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The Stolen Crown: Treachery, Deceit, and the Death of the Tudor Dynasty
“Compelling and brilliant—don’t miss it!”—Alison Weir
From the acclaimed royal historian, the dramatic and untold story of the lie about the controversial succession that ended the Tudor era and changed the course of British history
In the long and dramatic annals of British history, no transition from one monarch to another has been as fraught and consequential as that which ended the Tudor dynasty and launched the Stuart in March 1603. At her death, Elizabeth I had reigned for 44 turbulent years, facing many threats, whether external from Spain or internal from her cousin Mary, Queen of Scots. But no danger was greater than the uncertainty over who would succeed her, which only intensified as her reign lengthened. Her unwillingness to marry or name a successor gave rise to fierce rivalry between blood claimants to the throne—Mary and her son, James VI of Scotland, Arbella Stuart, Lady Katherine Grey, Henry Hastings, and more—which threatened to destabilize the monarchy.
As acclaimed Tudor historian Tracy Borman reveals in The Stolen Crown, according to Elizabeth’s earliest biographer, William Camden, in his history of her reign, on her deathbed the queen indicated James was her chosen heir, and indeed he did become king soon after she died. That endorsement has been accepted as fact for more than four centuries. However, recent analysis of Camden’s original manuscript shows key passages were pasted over and rewritten to burnish James’ legacy. The newly-uncovered pages make clear not only that Elizabeth’s naming of James never happened, but that James, uncertain he would ever gain the British throne, was even suspected of sending an assassin to London to kill the queen. Had all this been known at the time, the English people—bitter enemies with Scotland for centuries—might well not have accepted James as their king, with unimagined ramifications.
Inspired by the revelations over Camden’s manuscript, Borman sheds rare new light on Elizabeth’s historic reign, chronicling it through the lens of the various claimants who, over decades, sought the throne of the only English monarch not to make provision for her successor. The consequences were immense. Not only did James upend Elizabeth’s glittering court, but the illegitimacy of his claim to the throne, which Camden suppressed, found full expression in the catastrophic reign of James’ son and successor, Charles I. His execution in 1649 shocked the world and destroyed the monarchy fewer than 50 years after Elizabeth died, changing the course of British and world history.
From the acclaimed royal historian, the dramatic and untold story of the lie about the controversial succession that ended the Tudor era and changed the course of British history
In the long and dramatic annals of British history, no transition from one monarch to another has been as fraught and consequential as that which ended the Tudor dynasty and launched the Stuart in March 1603. At her death, Elizabeth I had reigned for 44 turbulent years, facing many threats, whether external from Spain or internal from her cousin Mary, Queen of Scots. But no danger was greater than the uncertainty over who would succeed her, which only intensified as her reign lengthened. Her unwillingness to marry or name a successor gave rise to fierce rivalry between blood claimants to the throne—Mary and her son, James VI of Scotland, Arbella Stuart, Lady Katherine Grey, Henry Hastings, and more—which threatened to destabilize the monarchy.
As acclaimed Tudor historian Tracy Borman reveals in The Stolen Crown, according to Elizabeth’s earliest biographer, William Camden, in his history of her reign, on her deathbed the queen indicated James was her chosen heir, and indeed he did become king soon after she died. That endorsement has been accepted as fact for more than four centuries. However, recent analysis of Camden’s original manuscript shows key passages were pasted over and rewritten to burnish James’ legacy. The newly-uncovered pages make clear not only that Elizabeth’s naming of James never happened, but that James, uncertain he would ever gain the British throne, was even suspected of sending an assassin to London to kill the queen. Had all this been known at the time, the English people—bitter enemies with Scotland for centuries—might well not have accepted James as their king, with unimagined ramifications.
Inspired by the revelations over Camden’s manuscript, Borman sheds rare new light on Elizabeth’s historic reign, chronicling it through the lens of the various claimants who, over decades, sought the throne of the only English monarch not to make provision for her successor. The consequences were immense. Not only did James upend Elizabeth’s glittering court, but the illegitimacy of his claim to the throne, which Camden suppressed, found full expression in the catastrophic reign of James’ son and successor, Charles I. His execution in 1649 shocked the world and destroyed the monarchy fewer than 50 years after Elizabeth died, changing the course of British and world history.
491 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 4, 2025
290 people are currently reading
7501 people want to read
About the author
Tracy Borman
23 books857 followersTracy Borman, PhD, FRHistS, FSA is a historian and author from Scothern, United Kingdom. She is most widely known as the author of Elizabeth's Women.
Borman was born and brought up in the village of Scothern, England near Lincoln. She was educated at Scothern Primary School (now Ellison Boulters School), William Farr School, Welton, and Yarborough School, Lincoln. She taught history at the University of Hull, where she was awarded a Ph.D in 1997. Elizabeth's Women was serialized and became a BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week in September 2009. Tracy Borman appeared on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour, also in September 2009
Borman was born and brought up in the village of Scothern, England near Lincoln. She was educated at Scothern Primary School (now Ellison Boulters School), William Farr School, Welton, and Yarborough School, Lincoln. She taught history at the University of Hull, where she was awarded a Ph.D in 1997. Elizabeth's Women was serialized and became a BBC Radio 4 Book of the Week in September 2009. Tracy Borman appeared on BBC Radio 4's Woman's Hour, also in September 2009
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 105 reviews
November 3, 2025
Oh, that rascally Lizzie the first. Did you know she played one of the longest games of "I'm not going to tell you, but you can try and guess" of all time? No big deal. It just had to do with the future of England.
Tracy Borman tackles the succession drama of Elizabeth I in her fantastic The Stolen Crown. I was going to say that Borman treats the subject matter much more seriously than my opening sentence. However, that would be (like Elizabeth) a bit misleading. Underneath all of the sterling research and excellent storytelling is an author who will slyly let a few digs fly when you aren't paying attention. Yes, I am puerile where she is not, but we all have our parts to play.
My sole warning for the reader is that Borman is laser focused on Elizabeth and her succession in this book. Yes, that seems obvious, but very often books will say they are about one thing while pulling in numerous other stories. Not so here. Instead, Borman walks us all the way through Elizabeth's long reign and how she handled the question on almost every English mind. For example, the Spanish Armada is mentioned, but only in how it affected Elizabeth's mindset towards the succession and James' machinations around it. Borman never seems tempted to analyze anything extraneous. This is by no means a criticism. I found it refreshing to read a title so utterly dedicated to one historical thread. It is also so well put together and thorough that I would venture to say I never need another book on this particular subject. Borman has put Elizabeth's succession to bed.
Which is very ironic since Elizabeth refused to...
(This book was provided as an advance copy by NetGalley and Grove Atlantic.)
