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Elizabeth I's Secret Lover: The Royal Affair with Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester
In many respects Lord Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, was the most significant statesman of the Elizabethan Age, ranking only behind the queen herself in precedence.
As a great impresario, he honored Elizabeth I to glittering effect and became the forerunner of Shakespearean theater, combining classicism with ribaldry. He attracted the financing of Francis Drake’s circumnavigation. He was the supporter of academic endeavor, of poetry, and of Puritan scholarship. By employing a network of his own secret agents, he provided information of crucial importance to the crown. As Master of the Horse, he developed English bloodstock to provide horses for royal and military requirements. He saw to it that England’s navy and army was properly prepared to meet Continental aggression when needed.
Lord Robert Dudley has faced criticism from historians by competing with William Cecil to gain the ear of Elizabeth I and thwarting his efforts to arrange a political marriage for her to protect against Catholic aggression from Spain. There can be no doubt that Elizabeth wanted to marry him. He was devastatingly attractive, athletic, and loyal. Perhaps most compelling to readers who enjoy royal scandal, this eloquent new book provides compelling evidence that the virgin queen spent time in her bed with him.
As a great impresario, he honored Elizabeth I to glittering effect and became the forerunner of Shakespearean theater, combining classicism with ribaldry. He attracted the financing of Francis Drake’s circumnavigation. He was the supporter of academic endeavor, of poetry, and of Puritan scholarship. By employing a network of his own secret agents, he provided information of crucial importance to the crown. As Master of the Horse, he developed English bloodstock to provide horses for royal and military requirements. He saw to it that England’s navy and army was properly prepared to meet Continental aggression when needed.
Lord Robert Dudley has faced criticism from historians by competing with William Cecil to gain the ear of Elizabeth I and thwarting his efforts to arrange a political marriage for her to protect against Catholic aggression from Spain. There can be no doubt that Elizabeth wanted to marry him. He was devastatingly attractive, athletic, and loyal. Perhaps most compelling to readers who enjoy royal scandal, this eloquent new book provides compelling evidence that the virgin queen spent time in her bed with him.
368 pages, Hardcover
Published July 7, 2020
About the author
Robert Stedall
12 books10 followersRobert Stedall is the author of a groundbreaking two volume history of Mary Queen of Scots and her son James VI of Scotland. The first volume The Challenge to the Crown was published in June 2012 and the second volume The Survival of the Crown was published in February 2014.
More information can be found at MaryQueenofScots.net.
He has also carried out a detailed study of the genealogy of the Scottish peerage (1500-1650) and published his family history, Hunting From Hampstead (Book Guild, 2002).
He lives in Petworth, West Sussex.
More information can be found at MaryQueenofScots.net.
He has also carried out a detailed study of the genealogy of the Scottish peerage (1500-1650) and published his family history, Hunting From Hampstead (Book Guild, 2002).
He lives in Petworth, West Sussex.
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
December 7, 2021
This was kinda a clickbait type of book.The title clearly says it is about the royal affair of Robert Dudley and Queen Elizabeth I which wouldn't make it a biography of either of them but that's exactly what it was.Although disappointed I continued reading and found I truely loved the clear and concise writing and the plentiful details.However,due to the misinformation in the title and the lack of source notes for some of the more controversial happenings I only feel comfortable giving this a four star rating.
March 27, 2020
Lord Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester, loved by Elizabeth I but seemingly hated by many others. Even the Cate Blanchett film 'Elizabeth' paints him as ultimately traitorous to the Queen, but what was Leicester really like? Did he kill his first wife so he could marry Elizabeth? Was he Machiavellian or misunderstood?
This book goes a long to help rehabilitate Leicester's reputation and it seems he was no worse than many others of the era including his longtime enemy Cecil/Burleigh. In fact he was a patron of the arts, a competent military man, and was in many ways indispensable to the Queen. He made many mistakes and was not perfect, but then again neither was Elizabeth who could be mercurial to say the least. It is likely that (as in the title), Leicester was Elizabeth's lover at one point, but as we know, she could never quite bring herself to marry him. The author also gives the reader plenty of background history which helps to explain why things happened as they did. It's an interesting read which doesn't become too bogged down with historical dates and extraneous detail, and I recommend this if you are a fan of Tudor history.
