LORD BOTHWELL AND MARY QUEEN OF SCOTS

by Robert Gore-Browns ‧ RELEASE DATE: June 25, 1937

Not a biography likely to get wide popular sale. It has the almost certain glamour the name of Mary, Queen of Scots, invokes. But in handling, it is the thesis sort of biography, the author is determined to prove Mary's lack of complicity in the murder of her husband -- and Bothwell's loyalty but gradual growth of overweening ambition, and desire to shield himself from the results of his own involvement. He succeeds on both scores -- he produces circumstantial evidence, a fresh interpretation of the much discussed Casket Letters, and proves, conclusively, that they were written by Bothwell's Norwegian mistress. His devious emotional route contrasts sharply with his devotion to the cause of his Queen. The biographer traces in detail the complexity of political and religious moves that caused Mary's downfall. He follows Bothwell's personal life and his close connection with every facet of the court, now in, now out, of favor, and gives him reality while destroying his heroic stature. Not inspiring reading -- too closely documented for easy reading -- but interesting as a new facet on the old story.

Pub Date: June 25, 1937

ISBN: N/A

Page Count: -

Publisher: Doubleday, Doran

Review Posted Online: N/A

Kirkus Reviews Issue: June 1, 1937

Categories: NONFICTION