Tracy Borman tackles the succession drama of Elizabeth I in her fantastic The Stolen Crown. I was going to say that Borman treats the subject matter much more seriously than my opening sentence. However, that would be (like Elizabeth) a bit misleading. Underneath all of the sterling research and excellent storytelling is an author who will slyly let a few digs fly when you aren't paying attention. Yes, I am puerile where she is not, but we all have our parts to play.
My sole warning for the reader is that Borman is laser focused on Elizabeth and her succession in this book. Yes, that seems obvious, but very often books will say they are about one thing while pulling in numerous other stories. Not so here. Instead, Borman walks us all the way through Elizabeth's long reign and how she handled the question on almost every English mind. For example, the Spanish Armada is mentioned, but only in how it affected Elizabeth's mindset towards the succession and James' machinations around it. Borman never seems tempted to analyze anything extraneous. This is by no means a criticism. I found it refreshing to read a title so utterly dedicated to one historical thread. It is also so well put together and thorough that I would venture to say I never need another book on this particular subject. Borman has put Elizabeth's succession to bed.
Which is very ironic since Elizabeth refused to...
(This book was provided as an advance copy by NetGalley and Grove Atlantic.)
July 17, 2025
This book by Tracy Borman is an eye-opener on one woman’s (a queen no less) constant, unremitting, battle for survival in a world of male politics. Taking one issue only – who was to succeed Elizabeth I after her death, Ms Borman reveals a web of plotting, planning, counter-plotting, manoeuvring, subterfuge, and at times…panic. What is all too clear is the only person Elizabeth could trust was herself.
Elizabeth was famously tight-lipped about naming her successor, and over the course of the book we learn whey she was right to remain so. She had an exhausting juggling act to satisfy the expectations of politicians, the public, foreign powers, and herself. I also had not realised that the succession was not a matter of the closest blood relative, as Henry VIIIs last will and testament, and the preference of the reigning monarch, also played a part.
As a lay person with a curiosity about the Tudors, I had not understood Arbela’s lineage as the daughter of Henry VIIs sister. We learn of the miserable, cloistered, claustrophobic life this poor woman lived, simply because she was a potential rival for the monarchy.
The chapters about James were especially enlightening – verging on infuriating. Elizabeth tried to school this duplicitous ingratiate in how to be a good monarch, but he largely told her what she wanted to hear and continued being a misogynist of epic proportions. Oh, and an interesting fact. The Union Jack (after Jacobus or James) was his invention, a flag used as a device to try and unite the nations under his monarchy.
An outstanding book, which many would be proud to call a life’s work. Essential reading for anyone interested in or studying the end of the Tudor era.
Elizabeth was famously tight-lipped about naming her successor, and over the course of the book we learn whey she was right to remain so. She had an exhausting juggling act to satisfy the expectations of politicians, the public, foreign powers, and herself. I also had not realised that the succession was not a matter of the closest blood relative, as Henry VIIIs last will and testament, and the preference of the reigning monarch, also played a part.
As a lay person with a curiosity about the Tudors, I had not understood Arbela’s lineage as the daughter of Henry VIIs sister. We learn of the miserable, cloistered, claustrophobic life this poor woman lived, simply because she was a potential rival for the monarchy.
The chapters about James were especially enlightening – verging on infuriating. Elizabeth tried to school this duplicitous ingratiate in how to be a good monarch, but he largely told her what she wanted to hear and continued being a misogynist of epic proportions. Oh, and an interesting fact. The Union Jack (after Jacobus or James) was his invention, a flag used as a device to try and unite the nations under his monarchy.
An outstanding book, which many would be proud to call a life’s work. Essential reading for anyone interested in or studying the end of the Tudor era.
October 21, 2025
BORMAN IS A TUDOR QUEEN
Honestly, I love her books about the Tudors. They should be mandated reading for anyone wanting to get into this era of history.
What I Liked
👍 Comprehensive: Who had a claim to the English throne after the death of Elizabeth I? It you don't know the answer to that question, this book will fill you in on ALL the candidates. But don't worry, even though it's very comprehensive and thorough, you won't ever feel overwhelmed or bogged down during your reading.
👍 Writing: Borman is a master at writing for the masses without dumbing herself down. This a book that pretty much everyone can follow and understand. It's entertaining as well as enlightening.
👍 Research: There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Borman has done her research, and done it well. It shines through one every page, making it a pleasure to keep flipping through.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Honestly, I love her books about the Tudors. They should be mandated reading for anyone wanting to get into this era of history.
What I Liked
👍 Comprehensive: Who had a claim to the English throne after the death of Elizabeth I? It you don't know the answer to that question, this book will fill you in on ALL the candidates. But don't worry, even though it's very comprehensive and thorough, you won't ever feel overwhelmed or bogged down during your reading.
👍 Writing: Borman is a master at writing for the masses without dumbing herself down. This a book that pretty much everyone can follow and understand. It's entertaining as well as enlightening.
👍 Research: There is absolutely no doubt in my mind that Borman has done her research, and done it well. It shines through one every page, making it a pleasure to keep flipping through.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
October 4, 2025
Thanks so much to NetGalley for the free Kindle book. My review is voluntarily given, and my opinions are my own.
This was my first time reading a book by Tracy Borman, so I really didn't know what to expect. I really enjoyed it and will definitely be looking up more of her books. I haven't previously read much about this period in history, other than just studying in my various history classes (and those were years and years ago). So although I recognized many of names in this book, I learned so much from this book. Which is always the point.
Definitely would recommend!
This was my first time reading a book by Tracy Borman, so I really didn't know what to expect. I really enjoyed it and will definitely be looking up more of her books. I haven't previously read much about this period in history, other than just studying in my various history classes (and those were years and years ago). So although I recognized many of names in this book, I learned so much from this book. Which is always the point.
Definitely would recommend!
November 20, 2025
Though I disagree with the conclusion that the accession of James VI of Scotland into James I of England was stolen in any way, shape or form, I will give the book much credit for exploration of an underexplored area of English history. Only in about half a dozen - maybe - times in British history has the monarch's clear line of succession not been abundantly clear (or usurped), and this one is somewhat hotly contested. In essence, Elizabeth's lack of progeny through non-marriage, as well as a lack of surviving legitimate siblings through any of Henry VIII's queens, meant that upon her death that the crown was passed on through more complicated lineage than usual. After Elizabeth's death, the direct descendants of Henry VIII were all gone. It then goes back to Henry VII and Stuart marriage.
Or does it? That's the question the book and the subjects of it were forced to ask. Because of the twisted genealogical tree of the Tudors, and the laws of British succession, the next in line could be argued a bit. It had to go back further to the grand-generation and Yorkist/Lancastrian/Stuart claims. To put it too simply because of multiple lines: who was grandfather Henry's next heir from way back?