Thanks to NetGalley and publisher, Pen & Sword, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
This book goes a long to help rehabilitate Leicester's reputation and it seems he was no worse than many others of the era including his longtime enemy Cecil/Burleigh. In fact he was a patron of the arts, a competent military man, and was in many ways indispensable to the Queen. He made many mistakes and was not perfect, but then again neither was Elizabeth who could be mercurial to say the least. It is likely that (as in the title), Leicester was Elizabeth's lover at one point, but as we know, she could never quite bring herself to marry him. The author also gives the reader plenty of background history which helps to explain why things happened as they did. It's an interesting read which doesn't become too bogged down with historical dates and extraneous detail, and I recommend this if you are a fan of Tudor history.
Thanks to NetGalley and publisher, Pen & Sword, for the opportunity to read an ARC.
April 2, 2020
Although I was aware Robert Dudley was a favourite of Elizabeth I and had read about the mystery surrounding his wife Amy Robsart's death I was unaware of much else regarding Dudley.
Stedall gives a detailed overview of his life including his youth which was very intriguing. Through reading this I've learnt about Dudley' s accomplishments as a military man and his patronage of the arts.
I'd previously thought Dudley a somewhat social butterfly of Elizabeth's court I've now learnt how much of an important role he played in advising Elizabeth and providing balance to her other advisors like Cecil.
It also highlights how Elizabeth often used their relationship to demoralise Dudley and use him to her advantage.
The only thing I would have preferred would be if the book were published in chronological order as I did find it a little confusing at times regarding the order of events.
The book is clearly the result of a lot of research produced in a well written manner.
Stedall gives a detailed overview of his life including his youth which was very intriguing. Through reading this I've learnt about Dudley' s accomplishments as a military man and his patronage of the arts.
I'd previously thought Dudley a somewhat social butterfly of Elizabeth's court I've now learnt how much of an important role he played in advising Elizabeth and providing balance to her other advisors like Cecil.
It also highlights how Elizabeth often used their relationship to demoralise Dudley and use him to her advantage.
The only thing I would have preferred would be if the book were published in chronological order as I did find it a little confusing at times regarding the order of events.
The book is clearly the result of a lot of research produced in a well written manner.
January 9, 2021
While the scholarship here is very fine, the text does not delve into any new areas of discussion.
December 3, 2020
I would have given this 1 star, but I have not read an other biographies of Queen Elizabeth, so cannot tell if this is so boring and drab due to a lack of material - or if the author is truly that bad.
Given the title I was interested to know more about Queen Elizabeth and the man that seemed to have a hold on her throughout her life. What was it about him that held her spellbound? How did it affect the history of England? Sadly, this book does not answer those questions. Instead, it only states what we already know "The Queen wanted Dudly by her side" and "The Queen was obsessed with Dudley".
Moreover, tis is book is not really about Queen E and her lover, but more a 300+ page drab wikipedia-like narration of the people around Queen E and a bit about her reign.
I do not recommend. This was close to a waste of my time.
Given the title I was interested to know more about Queen Elizabeth and the man that seemed to have a hold on her throughout her life. What was it about him that held her spellbound? How did it affect the history of England? Sadly, this book does not answer those questions. Instead, it only states what we already know "The Queen wanted Dudly by her side" and "The Queen was obsessed with Dudley".
Moreover, tis is book is not really about Queen E and her lover, but more a 300+ page drab wikipedia-like narration of the people around Queen E and a bit about her reign.
I do not recommend. This was close to a waste of my time.
January 5, 2021
This book offers a complex and detailed story of how Robert Dudley came to prominence at Elizabeth's court. His background, family and whereabouts are traced with great care, and his relationship with Elizabeth is discussed as well. The book starts with Robert's father, John Dudley, who was executed for his involvement in placing Lady Jane Grey on the throne in 1553. Robert's private and political lives are outlined in this book, and I've learned a great deal about the man. There's also a comprehensive list of references and a bibliography.
If you're interested in Dudley, this is the book for you!
If you're interested in Dudley, this is the book for you!
February 21, 2024
It's not super easy to write an engrossing account of a historical person's life, especially if trying to remain true to what is known and not going down the path of invention. Real people tend to be just a lot more boring on the surface than characters, and you can't go into their inner life without turning your story into fiction. Bearing that in mind, the sound writing and astute analysis of the many sources brings here quite an interesting biography. It helps that Robert Dudley certainly wasn't boring, but still, credit to the author. I was hooked till the end .
