Lotz, Nancy. Mary Queen of Scots. Morgan Reynolds, 2007. 160p 1-59935-040-8 $32.00
In Morgan Reynolds' European Queens series, authors Nancy Lotz and Carlene Phillips outline the sad life of Mary, Queen of Scots. Born amid the tempestuous religious conflict raging across Europe in the mid-16th century, Mary was the only daughter Of James V of Scotland and Marie de Guise, and their only surviving child. Upon James' death, Mary at nine months of age, Mary was crowned Queen of the Scots. She inherited a kingdom torn apart by English rule, clan wars, religious conflict and the battles fought for Scottish independence.
The Scots' Queen was determined to restore and impose Catholicism to Scotland, which had been outlawed under the rule of Henry VIII of England. Indeed, most of the conflict that surrounded Mary's life, especially the misgivings she had with her cousin, Elizabeth I, would point directly back to the tension felt between Catholics and Protestants and the struggle to see one throne in power. Elizabeth had Mary put to death after 15 years of captivity in various castles around England, after hearing of Mary's involvement in a plot to kill Elizabeth. Brave to the last, Mary was beheaded at Fotheringhay Castle in February, 1587, taking with her the plots and rebellions against the Protestant English Queen.
This is an excellent resource for anyone wanting to know more about Mary, Queen of Scots or about the English monarchy in general. Very well illustrated with portraits and paintings, a timeline and family trees of Mary's both French and English roots, and a list of principal figures in Mary's life. Includes chapter notes, a glossary, a bibliography, booklist, website recommendations, and an index.
