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Marie and Mary
Marie de Guise ruled Scotland alone after the death of her husband James V. She foiled Henry Tudor of England's plans to unite the two thrones under English rule, and she kept the peace between Protestants and Catholics while John Knox was becoming a fiery power in the land. Mary Queen of Scots was welcomed back to the country of her birth after her mother died. But her troubles mounted with her disastrous marriages to Lord Darnley and to Lord Bothwell after Darnley's murder. In spite of numerous plots against her, and even after her little son James was crowned king while she still reigned, she always believed that Elizabeth of England would help her. Trustingly, she set off for England—and her tragic fate.
200 pages, Paperback
First published January 1, 2004
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About the author
Nigel Tranter
179 books143 followersNigel Tranter OBE was a Scottish historian and writer. He was the author of a wide range of books on Scottish castles, particularly on themes of architecture and history. He also specialised in deeply researched historical novels that cover centuries of Scottish history.
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Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews
November 22, 2019
This book can only be described as an abridged version of Marie de Guise's time as Queen Consort and Regent and the reign of her daughter Mary, Queen of Scots. There aren't too many books written about Queen Marie de Guise, but there are many about Mary, Queen of Scots. Needless to say facts have been compressed and some details have been left out. John Knox is present making life miserable for both Catholic queens and many nobles were backing him as they envisioned themselves coming into possession of church property as happened in England.
March 22, 2022
A wonderful short book on the history of Mary Queen of Scotts and her mother Marie. Enjoyable read.
March 8, 2017
The story of two queens caught in the quagmire of politics. Marie de guise marries King James V of Scotland and suffers endless turmoils to ensure that her daughter ascends the throne after her husband's death. She proves to be an able administrator and does well in protecting the realm from the continuous catholic - protestant fights. Queen Mary on the other hand is unable to handle the continuous politics and eventually suffers with disastrous consequences.
Her inexperience costs her her freedom as she spends 19 years of her life in imprisonment and is eventually executed by Tudor Queen Elizabeth. It is almost a revelation how Queen Elizabeth acted so abominably against a fellow queen. If you are interested in Scottish (and English) history, this makes a good read.
Her inexperience costs her her freedom as she spends 19 years of her life in imprisonment and is eventually executed by Tudor Queen Elizabeth. It is almost a revelation how Queen Elizabeth acted so abominably against a fellow queen. If you are interested in Scottish (and English) history, this makes a good read.
May 20, 2012
Great concise and well written efficient book - history of Mary Queen of Scots and her mother Marie
Both Marie and Mary well described so points of view came through well Plot was based on history and alternate version also discussed in epilogue Elizabethan age and complexities of National and Religious rivalry well outlined Language was crisp to the point and very effective I could associate the human cunning and treacherously and well-crafted storyline The imagery was not all that exciting but impressions were still very clear Message I took away was that of the context of Scottish and English rivalry and history and background - Reformation and its challenges well covered Theme of power and greed came through loud and clear
Both Marie and Mary well described so points of view came through well Plot was based on history and alternate version also discussed in epilogue Elizabethan age and complexities of National and Religious rivalry well outlined Language was crisp to the point and very effective I could associate the human cunning and treacherously and well-crafted storyline The imagery was not all that exciting but impressions were still very clear Message I took away was that of the context of Scottish and English rivalry and history and background - Reformation and its challenges well covered Theme of power and greed came through loud and clear
December 17, 2017
Okay finished "Marie & Mary" by Nigel Tranter.
Okay - basically a book with little dialogue and not too much detail to get bogged down in. The first half of the book deals with Marie de Guise and the second half with her daughter, Mary Queen of Scots.
A book to be knocked over in a day or two - however, I would say a good introduction for someone not at all familiar with the period.
Okay - basically a book with little dialogue and not too much detail to get bogged down in. The first half of the book deals with Marie de Guise and the second half with her daughter, Mary Queen of Scots.
A book to be knocked over in a day or two - however, I would say a good introduction for someone not at all familiar with the period.
December 18, 2012
Wow. I love Nigel Tranter books and read loads of these as a teen. Sadly, this one is appalling and best avoided. Marie's mother is dead at the start of the book, but then steps in to look after children a few pages later....there is almost no dialogue and what there is is completely cringeworthy. Absolute rubbish, I have given up reading this and wont be finishing it :(
January 7, 2013
good historical information which tranter ruins with TMI about these women's private lives.
Displaying 1 - 7 of 7 reviews