March 7, 2021
More of a 2.5. I was initially thinking a 3, but for me, it really wasn't quite a 3, but better than a 2.
I was rather anticipating reading this book. Not for the salacious details of a torrid affair, rather seeking confirmation (or an absolute no) of what many people already hold true - not only did they have a close and long lasting emotional friendship, they were at least for a time, physical lovers.
As well, I was hoping for further detail of the man himself.
But.
First, something that really niggled.
There are two family trees at the front of the book. One for the Dudley family, and one for the Royal succession. Great. I love family trees. Even though I know most of the familial relationships, they are always a good reference, especially with the intermarrying of family lines.
However, in the edition of the book I read, the years of death of Lady Jane Grey and her husband Guildford Dudley are given as 1555 and 1553 respectively. Interesting, given they were both executed on the same day in 1554.
Granted, the responsibility for this error was probably not the author's. But, the lack of care over a such an easily checked detail struck a sour note.
Now the book itself.
The first part of the book provides a good solid background of the Dudley family, their relationships, fortunes and their losses.
Not surprisingly, given that the book is about "Elizabeth's lover", the book skims lightly over Robert's other relationships with women - even his wives. However, Robert Stedall does provide both a reasoned argument against the 'murder' of Amy Robsart, and a fairly solid argument against the rumoured lawful marriage between Dudley and Douglas Sheffield.
The book details the various machinations to marry Robert Dudley to various princesses and queens - even though some were set up by Elizabeth to 'test' Dudley's ardour and faithfulness, while others were created to create jealousy on the part of Elizabeth.
No book that discusses the life and loves of one of Elizabeth's important courtiers would or could leave out the rather convoluted plans to marry off Elizabeth herself, with all the social, political and religious reasons for and against. Included in the book are the many plans to marry Queen Mary off to various people and the political reasons for why this person or that person.
The book does a decent job of discussing not just the international politicking for all of these marriage plans, but also the jealousies, internal bickering, and one upmanship behaviours of the courtiers themselves.
So, even though Robert Stedall has written a reasonably solid, if occasionally a stolid book, why only a 2.5 rating?
Well, sometimes reading the book was like eating poorly made yorkshire pudding; stodgy, difficult to digest, and a tad bland. It took me a couple of weeks to read this book, while other non-fiction books of the same length and similar subject matter have been read within a day or two. For me, this indicates a lack of desire to pick the book up and read it for more than an hour or so at a time.
Also, because I have read other non-fiction books on the Dudley family, Elizabeth I, Mary Queen of Scots, and Lettice Knollys, this book added very little detail to what I have previously read. There was no new revelation on Dudley and Elizabeth's relationship, and no new insights on the nature of Robert Dudley himself.
For a reader who is new to the subject, this might be a good book to get started with. But, be prepared for a bit of stodge. For a reader who has several books on the subject in their bookshelves, perhaps you might want to give it a miss.
Oh, and the "secret lover" angle? Maybe, probably, possibly, on the balance of all things, potentially.
I was rather anticipating reading this book. Not for the salacious details of a torrid affair, rather seeking confirmation (or an absolute no) of what many people already hold true - not only did they have a close and long lasting emotional friendship, they were at least for a time, physical lovers.
As well, I was hoping for further detail of the man himself.
But.
First, something that really niggled.
There are two family trees at the front of the book. One for the Dudley family, and one for the Royal succession. Great. I love family trees. Even though I know most of the familial relationships, they are always a good reference, especially with the intermarrying of family lines.
However, in the edition of the book I read, the years of death of Lady Jane Grey and her husband Guildford Dudley are given as 1555 and 1553 respectively. Interesting, given they were both executed on the same day in 1554.
Granted, the responsibility for this error was probably not the author's. But, the lack of care over a such an easily checked detail struck a sour note.
Now the book itself.
The first part of the book provides a good solid background of the Dudley family, their relationships, fortunes and their losses.
Not surprisingly, given that the book is about "Elizabeth's lover", the book skims lightly over Robert's other relationships with women - even his wives. However, Robert Stedall does provide both a reasoned argument against the 'murder' of Amy Robsart, and a fairly solid argument against the rumoured lawful marriage between Dudley and Douglas Sheffield.
The book details the various machinations to marry Robert Dudley to various princesses and queens - even though some were set up by Elizabeth to 'test' Dudley's ardour and faithfulness, while others were created to create jealousy on the part of Elizabeth.