Borman's book doesn't concentrate on this and that is completely fine. The focus is on how the late Tudors transitioned the crown over to the Stuarts rather than a distant Tudor. Simply put: they had a more direct claim, though distant. Though it is not addressed here, there clearly (and still is) some anti-Scottish bias after centuries of internecine warfare. There is also the "are we Catholic or Anglican (Scots were Presbyterian)" anxiety going on. None of that is addressed here. Only the interpretation over the vagaries of a single document detailing whether James of Scotland or a more English descendant from a different more distant branch of Henry VIII's tree had the better claim. That, and did the gesture of a dying and mute and failing-fast Elizabeth I on her deathbed, indicate her desire that the crown goes to James?
In the end, I give the book my rating because I found it made complicated matters clear though I did not agree with the thesis that perhaps the crown was not legitimately handed down. I found myself engaged and interrogating it nonetheless. The title is also a little misleading and turgid to gin up sales, but it does cover the element of the succession as a through line without much digression which is admirable. Two thirds of the book covers Elizabeth's role in the confusion, before turning to the Stuarts in the final third, covering the reign of James and finally how this all led to Charles I and the (temporary) end of the monarchy. Pretty dire consequences for a simple misinterpretation!
Ultimately, I recommend it with a critical mind and to come to your own conclusions. It is certainly worth it for the lucidity of the analysis and the portraits of the monarchs presented here. If you are an enthusiast of this period, your mind is probably already made up. Fascinating for a period that is turbulent for its ideological divide and remarkable that it didn't lead to more palpable political and civil strife, though Borman is correct to connect the tissue to the reign of Charles I and conclude that perhaps it did finally create the strife after all. For depth of research and lucidity, bravo.
Or does it? That's the question the book and the subjects of it were forced to ask. Because of the twisted genealogical tree of the Tudors, and the laws of British succession, the next in line could be argued a bit. It had to go back further to the grand-generation and Yorkist/Lancastrian/Stuart claims. To put it too simply because of multiple lines: who was grandfather Henry's next heir from way back?
Borman's book doesn't concentrate on this and that is completely fine. The focus is on how the late Tudors transitioned the crown over to the Stuarts rather than a distant Tudor. Simply put: they had a more direct claim, though distant. Though it is not addressed here, there clearly (and still is) some anti-Scottish bias after centuries of internecine warfare. There is also the "are we Catholic or Anglican (Scots were Presbyterian)" anxiety going on. None of that is addressed here. Only the interpretation over the vagaries of a single document detailing whether James of Scotland or a more English descendant from a different more distant branch of Henry VIII's tree had the better claim. That, and did the gesture of a dying and mute and failing-fast Elizabeth I on her deathbed, indicate her desire that the crown goes to James?
In the end, I give the book my rating because I found it made complicated matters clear though I did not agree with the thesis that perhaps the crown was not legitimately handed down. I found myself engaged and interrogating it nonetheless. The title is also a little misleading and turgid to gin up sales, but it does cover the element of the succession as a through line without much digression which is admirable. Two thirds of the book covers Elizabeth's role in the confusion, before turning to the Stuarts in the final third, covering the reign of James and finally how this all led to Charles I and the (temporary) end of the monarchy. Pretty dire consequences for a simple misinterpretation!
Ultimately, I recommend it with a critical mind and to come to your own conclusions. It is certainly worth it for the lucidity of the analysis and the portraits of the monarchs presented here. If you are an enthusiast of this period, your mind is probably already made up. Fascinating for a period that is turbulent for its ideological divide and remarkable that it didn't lead to more palpable political and civil strife, though Borman is correct to connect the tissue to the reign of Charles I and conclude that perhaps it did finally create the strife after all. For depth of research and lucidity, bravo.
June 1, 2025
Tracy Borman never disappoints. She is an accomplished historian. Indeed, even if you know a lot about what she writes about, you still learn some facts. This book clearly shows how Elizabeth I was seen by her people, and how much her reign actually brought them, particularly after her death.... I found it fascinating to read about the ascension of James I to the throne of England. What truths, deceits , secrets surrounding the decision made for his wearing the crown of England. Was he legitimate enough? Were others more appropriate? The reader also can get a feeling of the man he was, well illustrating that you might become a king, but do you deserve to rule?? Very interesting and brings to much reflection. Excellent read.
I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
I received a digital copy of this book from NetGalley and I have voluntarily written an honest review.
December 22, 2025
Tracy Borman's The Stolen Crown: Treachery, Deceit, and the Death of the Tudor Dynasty is an ideal read for anyone with a layperson's interest in Tudor history. It's focused on the actual end of the Tudor dynasty and the beginning of the Jacobean. I've read a number of biographies of Elizabeth I and this historical moment is generally reported along the lines of "Elizabeth stopped talking and lay on her death bed, but managed through a gesture to convey her determination that James VI should be the next King of England, becoming James VI and I."
There's always a bit of speculation about whether Elizabeth's gesture actually meant this or if her counsellors chose to see this because they were committed to putting a man on the throne, and he was the best available candidate.
Borman complicates the Tudor to Jacobean story in several ways:
• Borman goes into detail about the decades James spent trying to persuade Elizabeth to name him her heir, the voluminous correspondence, and the way Elizabeth refused to name James in advance.
• Borman also explores the different figures in Elizabeth's court who he communicated with and tried to win to his side, particularly once it became clear that Elizabeth's death was immanent.
• Borman considers the role gender played in all this political maneuvering. Elizabeth was determined not to name an heir so that there was no candidate others could embrace while she lived. Her counsellors, frustrated with Elizabeth's style of rule wanted a return to "normal," and normal meant male and regal, so who better than a man who was already a king? The general populace dreaded going through another reign by a woman who might or might not ever bear children—and, not surprisingly, they were also hungry for "normal."
What readers come to appreciate that the story of the naming of James as an heir began long before Elizabeth was on her deathbed and was continuously pursued by James himself.
Borman is clear about her sources, and the book comes with an excellent bibliography.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title; the opinions are my own.
There's always a bit of speculation about whether Elizabeth's gesture actually meant this or if her counsellors chose to see this because they were committed to putting a man on the throne, and he was the best available candidate.
Borman complicates the Tudor to Jacobean story in several ways:
• Borman goes into detail about the decades James spent trying to persuade Elizabeth to name him her heir, the voluminous correspondence, and the way Elizabeth refused to name James in advance.
• Borman also explores the different figures in Elizabeth's court who he communicated with and tried to win to his side, particularly once it became clear that Elizabeth's death was immanent.
