Elizabeth and Mary : cousins, rivals, queens

This is a joint biography of Elizabeth I and Mary Queen of Scots, their reigns and relationship with each other.

These rival queens, both with a claim to the English throne, embodied opposing characteristics, ideals of womanliness and divinely-ordained kingship, resulting in a relationship that is punctuated by murder and psychological and actual warfare.

Jane Dunn marks the 400th centenary of Elizabeth's death, by chronicling the intrigues of the lives of the rival "sister queens".

Dunn juxtaposes the histories of the two women and the power struggle that continued between them until Elizabeth asserted her authority and, albeit hesitantly, signed Mary's death warrant.