On the positive side, this biography of Mary Queen of Scots is a good narrative history, adding details to a story I've encountered many times previously. On the less positive side, I found little in the author's analysis and interpretation of events I felt I could agree with. I soured on the author early on, when Francois II of France was described as "retarded both mentally and physically," which struck me as a bit harsh. Furthermore, the author leaned into the characterization of Mary as a spoiled princess and often described her as "hysterical" or crying when events didn't go her way, which left me wondering if the author might be somewhat sexist. While I appreciated some aspects of this book, it's far from the best biography of this famous queen that I've read (John Guy's Queen of Scots provided a much better analysis, imho). ( )

Pretty solid and balanced information the author however was definitely predisposed to attribute immature motives to Mary's behaviors. In truth we have no idea why she made the choices she made. I like that he made her neither a demon nor a innocent but left it instead up to the reader. ( )

Nothing new in this book, except the author's perspective. Very sympathetic towards Mary. ( )

Mary is going to be killed by another queen.So she writes letter for her son.He doesn not understand her.He thinks that his mother killed his father.She writes about her life in the letter.she married some times.And she experienced different hard things.
When I read this book, I was impressed very much.She is very strong.Because many　hard things happen,but she lived strong.And,when she understood that she is killed,she worry whether her family are sad.She are not afraid her dead.I am impressed her. ( )

What a fabulous, well researched, well written book. History written to read as easily as fiction. One of the best biographies, along with the John Guy biography, of Mary, Queen of Scots! ( )