• Borman considers the role gender played in all this political maneuvering. Elizabeth was determined not to name an heir so that there was no candidate others could embrace while she lived. Her counsellors, frustrated with Elizabeth's style of rule wanted a return to "normal," and normal meant male and regal, so who better than a man who was already a king? The general populace dreaded going through another reign by a woman who might or might not ever bear children—and, not surprisingly, they were also hungry for "normal."
What readers come to appreciate that the story of the naming of James as an heir began long before Elizabeth was on her deathbed and was continuously pursued by James himself.
Borman is clear about her sources, and the book comes with an excellent bibliography.
I received a free electronic review copy of this title; the opinions are my own.
January 17, 2026
A thorough and well researched look at the reign of Elizabeth 1 with regards to the succession and all the various candidates. An interesting read.
November 14, 2025
1603. The Queen lies wan and weary, her courtiers circling like moths about a dying candle. Ambition still prowling at the doors of her court. The act of choosing a successor, which she has resolutely refused throughout her reign, now haunts her final hours. The great Tudor Rose droops and withers, and the Scottish thistle (James) rises in its stead. As is exceptionally explored by one of my favourite historians of all time, Tracy Borman.
Borman has done a remarkable job of uncovering the intrigue of the Tudor-Stuart transition, as she traces the many claimants, the secret missives, the forged geneaologies and the unseen hands that shaped the fate of crowns. This book is everything and I loved the drama behind the secret deliberations and shifting alliances that defined Queen Lizzie's era. She brings to life a period that was full of emotion and human frailty, illuminating Elizabeth's character as not only the long awaited Gloriana but a shrewd woman who could swiftly pick off rivals or perceived threats to her throne. I found it amazing just how much of a consumate performer she really was and a creature of her own making. The confidence and splendour that she exuded was an assertion of divine authority.
What is most fascinating is that the Queen never formally named her heir. The supposed designation of James VI which we have always been taught, was actually patched in later: a consequence of courtly design, obfuscation and retrospective legitimising of a contested succession. Elizabeth's last words about James being her successor were but a work of fiction. Mind blowing revelation. If the people of England had discovered this, there would have been huge repercussions for the Stuart succession.
This was a really well constructed and fresh story of Elizabeth's final days and the murky birth of the Stuart age. I enjoyed the way in which Borman keeps you in thrall at the downfall of her dangerous cousin Mary Queen Of Scots, the dark folds of dying power, the claim of Arabella Stuart and the eventual affection between James and Elizabeth. The ageing Elizabeth becomes a symbol of her time: brilliant, imperious and tragically alone. Borman sifts through letters, council notes, and the testimony of chroniclers like William Camden, exposing the cracks in the accepted narrative and bringing more speculation and glowing wisdom to James's story. Elegant, haunting and beautifully written. Done in a way that holds your attention and never bores. James VI of Scotland, watching from afar, becomes in Borman's account a distant but magnetic figure. Eager, calculating and ready to take a throne that by right and by ruse, was already half his.
Borman has done a remarkable job of uncovering the intrigue of the Tudor-Stuart transition, as she traces the many claimants, the secret missives, the forged geneaologies and the unseen hands that shaped the fate of crowns. This book is everything and I loved the drama behind the secret deliberations and shifting alliances that defined Queen Lizzie's era. She brings to life a period that was full of emotion and human frailty, illuminating Elizabeth's character as not only the long awaited Gloriana but a shrewd woman who could swiftly pick off rivals or perceived threats to her throne. I found it amazing just how much of a consumate performer she really was and a creature of her own making. The confidence and splendour that she exuded was an assertion of divine authority.
What is most fascinating is that the Queen never formally named her heir. The supposed designation of James VI which we have always been taught, was actually patched in later: a consequence of courtly design, obfuscation and retrospective legitimising of a contested succession. Elizabeth's last words about James being her successor were but a work of fiction. Mind blowing revelation. If the people of England had discovered this, there would have been huge repercussions for the Stuart succession.
This was a really well constructed and fresh story of Elizabeth's final days and the murky birth of the Stuart age. I enjoyed the way in which Borman keeps you in thrall at the downfall of her dangerous cousin Mary Queen Of Scots, the dark folds of dying power, the claim of Arabella Stuart and the eventual affection between James and Elizabeth. The ageing Elizabeth becomes a symbol of her time: brilliant, imperious and tragically alone. Borman sifts through letters, council notes, and the testimony of chroniclers like William Camden, exposing the cracks in the accepted narrative and bringing more speculation and glowing wisdom to James's story. Elegant, haunting and beautifully written. Done in a way that holds your attention and never bores. James VI of Scotland, watching from afar, becomes in Borman's account a distant but magnetic figure. Eager, calculating and ready to take a throne that by right and by ruse, was already half his.
November 17, 2025
This book promises much in the way of explosive revelations about how the narrative that James VI was the authorised successor to Elizabeth I was an ‘elaborately controlled fiction’. I was intrigued: was there a smoking gun somewhere in the evidence that suggested someone else was a more legitimate heir? The answer is no: Borman asks us to be surprised that people who were monarchs, their closest relations and advisors put the spin they wanted in questions of inheritance and succession. It’s hardly a dazzling revelation that Elizabeth I really didn’t name a successor although she probably did think James would end up inheriting, or that the stipulations of Henry VIII’s will were always going to be unworkable in practice. If you already know your Tudor and Stuart history you won’t be as shocked by the story this book tells as Borman thinks you will be.
June 25, 2025
As a history student, Tracy Borman is one of my favorite historians, especially for the reign of Elizabeth I. Since my research focuses on the early Stuart era, I was very excited about this book and once again she did not disappoint.
In this book, we take a look at the art of succession and importantly, a highly challenging one. Borman compares Elizabeth’s situation and potential successions to his contemporaries and his predecessors some of whom are women such as Mary Queen of Scots and Mary I and I believe this is one of the best parts of the book. In this way, we can see Elizabeth not only as a cautious ruler but as a cautious female ruler whom people had many expectations.
James I succeeds Elizabeth I but as we can see from the book the turbulence was not over yet. Although I am still unsure about the title of the book, I believe the “Stolen Crown” aspect of the title is supported better by how James I acted after his succession to keep the crown. I am glad Borman did not finish the book when James I ascended the throne but continued her writing and I believe that supports her claims even more.
We can also once again see in the book how much people around the ruler had an impact on the successions and the lengths they may go through to make their wishes work. Cecils have always been quite interesting to me and while they are nowhere unknown in history, I believe their impact on this topic needs to be more known.
