586. Mary, Queen of Scots: The Battle for Scotland (Part 3)

Context:

Tom Holland read a passage from Knox's account of his first meeting with Mary Queen of Scots. Dominic noted that historian Alec Ryrie describes this book as 'gossipy, cantankerous, and enthralling.'

Context:

Described as a 'very negative book about Mary Queen of Scots,' Wormald argues Mary was 'a ruler whose life was marked by irresponsibility and failure on a scale unparalleled in her own day.' Referenced extensively throughout the episode for her critical interpretation of Mary's political choices.

Context:

John Guy's biography is quoted as saying 'not everybody wanted joyosity' regarding reactions to Mary's court, and later that Darnley's 'character was tainted by recklessness, sexual excess, pride and stupidity.'

Context:

Antonia Fraser's 'very famous biography' is cited for character sketches of figures like the Earl of Morton and for describing how Mary 'fell violently, recklessly, and totally in love' with Darnley.