No book that discusses the life and loves of one of Elizabeth's important courtiers would or could leave out the rather convoluted plans to marry off Elizabeth herself, with all the social, political and religious reasons for and against. Included in the book are the many plans to marry Queen Mary off to various people and the political reasons for why this person or that person.
The book does a decent job of discussing not just the international politicking for all of these marriage plans, but also the jealousies, internal bickering, and one upmanship behaviours of the courtiers themselves.
So, even though Robert Stedall has written a reasonably solid, if occasionally a stolid book, why only a 2.5 rating?
Well, sometimes reading the book was like eating poorly made yorkshire pudding; stodgy, difficult to digest, and a tad bland. It took me a couple of weeks to read this book, while other non-fiction books of the same length and similar subject matter have been read within a day or two. For me, this indicates a lack of desire to pick the book up and read it for more than an hour or so at a time.
Also, because I have read other non-fiction books on the Dudley family, Elizabeth I, Mary Queen of Scots, and Lettice Knollys, this book added very little detail to what I have previously read. There was no new revelation on Dudley and Elizabeth's relationship, and no new insights on the nature of Robert Dudley himself.
For a reader who is new to the subject, this might be a good book to get started with. But, be prepared for a bit of stodge. For a reader who has several books on the subject in their bookshelves, perhaps you might want to give it a miss.
Oh, and the "secret lover" angle? Maybe, probably, possibly, on the balance of all things, potentially.
March 15, 2021
The last Tudor monarch, Queen Elizabeth I, was known for many things, but her main legacy is that she never chose to marry anyone. She was the infamous “Virgin Queen”. However, there were those around her who manage to capture her attention and her admiration for a time. The most famous of these men was Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester. He was a massive supporter of the arts and the Protestant faith, gaining prestige and praise from his highly exalted monarch. Yet, his life and his relationship with his wives, his enemies, and Elizabeth I was full of dangers and numerous scandals. Who was this man who wooed the heart of the most eligible woman in all of 16th century Europe? Robert Stedall investigates the relationship between these two lovers destined to never marry each other in, “Elizabeth I’s Secret Lover: Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester”.
I would like to thank Pen and Sword Books for sending me a copy of this book. I am always interested in learning new aspects about the reign of Elizabeth I and her love life. When I saw the cover, I was instantly drawn to it and I wanted to know more about Elizabeth and Robert.
Stedall begins his biography by exploring the reigns of Edward VI, Lady Jane Grey, and Mary I to show how the Dudleys came to power and how they fell out of power. I noticed that Stedall included Lady Jane Grey and Guildford Dudley in the family trees that he provided at the beginning of the book, but their death years are different, even though they both died in 1554 on the same day. I think that it was interesting to see how the fall of the Dudleys affected Robert and how it was truly through Elizabeth’s favor that they gained back their honor. This friendship between Elizabeth and Robert gradually developed into love, although it was quite taboo. Robert was Elizabeth’s Master of the Horse and he was already married to Amy Robsart. Even after Amy’s untimely death, Elizabeth and Robert could never be together as a couple because her council, especially Cecil, wanted her to marry a great European power to create a strong alliance, which was a reasonable request.
Sadly, Robert Dudley could not wait forever for Elizabeth, so he chose to marry again, this time to Lettice Knollys. To say Elizabeth was upset about this marriage would be an understatement. Even though she could never marry Robert, it did not mean she wanted another woman to marry him. Robert remained faithful to his queen as a military officer and a patron of the arts and building projects. It is impossible to discuss the Elizabethan Age without mentioning the contributions of Lord Robert Dudley.
I think Stedall has done his research very well. However, this book is a tad too dry for my taste. I was hoping to learn some new swoon-worthy facts about this notorious romance, but Stedall’s book was a bit too analytical for this to happen. It was a struggle for me to read this book as it took me a few weeks to finish it. With a title such as the one he provided, I was hoping for new romantic facts, but it fell flat for me.
Overall, I felt like this was a well-researched biography, but it fell flat on the delivery. I think if you are being introduced to the relationship of Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley, this is a decent introduction, but if you know the story, it might not be the best book to read. If you want to learn more about Robert Dudley and his influence in the Elizabethan court, check out, “Elizabeth I’s Secret Lover: Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester” by Robert Stedall.