It is obvious that Borman did a quite amount of research for this book and she supports her claims via sources. This was probably my favorite book of hers. However, it is important to note that even if the idea of the book is interesting, the amount of ppl considered can be too much for non-history lovers. Still, I believe it needs to be given a chance.
I am incredibly thankful to Netgalley, Grove Atlantic, and Tracy Borman for an advanced reader copy of this book.
In this book, we take a look at the art of succession and importantly, a highly challenging one. Borman compares Elizabeth’s situation and potential successions to his contemporaries and his predecessors some of whom are women such as Mary Queen of Scots and Mary I and I believe this is one of the best parts of the book. In this way, we can see Elizabeth not only as a cautious ruler but as a cautious female ruler whom people had many expectations.
James I succeeds Elizabeth I but as we can see from the book the turbulence was not over yet. Although I am still unsure about the title of the book, I believe the “Stolen Crown” aspect of the title is supported better by how James I acted after his succession to keep the crown. I am glad Borman did not finish the book when James I ascended the throne but continued her writing and I believe that supports her claims even more.
We can also once again see in the book how much people around the ruler had an impact on the successions and the lengths they may go through to make their wishes work. Cecils have always been quite interesting to me and while they are nowhere unknown in history, I believe their impact on this topic needs to be more known.
It is obvious that Borman did a quite amount of research for this book and she supports her claims via sources. This was probably my favorite book of hers. However, it is important to note that even if the idea of the book is interesting, the amount of ppl considered can be too much for non-history lovers. Still, I believe it needs to be given a chance.
I am incredibly thankful to Netgalley, Grove Atlantic, and Tracy Borman for an advanced reader copy of this book.
September 18, 2025
DNF at 165pages.
I’m dreadfully disappointed. This was a task to read and I really did feel like it was marketed so wrongly.
All fluff & frightfully boring.
Initially, I went into this being told it was a revelatory historical production, with keen insight into the successor of Elizabeth I. While I have huge respect and appreciation for Borman in her ability to have a sharp focus on one very specific area of history, I feel as though her work is majorly overshadowed by Elizabeth rather than her successor, or rather who could have been. If this were to have been marketed as an in depth, laser focus piece on Elizabeth’s last years as queen and the drama and politics is follows, I would have no reason to complain.
She is an incredible historian but I feel rather betrayed.
I’m dreadfully disappointed. This was a task to read and I really did feel like it was marketed so wrongly.
All fluff & frightfully boring.
Initially, I went into this being told it was a revelatory historical production, with keen insight into the successor of Elizabeth I. While I have huge respect and appreciation for Borman in her ability to have a sharp focus on one very specific area of history, I feel as though her work is majorly overshadowed by Elizabeth rather than her successor, or rather who could have been. If this were to have been marketed as an in depth, laser focus piece on Elizabeth’s last years as queen and the drama and politics is follows, I would have no reason to complain.
She is an incredible historian but I feel rather betrayed.
July 20, 2025
Thank you Netgalley for an advanced copy!
James VI of Scotland's succession to the English throne as King James I is often seen as inevitable due to a lack of Tudors. However, Borman traces the family tree, following the descendants of Henry VIII's sisters, to show there were actually quite a number of Tudor candidates, all of them played off each other by Elizabeth I during her reign, knowing that the second she definitely named a heir, all focus would switch from "the setting sun to the rising sun" as she had seen play out when she was her sister's heir.
The history goes all the way back to Henry VII as he arranges his eldest daughter's marriage to Scotland, and follows the Tudor family tree over the next 100 years, as some branches wither, some are cut off, and some flourish.
We follow all the machinations that went into getting James on the English throne as well as discouraging all other claimants (usually through denying people marriage) and then Borman walks us through the breathtaking propaganda rolled out afterwards to justify James' position as well as putting outright lies in Elizabeth's mouth on her deathbed.
The book should have ended there, but Borman continues, showing how badly James did as king of England, followed by how f*cking epically bad his son did as king, to show how all that work was pretty much wasted on these spectacularly bad kings, made to look all the worse in contrast to Glorianna.
James VI of Scotland's succession to the English throne as King James I is often seen as inevitable due to a lack of Tudors. However, Borman traces the family tree, following the descendants of Henry VIII's sisters, to show there were actually quite a number of Tudor candidates, all of them played off each other by Elizabeth I during her reign, knowing that the second she definitely named a heir, all focus would switch from "the setting sun to the rising sun" as she had seen play out when she was her sister's heir.
The history goes all the way back to Henry VII as he arranges his eldest daughter's marriage to Scotland, and follows the Tudor family tree over the next 100 years, as some branches wither, some are cut off, and some flourish.
We follow all the machinations that went into getting James on the English throne as well as discouraging all other claimants (usually through denying people marriage) and then Borman walks us through the breathtaking propaganda rolled out afterwards to justify James' position as well as putting outright lies in Elizabeth's mouth on her deathbed.
The book should have ended there, but Borman continues, showing how badly James did as king of England, followed by how f*cking epically bad his son did as king, to show how all that work was pretty much wasted on these spectacularly bad kings, made to look all the worse in contrast to Glorianna.
January 1, 2026
However much I thought I knew about Elizabeth the first’s reign, Tracy Borman’s book told me a whole lot more. Concentrating on Elizabeth’s concern about who should succeed her, Borman’s research is all encompassing, including documents that have only recently come to light. Her long and detailed correspondence with her eventual successor, James, is fascinating in the way it shows her constantly advising, and grooming, him for kingship while never committing herself to proclaiming him as her successor.
The end section of the book focuses on James’s early years as king and, in particular, shows how he suffered from not learning the lessons and advice Elizabeth had given him on how to be a successful monarch.
The end section of the book focuses on James’s early years as king and, in particular, shows how he suffered from not learning the lessons and advice Elizabeth had given him on how to be a successful monarch.
December 21, 2025
This was a deep dive through the politics of Elizabeth I and the uncertainty of her succession. I did appreciate the detail and it started off being engaging and immensely readable. But I got bored by 2/3 through as it was just a chronological retelling of plots, subplots, machinations and wily wordplay/politics as opposed to any commentary on the events.
I’m also really annoyed by the title as nothing about the succession indicates a “stolen crown”. While Elizabeth likely never outright named James, it was glaringly obvious through their correspondence that he was her heir. Everyone else with a claim was encouraged just enough to remain loyal and for Elizabeth to retain control over them.
Overall, interesting read but definitely not what I was led to believe it was about.
I’m also really annoyed by the title as nothing about the succession indicates a “stolen crown”. While Elizabeth likely never outright named James, it was glaringly obvious through their correspondence that he was her heir. Everyone else with a claim was encouraged just enough to remain loyal and for Elizabeth to retain control over them.
Overall, interesting read but definitely not what I was led to believe it was about.
