Elizabeth in the garden : a story of love, rivalry and spectacular design / by Trea Martyn
2008, First Edition. London : Faber and Faber. An exceptional copy; fine in an equally fine dw, now mylar-sleeved. Particularly and surprisingly well-preserved; tight, bright, clean and especially sharp-cornered. Literally as new.; 325 pages; Physical desc. : x, 325 p., 8 p. of plates : ill. (some col.) ; 21 cm. Includes bibliographical references. Subjects: Elizabeth I, Queen of England (1533-1603) --Burghley, William Cecil, Baron (1520-1598) --Homes and haunts --British and Irish history: c 500 to c 1000 ; British and Irish history: c 1000 to c 1500 ; Biography and autobiography: historical, political and military --Gardens --England --History --16th century. Summary: Lord Robert Dudley, Queen Elizabeth I's lover, and Sir William Cecil, her chief political adviser, were the most powerful men in the country. As their rivalry intensified, they competed by creating ever more fabulous gardens for their queen. Dudley's aim was to woo her; Cecil's, to stop Dudley in his tracks. Dudley set out an intoxicatingly romantic garden, and threw spectacular outdoor parties for his queen; Cecil countered by building a sumptuous palace with amazing gardens overseen by the most famous gardener in the country, John Gerard. This is the beguiling story of a lifelong duel. For Elizabeth, these gardens were places for love and intrigue, power play and spectacular design. Item #154609
Price: €10.95