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13 of 18 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Mary Queen of Scots, more sinned against than Sinned!!, 31 Jan 2004
What a superb book this was, Alison weir is to be congratulated in the way she investigated all the princile characters that had a vested interest in the removal of Darnley.
What as so freshing about this book was the auther approached the subject from an unbiased veiw, exploring all possabilities and showing just how treacherous the Scottish nobility were, and how they acted out of self interest and gain.The book beautifully illustrated just how dificult it was for Mary , the first actual ruling Queen of Scotland, ( although both Margaret , Maid of Norway and Gruoch were also Queen of Scots, they never ruled soley in person). She was firstly a women, ruling in a male dominated country, Catholic, ruling a newl turned protestant state, and basically a foreigner, ruling an alien land and people, from what she was used to in France. I have read many books on Mary Queen of Scots and this is the first book that really blew away the idea that Mary was resonsible for Darnleys murder, she put the blame where it truly belonged, the protestant lords, on Cecil and Elizabeth who were aware of the plot but said nothing. Alison Weir is to be congratulated in the way she brings Mary to life, creatin the viliot times she lived in and with the treacherous people she mixed with, a kind generous woman, who was betrayed by her nobility, and illegial deposted and imprisioned. Elizabeth stands condemded by her actions, in supporting rebel subjects against their legitimate Queen, Falsely betraying Mary and the majesty of monarchy, illegially imprisioning her, despite promising her aid, and to ultimatly excute Mary for treason, which she was never guilty. Alison Weirs last line in this superb book is most appropriate,
She must with justice, be regarded as one of the most wronged women in history.
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