January 18, 2026
Tudor Book Club - January 2026
December 14, 2025
I found this book interesting but also rather odd. Its thesis seems to be that (possibly?) James Stuart's accession to the English throne was a steal - that there were others more (??) suited or more entitled and that the subtitle "treachery, deceit" killed off the Tudors. However, if that is the thesis, it's nonsense and also, not really what the book details. The portrait of Elizabethan politics and court life is well drawn, and of course Elizabeth's court was rife with spies of all stripes - and of course, the succession was a constant thread and strain throughout Elizabeth's reign. Not the only, and not the most important at various times. I think if I could get past the title, the book jacket copy, and some of the introductory material, I would have liked the book better, for it does cover the age's suspicions and shifty politics well...if not the age's glories and triumphs.
June 8, 2025
The gift that Tracy Borman has that sets her apart from other authors of this genre, is her ability to take biographical facts and keep them from being dry reading. Even being well versed in a subject you will find out there is always more to learn. I tore through this book in one day it was that captivating. Having a grandmother directly from Scotland who knew her Scottish and English history backwards and forwards, I know even she would have loved this book. Thank you to the author, Netgalley and publishers for an advanced copy in exchange for my honest opinion.
November 24, 2025
Tracy Borman is one of my favourite historians, so I was absolutely thrilled to get early access to this book. I've enjoyed everything she’s written, especially her book on witches, which also features James I, so I had high expectations for this one, and it did not disappoint.
Borman has a real talent for writing non-fiction that is both accessible and engaging. Her books are clear, readable, and never weighed down by dense academic jargon or excessive footnotes. That’s not to say her work lacks scholarly merit, it’s grounded in solid research and primary sources but she presents it in a way that’s easy to follow and enjoyable to read, especially for those who can find more academic texts a bit daunting.
The transitional period between Elizabeth I and James I has always fascinated me, particularly given the complex relationship between Elizabeth and James’s mother, Mary Queen of Scots. The idea of James becoming king of England was far from straightforward, and Borman explores this in great detail. I usually associate James with his Daemonologie, the King James Bible, and his efforts to unite England and Scotland, so it was refreshing to get a more nuanced view of who he was during this pivotal time.
I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in Tudor and Stuart history. Once again, Borman has delivered a captivating and thoroughly researched read.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for the opportunity to read this in advance.
Borman has a real talent for writing non-fiction that is both accessible and engaging. Her books are clear, readable, and never weighed down by dense academic jargon or excessive footnotes. That’s not to say her work lacks scholarly merit, it’s grounded in solid research and primary sources but she presents it in a way that’s easy to follow and enjoyable to read, especially for those who can find more academic texts a bit daunting.
The transitional period between Elizabeth I and James I has always fascinated me, particularly given the complex relationship between Elizabeth and James’s mother, Mary Queen of Scots. The idea of James becoming king of England was far from straightforward, and Borman explores this in great detail. I usually associate James with his Daemonologie, the King James Bible, and his efforts to unite England and Scotland, so it was refreshing to get a more nuanced view of who he was during this pivotal time.
I highly recommend this book to anyone with an interest in Tudor and Stuart history. Once again, Borman has delivered a captivating and thoroughly researched read.
Huge thanks to NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for the opportunity to read this in advance.
December 10, 2025
This was the first book I've read by Tracy Borman, and I would be open to reading others. She has a nice, flowing style, and she is very informative without getting too far down in the weeds to where it becomes a slog.
I can't say that I agreed with the predominantly glowing picture she painted of Elizabeth I. There's no question Elizabeth was a well-educated woman, who proved to be a very savvy and shrewd politician and monarch. She rarely backed a losing horse, and a major part of her success had to do with overcoming the hurdles in her tumultuous youth and navigating an ever-changing landscape of British and continental affairs that would be a challenge for any monarch, let alone a woman doing what many viewed should be a man's job.
While not discounting any of that, Elizabeth also came across as exceptionally vain, vindictive, and sometimes just plain cruel. I disagree with the argument that it was a brilliant bit of statecraft by Elizabeth that she refused to name a successor, which kept her at the forefront of her people's hearts until her dying day. It was in large part vanity that kept her from naming one, as she didn't want to happen to her what happened to her half-sister Mary when courtiers realized she was dying and which way the wind was blowing. Not naming a successor also selfishly kept everyone on pins and needles wondering what would happen if she died without doing so, and as England's own history had shown, rebellions and battles could be waged to determine who most deserved to wear the crown. It is possible that had she not been blessed with the long life that played a part in allowing her and her advisors to put the pieces in place for a smooth transition, history might have a very different view of her decision not to name a successor.
Even the title is a bit misleading, though Borman does state in the closing lines that Elizabeth herself played a large part in the "theft" of the crown as it transitioned from the Tudor Dynasty to the Stuart Dynasty. While it is fascinating that modern technology can help us see the ways in which James pressured Camden into writing a history that inaccurately describes just how sure his accession to the throne of England was following the death of Elizabeth I, it is arguably inaccurate to say the crown was stolen or that anything other than a smooth transition was expected. With nothing set in stone, Elizabeth was perhaps a little lucky that there weren't factions that arose that resulted in a war for the English throne, but given the she and her closest advisors had already removed a number of other viable claimants and curbed scandals to keep them from overly tarnishing the Scottish King's own claim, James VI/I was far and way the most likely candidate to succeed her.
Again, all in all, I found this to be an enjoyable and informative read. I may have found myself having some internal debates with the author's take on things, but then again, I've found that readers and writers alike - myself included - can look at the same set of facts and still bring a bit of bias in the interpretation of them when it comes to the Tudors and the Plantagenets before them. I'd recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in this era of British history, whether they are already well versed in the subject or just starting to get their feet wet. Either way, this should make for a great read.
I can't say that I agreed with the predominantly glowing picture she painted of Elizabeth I. There's no question Elizabeth was a well-educated woman, who proved to be a very savvy and shrewd politician and monarch. She rarely backed a losing horse, and a major part of her success had to do with overcoming the hurdles in her tumultuous youth and navigating an ever-changing landscape of British and continental affairs that would be a challenge for any monarch, let alone a woman doing what many viewed should be a man's job.
While not discounting any of that, Elizabeth also came across as exceptionally vain, vindictive, and sometimes just plain cruel. I disagree with the argument that it was a brilliant bit of statecraft by Elizabeth that she refused to name a successor, which kept her at the forefront of her people's hearts until her dying day. It was in large part vanity that kept her from naming one, as she didn't want to happen to her what happened to her half-sister Mary when courtiers realized she was dying and which way the wind was blowing. Not naming a successor also selfishly kept everyone on pins and needles wondering what would happen if she died without doing so, and as England's own history had shown, rebellions and battles could be waged to determine who most deserved to wear the crown. It is possible that had she not been blessed with the long life that played a part in allowing her and her advisors to put the pieces in place for a smooth transition, history might have a very different view of her decision not to name a successor.