I would like to thank Pen and Sword Books for sending me a copy of this book. I am always interested in learning new aspects about the reign of Elizabeth I and her love life. When I saw the cover, I was instantly drawn to it and I wanted to know more about Elizabeth and Robert.
Stedall begins his biography by exploring the reigns of Edward VI, Lady Jane Grey, and Mary I to show how the Dudleys came to power and how they fell out of power. I noticed that Stedall included Lady Jane Grey and Guildford Dudley in the family trees that he provided at the beginning of the book, but their death years are different, even though they both died in 1554 on the same day. I think that it was interesting to see how the fall of the Dudleys affected Robert and how it was truly through Elizabeth’s favor that they gained back their honor. This friendship between Elizabeth and Robert gradually developed into love, although it was quite taboo. Robert was Elizabeth’s Master of the Horse and he was already married to Amy Robsart. Even after Amy’s untimely death, Elizabeth and Robert could never be together as a couple because her council, especially Cecil, wanted her to marry a great European power to create a strong alliance, which was a reasonable request.
Sadly, Robert Dudley could not wait forever for Elizabeth, so he chose to marry again, this time to Lettice Knollys. To say Elizabeth was upset about this marriage would be an understatement. Even though she could never marry Robert, it did not mean she wanted another woman to marry him. Robert remained faithful to his queen as a military officer and a patron of the arts and building projects. It is impossible to discuss the Elizabethan Age without mentioning the contributions of Lord Robert Dudley.
I think Stedall has done his research very well. However, this book is a tad too dry for my taste. I was hoping to learn some new swoon-worthy facts about this notorious romance, but Stedall’s book was a bit too analytical for this to happen. It was a struggle for me to read this book as it took me a few weeks to finish it. With a title such as the one he provided, I was hoping for new romantic facts, but it fell flat for me.
Overall, I felt like this was a well-researched biography, but it fell flat on the delivery. I think if you are being introduced to the relationship of Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley, this is a decent introduction, but if you know the story, it might not be the best book to read. If you want to learn more about Robert Dudley and his influence in the Elizabethan court, check out, “Elizabeth I’s Secret Lover: Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester” by Robert Stedall.
June 14, 2020
I've read a lot of Tudor history, and was drawn to this one due to the scandalous title. Stedall's research sadly doesn't live up to the marketing. People have been wondering whether Elizabeth and Leicester's love affair went beyond courtly tradition for over 400 years, and Stedall thinks a few hints from Burleigh to the Spanish envoy are the proof we needed. I didn't find it convincing.
As a straightforward biography, it's fine. Stedall spends a lot of time on Robert's father and brothers during the reigns of Edward VI and Mary Tudor, before Elizabeth came to power. Robert and Elizabeth were young adults and largely sidelined during these events. Later, toward the end of Robert's career, another large section focuses on Robert's time as Elizabeth's representative in the Netherlands - sparring with the Duke of Parma, underfunded and under siege. These two sections mean that huge chunks of the book do not focus at all on Elizabeth and Robert's relationship at all.
The best parts of this book are about Robert's relationships, which reveal his character. His choice of protégés, rivals, and romantic partners, all showed him to be a complex and deeply relatable historical figure of the age.
As a straightforward biography, it's fine. Stedall spends a lot of time on Robert's father and brothers during the reigns of Edward VI and Mary Tudor, before Elizabeth came to power. Robert and Elizabeth were young adults and largely sidelined during these events. Later, toward the end of Robert's career, another large section focuses on Robert's time as Elizabeth's representative in the Netherlands - sparring with the Duke of Parma, underfunded and under siege. These two sections mean that huge chunks of the book do not focus at all on Elizabeth and Robert's relationship at all.
The best parts of this book are about Robert's relationships, which reveal his character. His choice of protégés, rivals, and romantic partners, all showed him to be a complex and deeply relatable historical figure of the age.
May 18, 2020
A colorful and engaging biography!
Robert Dudley was a very enigmatic figure and one that knew how to circulate and navigate the sticky rules of the court. Through his friendship and supposed love affair with Queen Elizabeth I, he rose to greater heights. This was surprising to many, as his family had the taint of traitors, his father having been put into the Tower for treason.
Robert Dudley was more than just a plaything for the queen. He was an intellectual, he was a thinker who would go to any lengths to get where he wanted to be, and what he wanted.
