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NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER - A stunning portrait of Margaret Douglas, niece of Henry VIII, who used her sharp intelligence and covert power to influence the succession after the death of Elizabeth I, from the renowned author hailed as "the finest historian of English monarchical succession writing" (The Boston Globe)

"A substantial, detailed biography of a fascinating woman who lived her extraordinary life to the full . . . will appeal to anyone with an interest in powerful women of the Tudor period."--Philippa Gregory, The Washington Post

ONE OF THE INDEPENDENT'S BEST BOOKS OF THE YEAR

Royal Tudor blood ran in her veins. The life of Lady Margaret Douglas, Countess of Lennox, was steeped in intrigue, drama, and tragedy--from her auspicious birth in 1515 to her parents' bitter divorce, from her dangerous love affairs to her appointment as lady-in-waiting to four of Henry VIII's six wives. In an age when women were expected to stay out of the political arena, Margaret helped orchestrate one of the most notorious marriages of the sixteenth century, defiantly warred with two queens--Elizabeth of England and Mary, Queen of Scots--and was instrumental in securing the Stuart ascension to the English throne for her grandson, James VI of Scotland.

Drawing on decades of research and myriad original sources--including many of Margaret's surviving letters--Alison Weir brings this captivating character out of the shadows and presents a strong, alluring woman who fearlessly operated at the very highest levels of power.