Elizabeth and Mary by Jane Dunn (2004, Hardcover)

The paperback book sold to me on eBay was in perfect condition, untouched. It has excellent illustrations, some in vivid color. It is an an absorbing account of how Mary, Queen of Scots and Elizabeth I.

The author designed the book convey to the reader a sense of the way in which these two sixteenth century queens were tied by politics and "destiny" until one of them, Mary, was destroyed, by her own manichinations, and the pressure on Elizabeth to execute Mary, for "reasons of state." It is well written, accurate, and enjoyable, as well as a departure from the standard fare on these two historical figures.