1st Edition

Monarchy and Matrimony The Courtships of Elizabeth I

By Susan Doran Copyright 1996
    292 Pages
    by Routledge

    292 Pages
    by Routledge

    Monarchy and Matrimony is the first comprehensive study of Elizabeth I's courtships. Susan Doran argues that the cult of the `Virgin Queen' was invented by her ministers, and that Elizabeth was forced into celibacy by political necessity.
    Doran's detailed examination of the different suits is based on extensive archival research across Europe. Rather than focusing on Elizabeth's personality and image, she views the question within a wider political and religious context. She shows how the question of Elizabeth's marriage was divisive for England, affecting both political life and international relations, and provoking popular propaganda in the form of plays, poetry and paintings.

    List of plates, Acknowledgements, List of abbreviations, Notes on sources, 1 INTRODUCTION, 2 EARLY SUITORS, 3 THE DUDLEY COURTSHIP, 4 THE ARCHDUKE CHARLES MATRIMONIAL PROJECT 1563–7, 5 HENRY DUKE OF ANJOU 1570–1, 6 MATRIMONIAL DIPLOMACY: THE ALENÇON MATCH 1572–8, 7 THE WOOING OF FRANCIS DUKE OF ANJOU 1579–81, 8 THE UNDERLYING DEBATE , 9 CONCLUSIONS, Notes, Bibliography, Index

    Biography

    Susan Doran

    `A fascinating new approach to an old question.' - Dr Pauline Croft, Royal Holloway, University of London