Although part of the book deals with Elizabeth I, the rest deals with Robert himself, and the full life that he lived. Although the taint of murder still lingers over his head, with the death of his wife, there are so many other aspects to Robert.
For a great biography on Robert Dudley, then you need to grab this book! Perfect and full! Robert Stedall has written the ultimate book, which will go down as one of the best books on Dudley in the future.
Robert Dudley was a very enigmatic figure and one that knew how to circulate and navigate the sticky rules of the court. Through his friendship and supposed love affair with Queen Elizabeth I, he rose to greater heights. This was surprising to many, as his family had the taint of traitors, his father having been put into the Tower for treason.
Robert Dudley was more than just a plaything for the queen. He was an intellectual, he was a thinker who would go to any lengths to get where he wanted to be, and what he wanted.
Although part of the book deals with Elizabeth I, the rest deals with Robert himself, and the full life that he lived. Although the taint of murder still lingers over his head, with the death of his wife, there are so many other aspects to Robert.
For a great biography on Robert Dudley, then you need to grab this book! Perfect and full! Robert Stedall has written the ultimate book, which will go down as one of the best books on Dudley in the future.
May 16, 2020
Good insight into Robert Dudley, Earl of Leicester and his relationship with Elizabeth I. Although I dispute the title, it isn't really much of a secret these days. While I understand the need for grouping chapters on specific themes, the book did jump a lot back and forth in time without adding any context and that made for harder and confusing reading at times. If you're only interested in specific topics it is an advantage though as you can dip in and out of the biography as needed. If you have a specific interest in Tudor times, Elizabeth I and Robert Dudley specifically I recommend it, if you just like history in general I would probably skip this one or only read the chapters you find most interesting.
*I received a free copy through Netgalley, but the review is my own opinion*
*I received a free copy through Netgalley, but the review is my own opinion*
May 28, 2020
Although I have read many books about the Tudor period I knew little of Robert Dudley's life. In those books focusing on the reign of Elizabeth I, Dudley is often made out as a playboy, swanning around court, safe in the knowledge he was the Queen's favourite. This book gives a detailed overview of his life including his success as Master of the Horse, his patronage of the arts as well as his life in the military. We will never know if he and Elizabeth I were lovers but Robert Dudley certainly played an important part in her life.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free e-copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 2, 2020
Although I was aware Robert Dudley was a favourite of Elizabeth I and had read about the mystery surrounding his wife Amy Robsart's death I was unaware of much else regarding Dudley.
Stedall gives a detailed overview of his life including his youth which was very intriguing. Through reading this I've learnt about Dudley' s accomplishments as a military man and his patronage of the arts.
I'd previously thought Dudley a somewhat social butterfly of Elizabeth's court I've now learnt how much of an important role he played in advising Elizabeth and providing balance to her other advisors like Cecil.
It also highlights how Elizabeth often used their relationship to demoralise Dudley and use him to her advantage.
The only thing I would have preferred would be if the book were published in chronological order as I did find it a little confusing at times regarding the order of events.
The book is clearly the result of a lot of research produced in a well written manner.
Stedall gives a detailed overview of his life including his youth which was very intriguing. Through reading this I've learnt about Dudley' s accomplishments as a military man and his patronage of the arts.
I'd previously thought Dudley a somewhat social butterfly of Elizabeth's court I've now learnt how much of an important role he played in advising Elizabeth and providing balance to her other advisors like Cecil.
It also highlights how Elizabeth often used their relationship to demoralise Dudley and use him to her advantage.
The only thing I would have preferred would be if the book were published in chronological order as I did find it a little confusing at times regarding the order of events.
The book is clearly the result of a lot of research produced in a well written manner.
July 2, 2022
A readable account of the life of Robert Dudley, his personality and contributions to the reign of Elizabeth I. It is a good review of the era starting with Henry VIII until the death of Dudley. It shows him in a much more positive light than other biographers have.
January 9, 2021
It was good but there was a great deal that could have been left out.
