I'm fascinated by Elizabeth's relationship with Robert Dudley and this is the best book I have found that talks about it. Solid scholarship and using a knowledge of the human condition to inform her suppositions, this is the book to read if the relationship fascinates you as well. ( )

a little boring sometimes ( )

This is a delightful love story which doesn't necessarily follow the traditional requirements for a Romeo-and-Juliet type of romance, however this one lasted for at least 30 years and beyond the grave and was certainly a formidable partnership. The book deals with much more than the first 18 months of Elizabeth's reign which are usually cited as the duration of Elizabeth and Robert Dudley"s "affair" and you get a real sense of the depth of their connection. Very touching, very moving and very readable ( )

A good look at the Elizabeth and Robert Dudley relationship. Gristwood does a good job of tracing the relationship through its various phases, even though the evidence is thin for their early years. Nevertheless, Gristwood takes the reader through the ups and downs, scandals and pitfalls, of Elizabeth and Dudley's relationship, giving a real sense of each of their personalities and shortcomings. A good read for those interested in Elizabethan history. ( )

Scholarly, interesting but ultimately exhausting. More detail than even this Tudor fan could take. ( )