Even the title is a bit misleading, though Borman does state in the closing lines that Elizabeth herself played a large part in the "theft" of the crown as it transitioned from the Tudor Dynasty to the Stuart Dynasty. While it is fascinating that modern technology can help us see the ways in which James pressured Camden into writing a history that inaccurately describes just how sure his accession to the throne of England was following the death of Elizabeth I, it is arguably inaccurate to say the crown was stolen or that anything other than a smooth transition was expected. With nothing set in stone, Elizabeth was perhaps a little lucky that there weren't factions that arose that resulted in a war for the English throne, but given the she and her closest advisors had already removed a number of other viable claimants and curbed scandals to keep them from overly tarnishing the Scottish King's own claim, James VI/I was far and way the most likely candidate to succeed her.
Again, all in all, I found this to be an enjoyable and informative read. I may have found myself having some internal debates with the author's take on things, but then again, I've found that readers and writers alike - myself included - can look at the same set of facts and still bring a bit of bias in the interpretation of them when it comes to the Tudors and the Plantagenets before them. I'd recommend this book to anyone who has an interest in this era of British history, whether they are already well versed in the subject or just starting to get their feet wet. Either way, this should make for a great read.
November 4, 2025
A fascinating book that delves into the transfer of the crown from Elizabeth I to… an unnamed heir.
I found the writing utterly captivating. I’m not the biggest fan of the Tudors, though I do take an interest in Queen Elizabeth, but if all Tudor books were written like this, I guarantee I’d be a devoted fangirl. The book is impeccably researched, easy to follow without feeling heavy, well-paced, and very engaging. I learned so much, not only about Elizabeth but also about the other historical figures who played crucial roles in this transition from Tudor to Stuart.
This is my first Tracy Borman book, and as someone who loves writing about women in history but hasn’t formally studied it, I was in awe throughout. Borman’s skill as both historian and storyteller is remarkable. She not only recounts events compellingly but also brings a thoughtful understanding of the people behind them. I was particularly drawn to Arbella, whose story I found sad, especially with her tragic end. I didn’t know anything about her besides her potential for the throne, so I kept hoping she would have a moment of peace. After reading this, I now look up to Tracy Borman as both a historian and a writer, and I hope to learn from her craft and find more of her books available in my country.
The Stolen Crown is an enthralling account of one of the most pivotal moments in English and Scottish history, the end of an era and the dawn of another. With meticulous attention to detail and just the right touch of drama, Tracy Borman has crafted a story that no history lover should miss.
Thank you NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for the opportunity to read this arc!
I found the writing utterly captivating. I’m not the biggest fan of the Tudors, though I do take an interest in Queen Elizabeth, but if all Tudor books were written like this, I guarantee I’d be a devoted fangirl. The book is impeccably researched, easy to follow without feeling heavy, well-paced, and very engaging. I learned so much, not only about Elizabeth but also about the other historical figures who played crucial roles in this transition from Tudor to Stuart.
This is my first Tracy Borman book, and as someone who loves writing about women in history but hasn’t formally studied it, I was in awe throughout. Borman’s skill as both historian and storyteller is remarkable. She not only recounts events compellingly but also brings a thoughtful understanding of the people behind them. I was particularly drawn to Arbella, whose story I found sad, especially with her tragic end. I didn’t know anything about her besides her potential for the throne, so I kept hoping she would have a moment of peace. After reading this, I now look up to Tracy Borman as both a historian and a writer, and I hope to learn from her craft and find more of her books available in my country.
The Stolen Crown is an enthralling account of one of the most pivotal moments in English and Scottish history, the end of an era and the dawn of another. With meticulous attention to detail and just the right touch of drama, Tracy Borman has crafted a story that no history lover should miss.
Thank you NetGalley and Grove Atlantic for the opportunity to read this arc!
October 24, 2025
"To remove truth from history [is] 'to pluck out the eyes of the beautifullest creature in the world; and, instead of wholesome liquor, to offer a draught of poison to the readers' minds.'"
Okay, I just lived through the 16th-century turmoil that was the question of the English succession during and after Elizabeth I's reign, and let me tell you—
I don't know how this woman even lived or enjoyed daily life with all of the anxiety she constantly had over this??? Girly pop was obsessed with keeping a tight hold on her power (which I totally understand and support... but I and my GAD could never). Don't even get me started on the immature, annoying, and exhausting person that was King James VI/I. Bless Elizabeth for having to deal with him for as long as she did. He was absolutely insufferable.
The Stolen Crown: Treachery, Deceit, and the Death of the Tudor Dynasty certainly lives up to it's name. While the promised "new" research wasn't presented until the very end (and even then, was more of a passing observation, tbh), this book is still a great resource—with an abundance of notes and a thorough bibliography—for those wanting to learn more about the end of the Tudor dynasty and the beginning of the Stuart era.
Thanks so much to Atlantic Monthly Press, an imprint of Grove Atlantic, for the gifted copy!
Okay, I just lived through the 16th-century turmoil that was the question of the English succession during and after Elizabeth I's reign, and let me tell you—
I don't know how this woman even lived or enjoyed daily life with all of the anxiety she constantly had over this??? Girly pop was obsessed with keeping a tight hold on her power (which I totally understand and support... but I and my GAD could never). Don't even get me started on the immature, annoying, and exhausting person that was King James VI/I. Bless Elizabeth for having to deal with him for as long as she did. He was absolutely insufferable.
The Stolen Crown: Treachery, Deceit, and the Death of the Tudor Dynasty certainly lives up to it's name. While the promised "new" research wasn't presented until the very end (and even then, was more of a passing observation, tbh), this book is still a great resource—with an abundance of notes and a thorough bibliography—for those wanting to learn more about the end of the Tudor dynasty and the beginning of the Stuart era.
Thanks so much to Atlantic Monthly Press, an imprint of Grove Atlantic, for the gifted copy!
November 5, 2025
In "The Stolen Crown", Tracy Borman offers a well-researched account of Elizabeth I’s reign, focusing on the political and personal tensions surrounding her succession. Drawing on newly examined archival material, including the William Camden manuscript, Borman revisits this popular topic with fresh eyes, offering a nuanced account tensions that shaped the transition from Tudor to Stuart rule.
The part I particularly enjoyed was the portrayal of the complex relationship between Elizabeth I and her cousin Mary Queen of Scots. Borman captures their rivalry with empathy and insight, showing how their intertwined fates influenced the course of British history. The narrative is engaging and well-paced in many sections, and the integration of new research adds depth without overwhelming the reader.
