Ungrateful Daughters: The Stuart Princesses Who Stole Their Father's Crown - Hardcover

Waller, Maureen

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 0340794615 ISBN 13: 9780340794616

Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton, 2002

Synopsis

Acclaimed historian Maureen Waller recreates the late Stuart era, in a compelling narrative that highlights the influence of three women in one of the most momentous events in our history: a palace coup that changed the face of the monarchy and signalled the end of a dynasty.
In 1688, seven prominent men invited William of Orange - James' nephew and son-in-law - to intervene in English affairs. But it was the women, Queen Mary Beatrice and her stepdaughters Mary and Anne, who played a key role in this drama. Jealous and resentful, Anne had written malicious letters to her sister Mary, implying that the Queen's pregnancy was a hoax, a Catholic plot to deny Mary her rightful inheritance...

About this title

Review:

'Richly illuminating study of two strong-willed women who ruled England after conniving in the removal of their father from the throne ... This is history at its most enjoyable and personal, narrated with brio, based on solid research and brought to life with the social detail at which Waller excels' (The Sunday Times 2002-04-28)

'I had never thought of James II in the role of King Lear; in his complete lack of understanding of his kingly role, he had always seemed to me rather the Duke of Windsor of the Stuart dynasty. In this intriguing study Maureen Waller makes no attempt to gloss over his professional and personal failings but she does succeed in evoking some sympathy for him by presenting - rightly in my view - his daughters Mary and Anne as Goneril and Regen. Maureen Waller's interpretation is unusual and fascinating.' (Sarah Bradford, The Spectator 2002-05-16)

'An enthralling family saga ... stimulating and enjoyable' (Antonia Fraser 2002-05-16)

'In this engrossing book, Waller vividly describes the events leading up to that dark night by the sea in 1688. As the title suggests, Waller looks at the Stuart court and the political events of the late 17th century through the eyes of its women. there is nothing new in that. But what is new is her placement of these women and their concerns at the heart of those events.
Waller's voice is appealing, and her opinions as spirited as they are intelligent. Her light style and sense of drama are so compelling that you hardly notice her scholarship. Ungrateful daughters is a wonderful book.' (Lucy Moore, New Statesman 2002-05-16)

'History has never been more popular and reading Maureen Waller's fresh, lively, intelligent and absorbing study of the late Stuart Age one can see why. While impeccably researched, the story has the breadth, humanity and immediacy of a novel. In this entertaining and instructive book the author brings the late l7th century so vividly to life that you imagine you are right in the thick of it.' (Hugh Massingberd, Mail on Sunday 2002-05-16)

Praise for 1700:
'Thoroughly entertaining...a perfect book for dipping into, full of fascinating facts and anecdotes' (Mail on Sunday 2002-05-16)

'Just the sort of book that gives history a good name ... utterly engaging' (Amazon.co.uk 2002-05-16)

'Vastly entertaining .. she dramatises to great effect' (The Times 2002-05-16)

'Waller brings to life the stinking, teeming, intoxicating city that was London at the start of the 18th Century' (Mail on Sunday 2002-05-16)

'Whether talking about servants or sickness, banks or brothels, Maureen Waller has a good eye for out-of-the-way detail ... also a good ear for the telling quotation' (Evening Standard 2002-05-16)

Synopsis:

This work recreates the late Stuart era, in a narrative that highlights the influence of three women in one of the most momentous events in our history: a palace coup that changed the face of the monarchy and signalled the end of a dynasty. In 1688, seven prominent men invited William of Orange - James' nephew and son-in-law - to intervene in English affairs. But it was the women, Queen Mary Beatrice and her stepdaughters Mary and Anne who played a key role in this drama. Jealous and resentful, Anne had written malicious letters to her sister Mary, implying that the Queen's pregnancy was a hoax, a Catholic plot to deny Mary her rightful inheritance.

About this edition

• Publisher: Hodder & Stoughton
• Publication date: 2002
• ISBN 10: 0340794615
• ISBN 13: 9780340794616
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 480