Description
Book SynopsisThe dazzling new biography of one of history''s most misunderstood queensElizabeth Stuart is one the most misrepresented - and underestimated - figures of the seventeenth century. Labelled a spendthrift more interested in the theatre and her pet monkeys than politics or her children, and long pitied as ''The Winter Queen'', the direct ancestor of Elizabeth II was widely misunderstood. Nadine Akkerman''s biography reveals an altogether different woman, painting a vivid picture of a queen forged in the white heat of European conflict.Elizabeth Stuart, daughter of James VI and I, was married to Frederick V, Elector Palatine in 1613. The couple were crowned King and Queen of Bohemia in 1619, only to be deposed and exiled to the Dutch Republic in 1620. Elizabeth then found herself at the epicentre of the Thirty Years'' War and the Civil Wars, political and military struggles that defined seventeenth-century Europe. Following her husband''s death in 1632, Elizabeth fostered a cult of widowho
Trade Reviewthis new biography surpasses all earlier studies of Elizabeth Stuart * Thomas Pert, The Seventeenth Century *
An extraordinary biography of a much-maligned and much-forgotten queen... Akkerman knows her archive as few have ever done, and demonstrates how to resurrect an early modern woman. * Suzannah Lipscomb, Books of the Year 2021, BBC History Magazine *
As a political biography, and as a sensitive exploration of the position of a royal woman, Nadine Akkermans book is excellent. * Jean Wilson, Times Literary Supplement *
[A] masterful transformative biography * Noel Malcolm, The Daily Telegraph *
Akkerman situates astonishingly comprehensive research against an even more complicated background, rooting her account in diplomatic reports, Elizabeth's own correspondence and numerous illustrations... [Her] erudite, pacey narration of the frustrations, downturns and highlights of Elizabeth's life make for compelling reading. I was gripped. * Anna Groundwater, Literary Review *
[A] masterful transformative biography * 5 Star Review, Noel Malcolm, Daily Telegraph *
After all the macho chevaliers who served her in life, this Elizabeth has found a superb and sisterly champion in death. * Kate Maltby, The Spectator *
Akkermans sensitivity to literary and cultural symbolism deeply enriches this biography ... After all the macho chevaliers who served her in life, this Elizabeth has found a superb and sisterly champion in death. * Kate Maltby, The Spectator *
This excellent book sheds light on a part of Scottish history – and European history – that is too little known. It is also a reclamation of a figure of genuine significance and strength. * Stuart Kelly, The Scotsman *
[Akkerman's book] comprises both personal and political history in which, seamlessly, Elizabeth's reported giggles at her wedding to Frederick of the Palatinate and her dislike of purgatives keep company with – and are as well handled as – Count Mansfeld's military advances on Breda. * Steven Veerapen, Aspects of History *
A goldmine for the Stuart enthusiast who wants to know everything about the fascinating and often misleadingly depicted Elizabeth Stuart, British princess and titular queen of Bohemia, and the times she lived in. * Eva Bonde, Historiskan *
This is a scholarly and fascinating account of both an extraordinary woman and of the time in which she lived. Using original source materials, much of which has not been seen before, Dr Akkerman is particularly skilled at showing how easily women can be misrepresented or erased from history. * Kate Mosse *
In Queen of Hearts, Nadine Akkerman combines matchless archival expertise with a story-teller's instinct to give new life to one of the seventeenth century's most misunderstood women. A gripping tale. * Natalie Zemon Davis *
This is an important scholarly biography, of interest to those who work on British and European political, cultural, and religious history; court culture; and women's history; plus, it is readily accessible to anyone who enjoys a good, historical read. * Georgianna Ziegler, Folger Shakespeare Library (Emerita), Early Modern Women *
Table of ContentsIntroduction: A Winter Queen? Prologue Part I: 1596-1612 1: A Family Reunion 2: Periwigs and Powder Plots 3: Protestant Unions 4: The Marriage of Thames and Rhine Part II: 1613-1620 5: Heidelberg - The Eye of the Storm 6: In the Service of the Electress 7: Queen of Bohemia 8: Troubles in Prague Escalate Part III: 1621-1632 9: A Republican Queen 10: Military Manoeuvres 11: Unseverable Ties with Austria and Spain 12: 'I can send you nothing but deaths' 13: An 'Evil State' 14: Losing Champions Part IV: 1632-1642 15: A Widow's Weeds 16: Unlikely Bedfellows 17: The Archbishop Strikes Back Part V: 1642-1662 18: Obeisance to His Majesty and Love to the Parliament 19: Undesirable Matches, Unfortunate Endings 20: Three Widows Epilogue: Turn Out the Lights