However, the book is not without its flaws. At over 400 pages, it feels overly long, and some sections could have benefited from tighter editing. While the central thesis—that the traditional account of Elizabeth naming James as her successor was a later invention—is intriguing, it is not earth shattering. The archival revelations do not dramatically alter our understanding of the succession, which may leave some readers expecting more from the introduction's promise.
Overall, "The Stolen Crown" is a well-crafted and thoroughly researched work that will appeal to fans of Tudor history. Despite its length and a somewhat understated thesis, it offers valuable insights.
The part I particularly enjoyed was the portrayal of the complex relationship between Elizabeth I and her cousin Mary Queen of Scots. Borman captures their rivalry with empathy and insight, showing how their intertwined fates influenced the course of British history. The narrative is engaging and well-paced in many sections, and the integration of new research adds depth without overwhelming the reader.
However, the book is not without its flaws. At over 400 pages, it feels overly long, and some sections could have benefited from tighter editing. While the central thesis—that the traditional account of Elizabeth naming James as her successor was a later invention—is intriguing, it is not earth shattering. The archival revelations do not dramatically alter our understanding of the succession, which may leave some readers expecting more from the introduction's promise.
Overall, "The Stolen Crown" is a well-crafted and thoroughly researched work that will appeal to fans of Tudor history. Despite its length and a somewhat understated thesis, it offers valuable insights.
June 16, 2025
Thank you to the publisher for an Advanced e-book copy of The Stolen Crown.
After the golden age of Elizabeth I came the Jacobean era, which was the beginning of the end of the English monarchy - at least for a time. The Stolen crown details the running question of the successor to Elizabeth. To us now, it seems less complicated than it was. In this book, Borman navigates all of the controversy and complexity around this issue, and shows that the ascension of James to the English throne was not easy, and at any given moment it seemed as if England as on the brink of a violent power struggle.
Borman places us squarely in the centre of the drama, and her writing is clear and understandable, skilfully breaking down the sometimes ostentatious language of Elizabethan English. As someone who enjoys history, each page felt like reading an interesting Wikipedia page (this is probably one of the highest compliments I can give). I was never bored, even when objectively the subject matter isn’t necessarily exciting.
My main criticism is that the title and pitch doesn’t really do much justice to the work - I dont think it’s necessarily to try and sell this book as some sort of conspiracy theory, but it is a prevalent theme in history writing, so I suppose I can’t begrudge that.
Overall, I really enjoyed this narrative, and will recommend to anyone who has some interest.
After the golden age of Elizabeth I came the Jacobean era, which was the beginning of the end of the English monarchy - at least for a time. The Stolen crown details the running question of the successor to Elizabeth. To us now, it seems less complicated than it was. In this book, Borman navigates all of the controversy and complexity around this issue, and shows that the ascension of James to the English throne was not easy, and at any given moment it seemed as if England as on the brink of a violent power struggle.
Borman places us squarely in the centre of the drama, and her writing is clear and understandable, skilfully breaking down the sometimes ostentatious language of Elizabethan English. As someone who enjoys history, each page felt like reading an interesting Wikipedia page (this is probably one of the highest compliments I can give). I was never bored, even when objectively the subject matter isn’t necessarily exciting.
My main criticism is that the title and pitch doesn’t really do much justice to the work - I dont think it’s necessarily to try and sell this book as some sort of conspiracy theory, but it is a prevalent theme in history writing, so I suppose I can’t begrudge that.
Overall, I really enjoyed this narrative, and will recommend to anyone who has some interest.
September 13, 2025
Accessible and incredibly interesting. It is a period of history I knew very little about. I have read other books about Elizabeth I but knew hardly anything about King James. It made books I had read about his son make more sense and provide background and context. This book is very detailed and well researched, with a good balance of description and quotation from primary and contemporary sources. I particularly enjoyed passages taken from the letters between the two monarchs. Love how sassy Elizabeth I could be! I am now also keen to read more about King James.
January 12, 2026
So, the synopsis led me to believe this book was about a new discovery in the records. When it's actually 95% history on the succession and while thats fine, it was interesting. It was not why I read this book. It was a good buddy read though, as we had stuff to chat about. It probably would have been a 3 star, but the fact that what was in the synopsis literally was mentioned in the last two chapters really annoyed me.
December 31, 2025
Extraordinary read of the later years of Elizabeth Tudor’s life (Queen Elizabeth I). It covers her later years, her rivalry with Mary Queen of Scots, the correspondence with the latter’s son, the future King James I of England. It’s an amazing read for historical nerds (like myself). It makes me love Elizabeth I all the more and respect her even 400 years after her death.
January 2, 2026
What I love most about Tracy Borman's writing is that she doesn't waste a single word. Potentially complicated history made to feel completely accessible and almost like you are in the room with her, being told a fantastic story over a glass of wine. There really is no limit to how much I want to hear from her about everything and anything to do with the Tudor Dynasty.
November 25, 2025
Tracy Borman totally shatters the story of how Elizabeth I designated the Scottish King, James VI as her rightful heir and successor to the English throne. How the Stuart dynasty laid waste the parliamentary rule established in England, leading to civil war and the execution of Charles II in 1649. An amazing scholarly book that I couldn’t put down!
June 22, 2025
The Stolen Crown: Treachery, Deceit, and the Death of the Tudor Dynasty
by Tracy Borman is an awesome nonfiction that places us directly into the drama of the infamous transition.
I just adore Ms Boreman, am most certainly a huge fan, and have read several of her books. Obviously, I couldnt wait to read her new one.
This account takes us directly into the thick of the events surrounding the transition of the monarchy from the last of the Tudor dynasty to the first of the Stuart line.
The research, presentation, pace, and passion were right up my alley and spot on with my hopes and expectations for this book. It kept my interest, was thorough, and did not disappoint.
I highly recommend this gem!
5/5 stars
Thank you NG Grove Atlantic | Atlantic Monthly Press for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 11/4/25.
by Tracy Borman is an awesome nonfiction that places us directly into the drama of the infamous transition.
I just adore Ms Boreman, am most certainly a huge fan, and have read several of her books. Obviously, I couldnt wait to read her new one.
This account takes us directly into the thick of the events surrounding the transition of the monarchy from the last of the Tudor dynasty to the first of the Stuart line.
The research, presentation, pace, and passion were right up my alley and spot on with my hopes and expectations for this book. It kept my interest, was thorough, and did not disappoint.
I highly recommend this gem!
5/5 stars
Thank you NG Grove Atlantic | Atlantic Monthly Press for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 11/4/25.
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