The Letters of Lady Arabella Stuart (annotated ed)

Lady Arbella Stuart, claimant to the English throne, traditionally has been portrayed as either a hero or fool for marrying against King James's edict and attempting to flee from France.

This is Stuart's story as told in the more than 100 letters she wrote to her husband, the royal family, public officials and friends.

Based largely on original manuscripts, this volume reveals a powerful personal and public drama, as Stuart's royal birth and demand for independence placed her in conflict with Queen Elizabeth and King James.

Verbally gifted, Stuart created a fictional lover, manoeuvered within the patronage network, and, after her marriage, applied her considerable rhetorical skills to solicit favour and freedom.

Her own revisions, which are included, offer the reader unusual access to the thinking of a talented Renaissance writer.

The editor of this work has transcribed, ordered, dated, annotated and critically analyzed the letters and drafts.