The Favourite by Mathew Lyons
I have just published my interview with Mathew Lyons, author of The Favourite, ‘The true story behind one of the great love affairs in British history: Sir Walter Ralegh and Queen Elizabeth I.’
Book Description
When the adventurer Walter Ralegh first encountered Elizabeth I he supposedly placed his cloak over a puddle and allowed the queen to walk across it. Thus began one of the most intriguing relationships between a monarch and her favourite.
The Favourite explores the labyrinthine complexity of human emotion, ambition and ritual within the restricted confines of the Tudor court. Was the favourite a Machiavellian schemer who fooled the queen in her affections? Was Elizabeth willing to manipulate her courtier for her own ends? The Queen’s affection for Ralegh would protect him but he would soon become the ‘most hated man in England’.
In The Favourite, Mathew Lyons reveals a new portrait of an immortal relationship and a fascinating exploration of the many layers of love between Gloriana and Ralegh – courtier, chancer and privateer.
I think the book sounds fascinating and I really enjoyed reading Mathew’s detailed and interesting responses to my interview questions. The paperback will be released on 21 June and includes a new afterword.
Read the full interview here.
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