully written text. I was forced to read it for a class and ended up keeping it because it was a steady/easy read with more then enough information then was needed for class work. Lewis does a great job of convening a lot of the trials and tribulations of Mary. Highly suggested if you have a class and need something to study up on, have a report on Mary, or just want a book that talks about Mary, Queen of Scots without the tone of a boring history teacher.