618. Elizabeth I: The Shadow of the Tower (Part 3)

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Described as the Tudor number one bestseller, also known as Fox's Book of Martyrs, and called one of the foundational texts of English national identity. Published in 1563, it shaped the Protestant narrative of Mary Tudor's reign and Elizabeth's survival.

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Tom Holland quotes from Lucy Wooding's 'wonderful introduction to Tudor England,' calling it 'the best single volume on Tudor England that there is,' citing her observation that Mary believed she was ruling an essentially Catholic country.

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Referenced for her observation that the Wyatt conspiracy plotters were all well-connected and had contacts within Elizabeth's household.

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Described as a 'brilliant book' on William Cecil, cited for the account of Cecil's secret meeting with Elizabeth at Somerset House, calling Cecil 'the cleverest young man in Tudor politics.'