July 29, 2024
finally finished this! honestly it’s not bad, but since it took me so long to finish (long period of not reading) i can’t really pinpoint anything in particular about this
Read
April 7, 2020Customer Review (this review already on Amazon on 3rd April)
Shining a light on a relationship of national importance
A biography of Elizabeth 1st (by Paul Johnson in 1974) quoted the advice given to her by her tutor Roger Ascham that she should look for the Complete Man, and said that in Robert Dudley she had come nearest to finding him. It said that the close, often intimate, permanent friendship that she formed with him, perhaps the most important relationship of her entire life, was also in some ways completely mysterious, and noted the curious absence of a major Dudley biography. Robert Stedall’s well-researched life of Robert Dudley fills this gap, de-mystifying this long friendship and at the same time being a great read. What is particularly pleasing is that the book not only does justice to an amazing person in Robert Dudley, but also to the touching relationship between two of the most extraordinary and important people in the history of our country, from being both at the age of eight held in the Tower to struggling against the odds through to great achievements at the height of their powers.
Shining a light on a relationship of national importance
A biography of Elizabeth 1st (by Paul Johnson in 1974) quoted the advice given to her by her tutor Roger Ascham that she should look for the Complete Man, and said that in Robert Dudley she had come nearest to finding him. It said that the close, often intimate, permanent friendship that she formed with him, perhaps the most important relationship of her entire life, was also in some ways completely mysterious, and noted the curious absence of a major Dudley biography. Robert Stedall’s well-researched life of Robert Dudley fills this gap, de-mystifying this long friendship and at the same time being a great read. What is particularly pleasing is that the book not only does justice to an amazing person in Robert Dudley, but also to the touching relationship between two of the most extraordinary and important people in the history of our country, from being both at the age of eight held in the Tower to struggling against the odds through to great achievements at the height of their powers.
February 27, 2020
The majority of historical novels paint Robert Dudley as a pretty boy who is always scheming to be King of England. Little is said about his court duties and exploits at war. This author documents how necessary Robert Dudley was to balance out the advice Elizabeth I got from so many advisors. Robert stepped on many toes while in this advisory position but Elizabeth always knew she could count on him, even when she disagreed with him. It was disappointing to find that Elizabeth was so changeable and moody . She could not be counted on to finance the many ventures she began yet she always had beautiful clothing, fine jewels and so many court favorites with their hands out. I liked this Robert, Elizabeth I, not so much.
The writing style was a bit confusing. Mary Queen of Scots was dead, then later, she wasn't dead yet. There were places the author took the liberty of expecting you to know how things were going to turn out, thus spoiling the surprise for less knowledgeable readers.
I am so happy that I was provided a copy of this book for my honest opinion. Thank you.
The writing style was a bit confusing. Mary Queen of Scots was dead, then later, she wasn't dead yet. There were places the author took the liberty of expecting you to know how things were going to turn out, thus spoiling the surprise for less knowledgeable readers.
I am so happy that I was provided a copy of this book for my honest opinion. Thank you.
April 21, 2020
I really enjoyed this book. I appreciate how it looks more at Robert Dudley than most books about that time period, which usually focus on Elizabeth 1. Although this book does look quite a bit at her reign (pretty much the whole first half of the book), there is a lot more focus on Robert in the second half of the book. I did think the title was a bit misleading... although they very well may have been lovers, most of the book focuses on politics, what was going on in the world at the time, and Robert's entire life, not just a tryst with the queen.
My only complaint is that I wish the author would stick with one name through the entire book. I understand that titles in that time changed, and you don't want to call someone by a title before they are given that title, but it does make it a bit more confusing to follow (and the names of the period all being the same already makes it hard enough). For example, William Cecil. Most of the first half of the book, he is referred to as Cecil. Once he gets the title Lord Burghley, the author switches to calling him Burghley. It can also add confusion as more than one person could have the title (for instance, it is passed down to a son or the person is disgraced and the title gets presented to someone else). Just call him Cecil through the entire book and then there's no question as to who exactly is being referred to. I'm familiar with the time period so it wasn't a major adjustment for me, but for someone who wasn't familiar with the time period... they need a map of people.
My only complaint is that I wish the author would stick with one name through the entire book. I understand that titles in that time changed, and you don't want to call someone by a title before they are given that title, but it does make it a bit more confusing to follow (and the names of the period all being the same already makes it hard enough). For example, William Cecil. Most of the first half of the book, he is referred to as Cecil. Once he gets the title Lord Burghley, the author switches to calling him Burghley. It can also add confusion as more than one person could have the title (for instance, it is passed down to a son or the person is disgraced and the title gets presented to someone else). Just call him Cecil through the entire book and then there's no question as to who exactly is being referred to. I'm familiar with the time period so it wasn't a major adjustment for me, but for someone who wasn't familiar with the time period... they need a map of people.
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