Mary Tudor

Judith M. Richards was previously senior lecturer in History at La Trobe University, and is now a research associate. She has published a number of studies of topics in early modern history, and has more recently focussed on English and British monarchy from 1553- 1642.

• Acknowledgements. List of Plates. Genealogical Charts. A Note on Spelling. Abbreviations. Introduction: The Reputation of Mary Tudor 1. Establishing the Tudor Regime 2. The Early Years of Mary Tudor 3. The Education of a Princess: Learning Life and Politics 4. The Restoration of Lady Mary 5. Mary in the Reign of Edward VI, 1547–1553 6. Edward and Mary: The Final Struggles 7. Establishing England’s First Female Monarch 8. Problems for a Marrying Queen Regnant 9. The Prosperous Year of Philip and Mary, July 1554–August 1555? 10. Religious Trials and Other Tribulations 11. The Road to War and the Loss of Calais 12. The End of the Regime of Mary Tudor. End Notes. Further Reading

‘Richards gently but firmly pulls apart the traditional prejudices to reveal a far more dynamic, intelligent and successful political operator than anyone had imagined. …This biography is very readable and will prove extremely useful.’ – History Review‘It does an able job of defending Mary against the charge of a being humourless, hysterical and catastrophic ruler … Dr Richards is especially good in producing a well-rounded portrait of the Queen’s own nature and of her overall life … Another of the book’s strengths is its sensitivity to the difference between the nature of things and perceptions of them … it is a good example of the art of biography, making a genuine contribution to our understanding of the woman and the Queen, and always an easy and entertaining read.’ – BBC History Magazine"Judith Richards has written a smart, intelligent biography of Mary I that is suitable for assigning to undergraduates but is also a salutary reminder to all of us how distorted preconceived notions can be." - Sixteenth Century Journal